By Jeremiah Goddard
12/12/2024
On the 8th of December, in a shocking and historic moment for the Middle East, Syrian rebels seized control of Damascus, forcing President Bashar al-Assad to flee to Russia after more than 13 years of civil war. The collapse of Assad’s government marks the end of decades of rule by his family and a turning point in a war that has claimed hundreds of thousands of lives and displaced millions.
While the incredibly swift fall of Assad offers hope for a new era in Syria, it also raises concerns about regional instability and the challenges of an orderly transition. Hadi Al-Bahra, the head of Syria’s main opposition abroad and President of the Syrian National Coalition, has called for an 18-month transition period to establish a “safe, neutral, and quiet environment” for free elections.
Al-Bahra emphasised the importance of drafting a new constitution within six months, which would determine the country’s future political structure. He explained: “The constitution will say, are we going to have a parliamentary system, presidential system, or mixed system? And based on this, we do the election, and the people choose their leader.” In a move to ensure stability, the opposition has asked state employees to continue reporting to work during the power transition, assuring them that they will not face harm.
Factors Behind Assad’s Swift Fall
The speed of Assad’s fall reflects significant shifts in the regional and global balance of power. As Christians, we recognise the profound impact of these events and the hand of God working through history. Three key factors possibly contributed to the regime’s rapid collapse:
- Russia’s Limited Response: With Russian resources deeply tied to the ongoing war in Ukraine, Assad’s regime was left without the same equivalent of air and logistical support it had relied on in the past. This lack of sufficient assistance created an opportunity for rebels to capitalise on their momentum.
- Hezbollah’s Weakening: Israel’s recent strikes on Iranian bases in Syria and an intensified offensive against Hezbollah in Lebanon have significantly weakened one of Assad’s most critical allies. The loss of many Hezbollah leaders diminished the group’s ability to support the Syrian government militarily.
- Syria’s Economic Collapse: Years of war, sanctions, and economic mismanagement have left the Syrian people and army demoralised and exhausted. Reports from Damascus reveal that the Syrian army’s retreat was as much about a lack of will to fight as it was about military strategy.
A Vision for the Future
Despite the challenges ahead, Christians can be hopeful for the people of Syria. The end of the civil war offers a chance for peace, reconciliation, and restoration. As we pray for Syria, we envision a future where:
- The gospel can spread: Throughout the 13 years of war, Syrian Christians have been a light in the darkness, offering hope and help to their communities. We pray that this season of transition will allow the gospel to flourish and that Christians in Syria will continue to be a beacon of love and truth.
- Return of refugees: We also think of the millions of refugees that had to flee who are now faced with the decision to return home. In particular those refugees who have come to know Christ while living outside of Syria. We pray that God will lead many of them back ‘home’ to strengthen the Church in Syria and to contribute to the spreading of the Gospel throughout the country.
- Healing and rebuilding begin: The scars of war run deep, but we pray that God will bring healing to the nation—healing for families, communities, and the land itself. We pray for wisdom for leaders tasked with rebuilding the country and that justice will prevail for the many victims of war crimes.
- Peace becomes the foundation: As Syria moves toward elections and a new government, we pray for stability and a commitment to peace that transcends political and religious divides. May God’s hand guide this process, and may His justice and mercy prevail.
A Time of Hope and Restoration
While we don’t know what this new future will bring for Syria, its Christians, and the refugees who have fled, we do believe that God will use whatever happens next for His purposes. We have hope in a sovereign God who loves His creation.
One of our partners shared a story from her time in Syria, living in a city overtaken by ISIS. A sniper line had been set up through the city—a deadly boundary that, if crossed, meant instant death. She found herself on this line multiple times, hearing God tell her to cross and minister to those abandoned on the other side. Each time, fear overwhelmed her, and she refused. Once again, she stood at the line, and this time God told her: “If you stay on this side of the line, you will be safe, but ineffective. If you cross the line, you might die, but you would have been relevant.”
This story resonates deeply with the experience of Syrian Christians. Over the past 13 years, they have lived through unimaginable suffering. They have been worn out, stretched, tested, and grieved, yet they have remained strong. As this new chapter begins, we pray that Syrian Christians continue to be relevant to His kingdom. May God continue to strengthen them to cross the line of relevance on a daily basis to shine His light in places that need it most. May they continue to receive the necessary grace that’s needed to never settle for safety when God calls them to bold faithfulness.
Please join us in prayer:
- That the transitional government in Syria would seek wisdom, justice, and reconciliation as they lead the nation through this historic change.
- That Syrian Christians would remain strong in their faith, continuing to be a light in their communities and a source of hope for the future.
- That many refugees who have come to know Christ while outside of Syria, will return and contribute to the spreading of the gospel across the country.
- That the international community would provide the necessary support for Syria’s recovery, including humanitarian aid for displaced people and victims of the war.
- That God would comfort and heal those who have suffered immense loss throughout the conflict and bring unity to a fractured nation.
As Christians, we are called to be peacemakers and to pray for restoration in the world’s darkest places. Let us lift up Syria in our prayers, trusting in God’s plan for healing and renewal in this war-torn nation.
