The latest developments in the Middle East show that targeted political and diplomatic pressure can have an impact. The increasing pressure by Israel and the United States on Hamas and various Arab states has evidently contributed to the return of hostages held by Hamas. As a result, the peace process once envisioned by Donald Trump—often dismissed as unrealistic—seems to have overcome its first decisive hurdle. A cautious glimmer of hope in a region long marked by violence, mistrust, and geopolitical tension.
Yet, while there are tentative signs of progress in the Israeli-Palestinian context, the situation in Syria is deteriorating—especially for various population groups such as the Christian Syriacs, Alawites, and Druze. In recent months, a dangerous trend has emerged: state-tolerated or even state-supported terror against these communities is increasing. Expropriations, threats, targeted intimidation, and the systematic destruction of economic livelihoods are endangering not only their existence but also Syria’s internal peace.
A series of recent incidents demonstrates how grave the situation has become:
- Attack on the Church of Mor Elias in Damascus – A deliberate assault on one of the central churches of the Christian community, resulting in several deaths and injuries and causing great consternation.
- Murder of the Christian jeweler George Yeshu in Homs – A targeted crime that was perceived as a warning to the local Christian population and reignited fears of further attacks. George Yeshu had refused to pay the Islamic jizia tax.
- Arson attacks and murders in Wadi al-Nasara – A series of assaults on Christian villages and homes, where people were killed and entire areas set ablaze. The result: grief, anger, and a region-wide protest strike.
- Massacres of Alawites and Druze – Brutal attacks occurred in various parts of Syria, where homes were looted and families killed—another sign of the escalating sectarian violence.
- Murder of two Christian cousins, Wissam George Mansour and Shafiq Rafiq Mansour – A particularly tragic case highlighting the targeted persecution and personal suffering currently faced by members of these population groups.
- Abduction of Alawite students in Latakia directly from schools – A shocking event for many families and a clear indication of the collapse of basic security structures.
These incidents are not isolated events but part of a growing pattern of violence and state tolerance toward assaults on certain population groups. They underscore how deeply ideological forces threaten to divide the country once again—and how dangerous the situation becomes when governments and international partners remain silent.
According to current findings, around 13 billion US dollars in international funds and investment commitments are flowing into Syria—money that is officially intended for reconstruction and economic stabilization. This sum represents an enormous lever that can—and must—be used to remind the Syrian state of its fundamental duties: the protection of all citizens, regardless of religion, origin, or political stance.
The United States, the European Union, and other international partners should tie these funds to clear conditions: respect for human rights, protection of all population groups, and effective measures against terror structures operating in the shadow of state institutions.
Those who genuinely seek peace in the Middle East cannot ignore Syria. A lasting peace in Israel can only endure if there is also justice and stability in Syria. Peace in Israel requires peace in Syria—with self-confident, free population groups who can participate in shaping their country’s future without living in fear.
The past months have offered a foretaste of what happens when an ideological government is supported without questioning its treatment of its own people. Now is the time to show strength in Syria as well—not with weapons, but with political and moral clarity. Only in this way can further bloodshed and ongoing oppression be prevented.