Christians across Syria marked the historic Sunday with prayers and tears as they celebrated the country’s transformation after the ouster of Bashar Assad. Many worshipers expressed hope for a brighter future, with one saying, “Today, our prayers are for a new page in Syria’s future.”
The ousting Assad by a rebel coalition A debate has begun for the reconstruction of the war-torn country. However, Syria faces economic challenges exacerbated by longstanding Western sanctions.
UN envoy Geir Pedersen called for an end to these sanctions, stressing the need for urgent international assistance to rebuild Syria.
Years of conflict have left parts of Syria’s major cities in ruins, with reconstruction efforts hampered by sanctions that restrict rebuilding to areas under government control. Pedersen emphasized the importance of a political process inclusive of all Syrians to guide the nation’s recovery.
The new transitional government has not made a clear plan for good governance. (AP Photo)
The new transitional government, led by the former opposition group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), has not outlined a clear plan for good governance. The US is considering removing HTS’s terrorist designation while facilitating international engagement with the interim government.
International leaders were seen discussing Syria’s future regime at an emergency meeting in Jordan over the weekend. They called for the protection of minority and women’s rights, for humanitarian aid to reach those in need, and for the destruction of remaining chemical weapons.
Sunday also marked the reopening of schools in Damascus, a step towards normalcy after a rapid change in leadership. The teachers raised the revolutionary flag. Many Syrian Christians, who either fled for fear of Islamist rebels or supported Assad, returned to churches for the first time in years.
(with input from AP)
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