12/17/2019 Syria (International Christian Concern) – Some Arabic news outlets report a brewing of tensions in Damascus as the Syrian government decorates the city as part of their Damascus the Capital of Christmas initiative. Locals are reportedly calling the lavish decorations in poor taste, as government resources spent on decorations could be used instead on rebuilding the community after 8 years of civil war.

Last year was the first since the conflict began that Damascus celebrated the Christmas season, as part of the government’s attempt to show that they remain in control of the country and are restoring a sense of normalcy. However, the tensions over this year’s Christmas season hit a sour note for the residents. For example, a large Christmas tree now reportedly stands in Abasyeen Square, which was only retaken by the regime last year.

Although the decorations feature most heavily in Christian areas, for many Syrians, the season can be a painful reminder of the cost of the multi-year conflict. The war has broken families, spreading them throughout the world. As the government installed Christmas decorations, some residents began complaining of the regime’s record of disappearing dissenters, and asking that the government release all detainees.

Christmas may have reached Damascus after years of war—but it will be many more years, perhaps even generations, before the season can have the same meaning as before the start of the conflict.

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