Broken Syria: Collapse, Chaos and Christians

Seismic. That’s the term that comes to mind when we consider the shocking collapse of Syria’s government in December 2024. Few if any talking heads forecasted such a stunning turn of events. The chattering class set about dissecting the fallout in terms of regional security, economics and immigration. But there is another group that needs to lean in and consider the ramifications of a broken Syria; namely, Christians.

Christians around the globe need to realize that there are sizable Christian populations inside Syria. These Christians have called this area home since biblical times. They are ancient. And they are now – once again – vulnerable. The Christians of Syria are part of our spiritual family. And just as if you had flesh-and-blood relatives stuck in a smoking crater, we must realize we have relatives in harm’s way.

If you want to better understand the plight faced by Syria’s Christians today, you can listen to this brief summary of their situation.

Their situation is serious. It is also fluid. The circumstances on the ground can shapeshift quickly for the Nasara – or the Nazarenes (that is, Christians) – as they are dismissively referred to by Islamists. Nevertheless, a quick look at some recent patterns will help us appreciate broadly what is playing out.  

Syrian Smoke and Mirrors

First, the new “authorities” at the helm in Syria are working double time to convince the world they are responsible leaders. “Trust us,” they insist. “We are not like other Islamist movements that have caused so many problems. We’re good guys. Just give us time to solidify our rule and all will be well.”

Many in the international community desperately want to believe these overtures. Exhausted, they simply want Syria to stop being a socio-political dumpster fire. Western leaders willingly suspend reality in the desperate hope that maybe – maybe – we can work through these guys and forge a viable partnership.

But reality will be a wrecking ball. Syria’s new “rulers” hail from the ranks of HTS – or Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham. HTS is a recognized terrorist group and former al-Qaeda affiliate. They subscribe to strict jihadist ideology and are heavily backed by Turkey. When their forebears overran Christian villages in years past, those villages were ransacked. Businesses wrecked. Homes looted. Churches destroyed.

But give them credit – they are doing their best to hide their intentions now. When some HTS fighters threatened churches or insisted Christmas displays be removed, high-ranking leaders issued calls to the contrary. “Back off the Christians and leave them alone (at least for now) See? We’re good guys!”

When triumphant HTS militants proudly waved the Islamist flag and proclaimed it Syria’s new state flag, commanders quickly jumped in and hid the offending article.

When HTS military vehicles drove through Syria’s cities brandishing painted slogans threatening the Christians, commanders quietly stopped them and had them removed. (“Not just yet . . .” )     

Christian Quarters in the Crosshairs

Mixed messages are understandably confusing the international community. Are the new rulers good guys or ghouls? The terrorist organization’s senior leaders assure them they are good faith partners. Meanwhile, the HTS grassroots – many of whom are foreign fighters alien to Syria - are snarling at religious minorities and carrying out intimidation campaigns.

Take for example the threatening tactics deployed against historic Christian quarters in Syria’s major cities. In Damascus, Islamists paraded on horseback through the capital city’s Christian quarter, complete with Islamist signs signaling Muslim conquest.

Islamists also drove vehicles through the Christian districts with ominous decorations. Islamist songs were blasted over speakers throughout the streets, seeking to intimidate Christians, or even invite confrontation. Push a people to the brink and when they finally react, use that as the pretext you need to truly wreck shop.  

Leveling the Valley of the Christians

The threats are not just directed against Christian districts in the cities. They are also being wielded against an entire region known as the Valley of the Christians. This area is home to many who follow Christ, and has frequently been a safe harbor for Christians when wars erupted elsewhere.

Syria’s new rulers are applying pressure to this safe harbor, to bring them to heel as well. Their aims are comprehensive.

The Rise of Syriastan

The Islamists controlling Syria today – who remain on designated terror watch lists – really want the watching world to believe they’re not wolves. But while they continue to consolidate power, the truth is they are laboring to drag Syria down into a new dark age. Syria, an ancient land of Christendom, risks a full collapse into a new Afghanistan.

Syriastan would be subjugated and subjected to strict Sharia law. Christians will not be exempt from these pressures. Even now, their women and girls (part of our spiritual family) are receiving “suggestions” that they change their attire and habits. If the current trajectory goes unchecked, the future of Syria is shrouded in darkness.

All Quiet on the Leadership Front

Could all of this be true, you might ask. Maybe not? For if it was, you would presumably hear the Christian leaders inside Syria screaming from the rafters. And it doesn’t appear that is happening. So is this assessment off?

We don’t think so. The Christian leaders of Syria are in a pickle. They are shepherds now surrounded by wolves. The shepherds are striving to protect their flocks. Photos of Christian leaders gathering with the country’s new “rulers” exhibit all the warmth of a hostage video. We suspect the Christian leaders of Syria are under duress.

We wish to help them and their congregations however we can. And we also are open to their correction should we err in some way in our assessment. But these are Christians we believe to be in trouble.

Championing the Christians of Syria   

Can anything be done? Is the plight of Syria’s Christians already set in stone? By no means.

Together, let’s champion the Christians of Syria. Let’s be intentional in our prayers for them. Write them down on your calendar. List them on your church programs. Pray for the welfare of their families and their churches. Pray also that they would be deeply pressed into Christ, and that through the Holy Spirit, they would be able to share the Gospel with others who need hope. Pray that God would save many through this dark chapter.

And champion the Christians of Syria with your voices. Speak up on their behalf. Write letters to legislators and other influential bodies expressing your concern. Take a 30 second video with you, your friends or your entire church – simply giving voice to your love for the Christians of Syria. Tag us or alert us to such videos when you put them on Twitter/X or Facebook. We will gladly do all we can to amplify those videos to ensure they reach the eyes and hearts of many in Syria.

Syria may indeed be broken. But we serve a God who redeems the broken and tramples darkness.

“But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.” 1 Peter 2:9