“The gradual Islamisation of the country is continuing almost unnoticed. Although the central government is not issuing any official decisions to this effect, so as not to jeopardise its credibility with Western countries, provincial governors are instead introducing measures at local level: independent or Christian judges are being dismissed; in some regions, the wearing of headscarves is being made compulsory; elsewhere, alcohol is being banned; mosques are being built on university campuses – and similar developments continue,” reports Dr Nabil Antaki of the Blue Marists aid organisation from Aleppo in early August 2026.

Meanwhile, foreign delegations continue to travel to Syria to establish relations with the new government and position themselves early for a role in the country’s reconstruction. Syria’s Foreign Minister is travelling tirelessly from country to country in search of support, yet the investment pledges and declarations of intent announced during these visits have so far not been implemented, Dr Antaki observes.

The domestic situation in Syria remains difficult. Many Syrian refugees who fled Lebanon because of the war between Israel and Hezbollah are now returning to Syria. In addition, since the change of power in December 2024, more than one and a half million Syrian refugees have returned home from Türkiye and Jordan. The economic situation remains catastrophic. Prices for essential goods continue to rise, while rents have tripled within the space of eighteen months. Although salaries have now been increased twice, by 200 per cent on each occasion, the income of most families is still barely sufficient to cover their basic living costs.

Parliament – the so-called People’s Assembly – has now been formed. It consists of 140 elected representatives and a further 70 members appointed by the transitional President. The parliament is clearly dominated by Islamist forces. Around one third of the seats are held by representatives of former Salafist rebel groups, while approximately 40 members belong to the Muslim Brotherhood. Representatives of the former opposition – democratically minded figures – are not represented in the People’s Assembly. Christians hold only six seats, three of them occupied by women. In addition to passing ordinary legislation, one of the Assembly’s responsibilities will be to draft a new constitution.

“We will only find out in around three years what form of government this constitution will establish, and we await that with great concern,” says Dr Antaki.

Dr Antaki sees one sign of hope in the gradual return of residents to four Christian villages in Idlib Province, in north-western Syria near the Turkish border. Nevertheless, many Christians still want to leave the country. “We no longer feel at home here,” many say, even though their families have lived in Syria for generations. Their numbers continue to decline.

250 elderly people living alone receive a hot meal every day through the “Sharing Bread” project. © Blue Marists

“Only a few days ago, a Holy Mass was celebrated in Aleppo to mark the final departure of the Franciscan Missionaries of Mary, who had served in the city for more than one hundred years. … There are also rumours that the Jesuit Fathers are considering concentrating their community in Homs and visiting Aleppo only occasionally for pastoral work,” writes Dr Antaki.

The ISHR supported the Jesuits’ relief work in Homs for several years from 2012 onwards.

The Blue Marists have just celebrated the 40th anniversary of their solidarity initiative, which was founded in 1986 under the name The Ear of God and has carried its present name since 2012. Guided by their motto, “Living in solidarity with the poorest, alleviating suffering, promoting human dignity and sowing hope,” they will continue their project work in Aleppo.

One hundred and twenty children supported through the “I Want to Learn” project have just completed the school year. Through the “A Drop of Milk” project, more than 1,700 children receive a monthly supply of milk. Another 250 elderly people living alone receive a hot meal every day through the “Sharing Bread” project, delivered directly to their homes by volunteers.

These initiatives represent only part of the Blue Marists’ extensive support programme, to which the ISHR has been contributing for several years. The ISHR remains committed to supporting the Blue Marists in their work to strengthen Christian communities and help ensure that Syria can continue to be a homeland for its Christian population.