Bashar al-Assad’s brutal war against the Syrian people left the country in ruins. The interim government in Damascus is working to establish a new political framework and reestablish control of its borders. However, there are advocates calling for a U.S.-Syria policy with the objective of partitioning Syria into separate statelets based on ethnic and religious lines. Calls to partition Syria into ethnoreligious statelets pose a serious threat to the country’s Christian population. Once a thriving and integrated community, Syrian Christians now face displacement, marginalization, and the erosion of their cultural and religious identity. Partition would deepen their vulnerability by disrupting geographic cohesion, weakening political representation, and stripping away economic stability. Only a unified, pluralistic Syria can safeguard the rights and future of Christian communities—and all Syrians—while preserving the country’s diverse and inclusive national fabric.
Historical Context
Syria is the cradle of Christianity. It was on the road to Damascus that Saul encountered the risen Christ, and from that divine revelation, he became Paul—the apostle to the nations. From the ancient walls of Damascus, Paul embarked on a mission that would carry the message of Jesus Christ across the Roman world. Syria thus holds a sacred place in Christian history, not merely as a land of believers, but as the very cradle of Christian witness and apostolic mission.
“Syrian Christians have a long and rich history in the region, with communities dating back to the early days of Christianity”
Before the war in March 2011, Christians made up around 10% of Syria’s population and lived predominantly in urban areas across the country with obvious presence for them in the countryside. They enjoyed relative religious freedom and were active participants in the country’s political and social life. The war, however, has led to the displacement of many Christians, the destruction of their homes and churches, and the fragmentation of their communities.
Implications of Partition
The partitioning of Syria could significantly impact the Christian community, which is geographically widespread across all governorates and major cities. Unlike other ethnic or religious groups that are more concentrated in specific regions, Christians are integrated into many parts of the country, making them vulnerable to fragmentation or marginalization if the state is divided. This situation might threaten their safety, community cohesion, and religious freedoms, potentially leading to increased instability and displacement for Christian populations. Finally, if Syria were to be partitioned into ethnoreligious states—such as Druze, Arab Sunni, Kurdish Sunni, Alawite, and others—Christians would become increasingly vulnerable to the influence of identity-based regimes. Such fragmentation could lead to the rise of new, potentially less tolerant governments in each enclave, leaving Christian communities at heightened risk of discrimination. Christians may face severe restrictions on their religious practices, or even outright persecution. The lack of a unified government to protect their rights would leave them at the mercy of local authorities. The failure to establish a unified state has already had tragic consequences, as evidenced by the suffering endured by the Alawite community on the west coast and the Druze community in southern Syria. Therefore, the only viable path for the survival of Syrian Christians is a unified, diverse, and pluralistic Syria rooted in a shared national identity rather than ethnic or religious divisions.
Displacement and Fragmentation
The de facto partition of Syria since 2011 has already impacted the country’s Christian population, with unofficial estimates suggesting a decline of up to 5%. A formal partition would likely accelerate the displacement and fragmentation of Christian communities, further eroding their presence and identity in the country. Many Christians who were internally displaced are only now beginning to return to their ancestral homes. However, institutionalizing Syria’s division could trigger renewed displacement—forcing Christians to move to areas with which they have no historical or cultural connection, or to seek permanent refuge abroad. Such a scenario would deal a significant blow to Syria’s religious and cultural pluralism. This has ramifications for not just Christians but for all minorities wanting to rebuild their communities and be at peace with their neighbors. Syrians before the uprising against Assad, they were at peace with their neighbors. Assad weaponized Christians to the West as his defender when he cut down anyone of our faith who stood up against him. We paid the hard price as much as much as our Muslim brothers and sisters being needlessly being murder for no reason wanting freedom.
Economic and Social Marginalization
Additionally, the partitioning of the country would undermine their economic stability. Many Christians are landowners and business owners, often concentrated in their city or governorate of origin. Fragmentation or internal displacement would result in the loss of their assets and sources of income, forcing many to seek survival opportunities abroad, particularly in Europe, through migration. Partitioning Syria could also lead to political and social marginalization for Christians. As a minority group, they may find it very difficult to secure representation and resources in new statelets dominated by other ethnic or religious groups. This marginalization could further erode their social cohesion and economic stability, making it even harder for them to rebuild their lives.
A Unified Syria First
The partition of Syria is a dangerous solution for a post-Assad Syria. Such a U.S. policy stands in direct contrast to its aim of a stabilized Syria, recently hailing the agreement between the interim government and the Syrian Democratic Forces.
“If America genuinely seeks to protect Syrian Christians and support a pluralistic future, it should lift sanctions that harm civilians and instead prioritize sustained diplomatic engagement with the interim government.”
This approach would help ensure the adoption of democratic practices, the protection of civil liberties for all Syrians, and the development of a unified, institutionalized military and state capable of safeguarding national unity and minority rights. In parallel, the United States should support capacity-building efforts for the emerging Syrian state through collaboration with regional partners and allies. This includes strengthening governance, judicial systems, public services, and economic institutions to lay the foundation for long-term stability and inclusive development.
When Bashar al-Assad was removed from power the Syrians chanted, “One, one, one, the Syrian people are one”, not fragment the country. A unified and free Syria is what its citizens desire, which needs to be carefully considered by the U.S in its Syria policy review.
Chad Brand
Policy Director
Syrian Christians USA
