MENA Minorities

At The Syrian Observer  Journalist Yahya Alous shines some light on the growing secterianism in Jaramana, a suburb of Damascus with a large Druze and Christian population. The town is currently witnessing an influx of pro-government Shiite fighters: Jaramana or Beirut's southern suburb?   by   Yahya Alous, The Syrian Observer In Jaramana, various types of Shiite songs have recently arrived from Iraq, in addition to the sounds of mournful prayers and calls, either calling for the intervention of Hussein, or for his help in seeking revenge. Decked with yellow flags, SUVs freely roam the streets of the city, bearing posters calling for the attention of Hussein and Zeinab. And in other corners of the city, people from different parts of the country wander the streets, proudly wearing sectarian symbols and slogans on their shoulders. This is the new look of the city, which has become a hotbed for these certain kinds of militant groups. This city, which is als...

Armenians in Syria   A report on the Christan fear of Islamist rebels focusing on the Armenian community in Damascus  appeared on the Deutsche Welle, the international service of the German public broadcaster. Most of this report is based on the account by Armenian Orthodox Bishop Armash Nalbandian. Many Armenians feel, that after they (mostly) came to Syria as refugees from Anatolia 95 years ago, they have to flee their homes once more: For Bishop Nalbandian, who is of Armenian ancestry, the refugee upsurge reflects a personal tragedy. Armenians fled Turkey to Syria in 1915 after a genocidal attack by the Ottoman Turkish Army. He says Armenians came as refugees to Syria, where they created schools, churches and a new life. Bishop Armash Nalbandian said his community felt safe under Assad's rule "After 95 years we are suffering a new genocide," he said. "It's more difficult for us to carry this cross." The report also adresses why Christia...