QUESTION: Would you say, just three months after the change of the regime, that we are seeing the return of civil war in Syria?

ANSWER: I would be inclined to say no, for several reasons. First, it is important to note that these are very localized incidents that have not, so far, spread to the rest of the country. Here in Aleppo, as well as in Damascus, the situation is completely calm.

Second, when a regi-me change happens as suddenly as it did on December 8th–and in a country already torn by years of civil war–it takes time for political, social, and military stabilization. This transi-tion period can see strong tensions emerge. There are also personal and clan interests that have been compromised, and some groups may seek revenge.
Third, when we talk about ‘government forces,’ we are not referr-ing to a structured army, like the previous one that dissolved like snow in the sun, but to armed groups led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham. Since they do not answer to a single unified command, it is possible that some of these groups are act-ing with excessive vio-lence against the insurgents.

(Vatican News)

Bishop Hanna Jallouf, O.F.M,
Apostolic Vicar of Aleppo