Assyrian Christians Seek Unity in Syria

(International Christian Concern) –  Three Syriac Christian groups launched an initiative seeking to unify the Syriac and Assyrian national ideology and discourse to present a unified Christian vision for Syria. The three political groups, the Syriac Union Party, the Assyrian Democratic Party, and the Assyrian Democratic Organization, seek to unify themselves, yet remain polarized on Kurdish issues.

A member of the Syriac Union Party commented saying, “the parties share the same language, religion and social traditions, which prompted them to find a common ground in politics too.” Christians, already a small minority in Syria, faced increasing marginalization and persecution as their views were politically divided. Oftentimes Christian leaders were relied upon to defend the nation’s social and political interests, a hope that proved futile. Syriac Christians are of Assyrian ethnicity and make up about a third of Syria’s Christians and 4% of the country’s population.

The current talks are being held in Hasakah, Syria, though some experts expressed their doubt in the fruitfulness of the efforts due to a few key polarizing issues. Yet the conversation is a good starting point for broader opposing parties to seek common ground.

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