Washington DC: The Middle Eastern political landscape is experiencing significant realignments as Donald Trump’s upcoming presidential inauguration approaches, with tensions escalating between Palestinian factions and regional powers jockeying for influence. In a striking development, the Palestinian National Liberation Movement (Fatah) has launched a blistering critique of Hamas, accusing its rival of aligning with Iran while […]
Tag: Syria
Washington, D.C. – In a recent opinion piece published by Deseret News, Knox Thames, a former special envoy focused on religious minorities in the Middle East and South/Central Asia, argues for the importance of combining robust religious freedom diplomacy with an open and accessible refugee resettlement program. Thames highlights the precarious situation of religious and […]
In a groundbreaking diplomatic mission, German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock, accompanied by her French counterpart, engaged in high-level talks with Syria’s de facto leader. This visit, the first of its kind by European Union foreign ministers since the onset of Syria’s civil war, highlights the EU’s evolving approach to addressing the country’s long-standing political and […]
Damascus, Syria – In a landmark visit, German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock and French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot met with Ahmed al-Sharaa, the de facto leader of Syria, marking the first visit by European ministers since rebels seized control of Damascus on December 8, 2024. The ministers emphasized the crucial need for inclusion of all […]
Budapest – Hungary has increased its support for Syrian Christians facing ongoing challenges in their homeland, while simultaneously condemning the global rise of Christian persecution. In a statement released ahead of the New Year, Tristan Azbej, Hungary’s State Secretary for Assisting Persecuted Christians, highlighted the ongoing plight of Christians worldwide. “Nearly no Christmas passes without […]
Hungary’s commitment to aiding persecuted Christians in the Middle East was reaffirmed during a solidarity visit to Beirut by Tristan Azbej, Hungary’s State Secretary for the Aid of Persecuted Christians and head of the Hungary Helps program. Azbej announced the delivery of 3.5 tonnes of humanitarian aid during a meeting with Maronite Patriarch Bechara Boutros […]
The recent and rapid overthrow of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has created a power vacuum in the region, prompting a swift response from the United States. President Joe Biden authorized airstrikes against strategic targets to prevent ISIS from exploiting the instability. While this action is deemed necessary, the Deseret News Editorial Board argues that ensuring […]
Syrian Christians Attend First Mass Since Assad’s Ouster, Express Hope for Future LATAKIA, SYRIA – Dec. 17 – In the northwestern port town of Latakia, Christian worshippers gathered at St. George Greek Orthodox Cathedral on Sunday, attending their first Mass since the dramatic overthrow of President Bashar al-Assad a week prior. A sense of cautious […]
Heavily damaged Christian church in Zabadani, Syria. (Photo: Mass Media/Shutterstock) “The bishops of the European Union are closely monitoring developments in Syria and express their hope for an orderly and peaceful transition of power. COMECE urges the new regime to reject sectarianism and extremism while embracing the contributions and unique identities of the many ethnic […]
By Madalaine Elhabbal for CNA The historic city of Aleppo, Syria. / Credits: STEPANOV ILYA/Shutterstock Washington, D.C. Newsroom, Dec 10, 2024 / 17:50 pm (CNA). Catholic Church leaders in the U.S., Rome, and the Middle East have expressed cautious “hope” that the new regime in Syria will respect Christian communities after a lightning offensive this […]