Syria Appoints New Defense Minister

In an effort to accelerate the repression of Sunni Muslim uprisings across Syria the country's President Bashar al-Assad has dismissed his defense minister and replaced him with General Daoud Rajiha. The appointment comes as a surprise as the key position in the Syrian government has normally been reserved for members of al-Assad's Alawi Muslim minority. (General Rajiha is an Antiochian Orthodox Christian.) More here.

Catholicos Aram Welcomes Syrian President's Address

Catholicos Aram I (Keshishian) of the Armenian Orthodox Church of Cilicia has indirectly stated his support for the recent statement of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, also expressing his hope that political stability would return to Syria. More here.

Syria Grants Kurds Citizenship

President Bashar al-Assad of Syria has issued a presidential decree overturning a 1962 ruling that stripped many of northeastern Syria's Kurds of their Syrian citizenship. More here.

President of Syria Meets with Hassakeh Representatives

President Bashar al-Assad of Syria has met with representatives of the predominantly Kurdish and ethnic Syrian Hassakeh region in northeastern Syria in an effort to calm protests in the area. More here.

Syriac Orthodox Patriarch Affirms Support for President al-Assad

Patriarch Ignatios Zakka I (Iwas) of the Syriac Orthodox Church has called for an end to the political unrest in Syria to avoid the disunity, sectarian violence, and general regression that has plagued many of the Middle East's states in recent years. More here.

Unrest Continues in Syria

While Syria continues to experience unrest it appears that everyone except its Sunni Muslims want President Bashar al-Assad to remain in power. More here.

President al-Assad Congratulates Orthodox on Feast Day

On new style Nativity this year Patriarch Ignatius IV (Hazim) of Antioch was visited by a representative of President Bashar al-Assad of Syria, who sent him congratulations and greetings on the occasion of the feast. More here.