Given the perilous state of the Syrian economy, foreign investment will be critical to supporting and sustaining many businesses and key sectors. Again, this gives Christian groups and leaders and opportunity to reach out to their counterparts in the west and elsewhere by advocating for future foreign aid and investment to be linked to the protection of minority rights, including Christian rights in a post-Assad Syria.

While the world considers the broader regional implications of the Syria crisis, the status and position of religious minorities is becoming an increasingly important issue.

Christians in Syria constitute around 10 percent of the country’s population. The majority of them belong to the Orthodox Church, which has historic links and ties with Russia. This is significant not only because Russia is an ally of President Bashar al-Assad’s regime, but also because it is an important trading partner. The Melkites, Assyrians and some minority protestant groups comprise Syria’s other significant Christian denominations.

Historically, the majority of Christians (mainly those affiliated with the Orthodox Church) have enjoyed a privileged status under Assad, serving in important security, economic and political positions, and they have been able to practice their religion freely. That said, Christians are currently barred from serving as president.

Understandably, many Orthodox Christians fear the loss of their privileged status and position in a post-Assad Syria; others have expressed concerns about possible reprisals. The Assad regime has rather predictably played upon these fears — reports indicate that Christians have been targeted and killed by Syrian rebel forces. Consequently, many Orthodox Christians have been reluctant to join forces with opposition groups.

Nevertheless, a growing number of Christians — George Sabra, Fayez Sara, Michel Shammas and Michel Kilo, to name a few — have joined opposition groups like the Syrian National Council and the Assyrian Democratic Organization, which has openly opposed the Assad regime since the initial uprising last year, a clear defiance of the official Church.

Read More