A Christmas market has opened in Damascus, marking a moment of hope and unity just days after the ouster of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s regime, as residents gather to celebrate amidst ongoing uncertainty.
Damascus hosted its first Christmas market on Thursday (December 19), just ten days after the fall of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's regime, bringing hope and unity to a city reshaped by political change.
The market attracted visitors who strolled among festive decorations, sharing moments of joy amid ongoing uncertainty. "Life does not stop for anyone. Syria is a country for all sects and religions," said Yazan al-Sahour, a visitor, expressing hope for a united Syria.
Organiser Khalil Sarji described the event’s deeper meaning: “We are not talking about Jesus’ birth only but about a country's birth, hope, and joy re-birth."
On December 8, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), a Sunni Islamist group, seized control of Damascus, pledging safety for all Syrians. However, fears of persecution persist, with many fleeing the country despite assurances from the new rulers.
International diplomats recently met in Jordan to stress the importance of minority rights under Syria's new leadership. For many in Damascus, the Christmas market offered a rare opportunity to look forward with optimism.
A vessel carrying 6,600 tonnes of wheat has docked at Syria’s Latakia port, marking the first major delivery since rebels overthrew former President Bashar al-Assad.
International financial leaders will discuss ways to restore aid to Syria during next week’s IMF and World Bank meetings.
The Trump administration will reduce the number of US troops in Syria from around 2,000 to approximately 1,000, officials said Tuesday, in a move signaling a shift in Washington’s military posture across the Middle East.
The United States is preparing to consolidate its military footprint in Syria, with officials signalling a potential drawdown of up to half its troops in the coming months.
Azerbaijan and Syria discussed deepening bilateral ties and regional security in a call between their foreign ministers, with a focus on post-Assad cooperation, embassy reopening, reconstruction support, and potential trilateral collaboration with Türkiye.
Ukrainian President Zelenskiyy said Kyiv cannot reclaim Crimea by force, as tensions grow over Trump’s peace plan proposal.
A Wisconsin judge has been charged with obstruction after allegedly helping an undocumented immigrant evade arrest in her courthouse.
Greece has ruled out accepting refugee returns from Germany, citing overwhelming migration pressure and a lack of burden-sharing within the EU.
Luigi Mangione has pleaded not guilty to federal charges in the fatal shooting of UnitedHealthcare executive Brian Thompson, as prosecutors move forward with plans to seek the death penalty.
Thousands of international students whose U.S. visas were recently revoked will have their legal status restored following a sudden policy reversal by the Trump administration.
China has rolled out the world’s first 10-gigabit (10G) fixed broadband network in Xiong'an New Area, promising ultra-fast speeds and low latency through cutting-edge optical infrastructure.
The Holy Fire ceremony stands as one of Christianity's most enduring and mysterious rituals, drawing thousands of pilgrims to Jerusalem each year.
Pope Francis's relationship with Azerbaijan has evolved significantly over the years, characterized by diplomatic exchanges, promotion of religious tolerance, and peace advocacy in the Caucasus region.
Russia launched a major missile and drone assault on Kyiv overnight on April 24, killing at least twelve people and injuring 90, including children and a pregnant woman, according to Mayor Vitali Klitschko.
China’s pivot away from U.S. liquefied petroleum gas under new tariffs is shaking global energy flows, slashing demand, and fuelling a scramble for alternatives across Asia, with Middle Eastern suppliers and rival buyers seizing the moment.
Ukrainian President Zelenskiyy said Kyiv cannot reclaim Crimea by force, as tensions grow over Trump’s peace plan proposal.
A Wisconsin judge has been charged with obstruction after allegedly helping an undocumented immigrant evade arrest in her courthouse.
Greece has ruled out accepting refugee returns from Germany, citing overwhelming migration pressure and a lack of burden-sharing within the EU.
Luigi Mangione has pleaded not guilty to federal charges in the fatal shooting of UnitedHealthcare executive Brian Thompson, as prosecutors move forward with plans to seek the death penalty.
Thousands of international students whose U.S. visas were recently revoked will have their legal status restored following a sudden policy reversal by the Trump administration.
Ukrainian President Zelenskiyy said Kyiv cannot reclaim Crimea by force, as tensions grow over Trump’s peace plan proposal.
A Wisconsin judge has been charged with obstruction after allegedly helping an undocumented immigrant evade arrest in her courthouse.
Greece has ruled out accepting refugee returns from Germany, citing overwhelming migration pressure and a lack of burden-sharing within the EU.
Luigi Mangione has pleaded not guilty to federal charges in the fatal shooting of UnitedHealthcare executive Brian Thompson, as prosecutors move forward with plans to seek the death penalty.
Thousands of international students whose U.S. visas were recently revoked will have their legal status restored following a sudden policy reversal by the Trump administration.
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