Syria's Christians consider exodus amid violence from foreign fighters

In Syria, a recent church bombing near the capital has heightened fears among the Christian community, prompting discussions about emigration. The attack occurred last month and was attributed to a foreign fighter linked to the extremist Islamic State group, though the group did not claim responsibility. This incident has led to public demonstrations where hundreds of Christians protested against the presence of foreign fighters, demanding their departure from Syria. The community's growing concerns stem from years of violence and chaos, exacerbated by the civil war that saw a significant number of Christians fleeing the country. Past incidents, including kidnappings of religious figures and attacks on churches, have further fueled the community's anxiety about their safety within Syria. As a result, many Christian families are considering migration options as a response to the ongoing threat posed by foreign militants and a perceived ineffective government response to the violence. The attacks have resurrected memories of the exodus of Christians from Iraq following the 2003 invasion, with fears that a similar mass departure could occur if conditions do not improve soon.