Syria (MNN) — Amidst reports of ethnic minority targeting, Kurdish calls for government decentralization, and hope for the country’s rebuilding, Syria remains a paradox. Syrians working to renovate their homes in the midst of continued uncertainty are dealing with US sanctions that both uphold their efforts and undermine them.
Implemented in 2019, the Caesar Syria Civilian Protection Act restricts finances, goods, and services from the US to Syria. The sanctions are intended to pressure Syrian leaders into protecting minorities such as the Alawites, which have already been targeted by the new Syrian government. Because these leaders have deep ties to terrorists, the sanctions have remained in place since former president Assad’s ousting in December 2024. Samuel with Redemptive Stories says this is in the best interest of the Syrian people.
“I think a lot of governments are wise to try to leave things in place, particularly these sanctions as it relates to financial movement and purchasing of infrastructure things that are needed until they are sure that this government does not make sweeping changes to things like the constitution.”
Yet, Syrians trying to rebuild their homes are also feeling the effects of restrictions, as they face scarcity of resources and equipment. According to a report from the Christian Science Monitor, “It is estimated that 2,500 people have returned to Darayya, but the vast majority of Syrian returnees survey the damage they find, decide that they cannot rebuild yet, and return to their temporary refuges in Idlib or neighboring Jordan and Lebanon.”
Samuel says Western governments are aware of the issues but hope nearby countries will provide a boost for Syria’s economy.
“I think one of the reasons why these countries are also leaving the sanctions is they want to engage other countries in the region to fill the gap that historically would have been done by Western powers,” he says.
The uncertainty of Western governments regarding Syria’s future is matched by the country’s Christian community.
“They know that in the midst of this situation, God is working, and He’s doing amazing things. At the same time, they do have deep concerns about what the future holds,” Samuel says.
There was jubilation among believers when Assad’s oppressive regime was overturned in December 2024. But since then, minorities have been targeted, most aggressively in a March attack that left 1300 Syrians dead.
“After the massacre that just recently happened, there is fear again, and there is trepidation as they look to the future,” Samuel says.
Mercifully, our God of order steps into chaos. Samuel asks for continued supplication to Him on behalf of Syrians and their country. Please pray for peace in the midst of fear, strength in the midst of hopelessness, and boldness in the midst of chaos.
“We need to keep praying that God will continue to work out His good purpose for Syria, for Syrians, for those that have come to faith: May they grow and prosper in this new space.
Pray also that Syrians who have come to know Christ outside their home country will be able to reestablish themselves in Syria as infrastructure there is rebuilt.
Destruction in Syria. Images in this article courtesy of Unsplash.
