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.
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People in Damascus expressed relief and cautious optimism on Tuesday night after the European Union announced it would lift economic sanctions on Syria, following a similar decision by the United States last week.
The European Union has decided to lift economic sanctions on Syria while maintaining targeted measures against figures from the former Assad regime.
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The suspect in the fatal shooting of two Israeli embassy aides in Washington has been charged with first-degree murder, the U.S. Justice Department confirmed.
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The Trump administration is moving toward lifting sanctions on Syria, but officials caution that coordinating between government agencies means the process will take longer than initially expected.
Iran’s foreign minister Abbas Araqchi declared that the United States would bear legal responsibility if Israel launches an attack on Iranian nuclear facilities, amid reports of potential Israeli military action and ongoing nuclear negotiations in Rome.
The 7th Ethnosport Culture Festival kicked off in Istanbul with Azerbaijan’s 100-member team and famed Karabakh horses drawing major attention.
Iran’s foreign minister Abbas Araqchi declared that the United States would bear legal responsibility if Israel launches an attack on Iranian nuclear facilities, amid reports of potential Israeli military action and ongoing nuclear negotiations in Rome.
A rare naval misstep has shaken North Korea’s tightly choreographed military image, prompting an urgent internal probe and public scolding from Kim Jong Un.
Baku hosted the 6th plenary meeting of the UN’s GlobE Network, gathering anti-corruption officials from 92 countries to strengthen global cooperation and chart the network’s next steps.
The suspect in the fatal shooting of two Israeli embassy aides in Washington has been charged with first-degree murder, the U.S. Justice Department confirmed.
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