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The discussion centers on what the speakers describe as a systematic massacre of Christians in Syria, along with violence against other minority communities. They claim churches and monasteries have been targeted, with Christian villages and others like Alawite villages set on fire and attacked, and note fires seen from miles away. They argue the Syrian government is not stopping the violence and is instead embracing the new leadership described as an ISIS terrorist, citing a photo of the leader at the United Nations with a “clean kept beard and hair gel.” They assert Christians are protesting in the streets, saying they are “soldiers of Christ,” while saying Christians are “sitting targets” without help.
Professor Joshua Landis, of Syria Comment and the Center for Middle East Studies at the University of Oklahoma, explains the shift in Syria’s power dynamics. He recounts that in 2011, the Nusra Front emerged as a Syrian branch of Al Qaeda, formed with US support to the opposition against Assad. He notes that in December, nine months prior, the head of Al Qaeda reportedly swept into Damascus, took over, and “became president,” with the United States lifting sanctions and embracing him to sign a peace agreement with Israel. Landis emphasizes the minorities in Syria—Alawites (about 12%), Druze (3%), Kurds in the north—are terrified as a “Sunni supremacist” and fundamentalist regime takes power and treats minorities with disdain. He cites massacres against minorities: 17,000 Alawites killed in March, nearly 2,000 Druze killed in July, and ongoing violence. He also highlights Christian persecution, mentioning the Mar Elias church bombing in June that killed 30 parishioners and wounded over 50; the church was burned, and he notes conflicting claims about the bomber’s affiliations. He adds that Washington has lifted sanctions and encouraged the new president, while not compelling moves toward democracy or decentralization to protect minorities.
The hosts question why Western media and governments remain largely silent, noting a lack of coverage by Trump or major outlets, and remark that the situation parallels civil wars in Iraq and Lebanon where minorities suffered as states collapsed. Landis argues that after the overthrow of regimes like Saddam Hussein’s, Christians in Iraq were reduced from about 3% to nearly none, due to civil strife and the rise of extremist movements, with Christians often facing persecution and forced jizya.
The conversation turns to broader regional stakes, including concern that Kurdish allies, who helped defeat ISIS, may be abandoned as US troops draw down, leaving Kurdish populations vulnerable. The host urges viewers to share the segment with government representatives to demand attention to the plight of Christians in the Middle East. The discussion closes with Landis reaffirming the gravity of the situation and the absence of strong Western political will to intervene.