HTS Security Measures: Stability for Christians or threat to freedoms?

DARAMSUQ — With Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) solidifying its role as a major force in Syria, it has introduced new security mechanisms promising stability. However, in Christian neighborhoods, there are mixed feelings ranging from cautious approval to increasing concern, as HTS’s promises often are not aligned with reality. Below is a report from a SyriacPress correspondent:

Contradictions between Security Promises and Reality

HTS asserts that its security policies are inclusive of all Syrian communities, including Christians. “Our goal is to protect all communities and ensure their safety without discrimination,” stated Abu Khaled, a leading security official. However, recent incidents reveal inconsistencies between these assurances and the situation on the ground. For example, in Qasaa, two armed men recently entered the neighborhood, causing panic by urging Christian girls to convert to Islam and wear the hijab. HTS’s delayed response to the incident heightened insecurity among resident Christians, who subsequently protested, even declaring their readiness to protect their areas themselves.

Distorted Security in Bab Touma and Keshkol

In Bab Touma, a historic Christian quarter in Daramsuq (Damascus), armed bearded men attacked Christian youths patrolling the area to prevent theft. “We wouldn’t need these patrols if real security was in place here,” said Sami Naoum, a resident of Bab Touma. “Unfortunately, rather than supporting us, we were assaulted.” A similar scene unfolded in Keshkol, where Christian and Druze youths attempting to safeguard their neighborhoods faced attacks from HTS affiliates. “We are doing our best to protect ourselves but end up being assaulted by those who are supposed to protect us,” said a Keshkol resident.

For the article in Arabic see here

Cultural Imposition: Leaflets and Posters

The issues extend beyond security incidents to attempts at altering the identity of Christian neighborhoods. In areas such as Qasaa and Bab Sharqi, leaflets urging women to wear “Islamic attire,” including the niqab, have fueled widespread discontent within the Christian community. A teacher in Bab Sharqi, Hala Youssef, expressed her frustration: “We feel our presence is being targeted. After living in peace, we now find ourselves having to defend our freedoms.”

Demands from the Christian Community

For HTS to gain the trust of the Christian community, significant measures need to be taken. Legal expert Kamel Baghdadi emphasizes that HTS must engage in genuine dialogue with all communities, ensuring their representation in security decision-making processes and providing tangible guarantees against discrimination. “True security isn’t merely about enforcing laws but ensuring everyone’s freedom and respecting diversity,” he said.

HTS’s Challenge: Gaining Trust or Deepening Divisions?

HTS faces a critical test in balancing the imposition of security with respecting the rights of all Syrian peoples. Its success hinges on replacing broad assurances with concrete actions that recognize and respect the uniqueness of communities, particularly the Christian community, which now feels that both their existence and identity are at risk.