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Russia Seeks to Bolster 8th Brigade to Counter Iranian Influence in Syria

A picture shows Russian troops in the Syrian district of Daraa al-Balad in Syria's southern province of Daraa, on September 1, 2021. (AFP)
A picture shows Russian troops in the Syrian district of Daraa al-Balad in Syria's southern province of Daraa, on September 1, 2021. (AFP)
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Russia Seeks to Bolster 8th Brigade to Counter Iranian Influence in Syria

A picture shows Russian troops in the Syrian district of Daraa al-Balad in Syria's southern province of Daraa, on September 1, 2021. (AFP)
A picture shows Russian troops in the Syrian district of Daraa al-Balad in Syria's southern province of Daraa, on September 1, 2021. (AFP)

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said on Monday Russia was "sparing no effort" in seeking to contain Iran's influence in Syria.

Russia is determined to reject partnership with Tehran in controlling decision-making in Syria, it said.

The Russians have resorted to various ways to impose their control, especially in regions where Iran does not enjoy major influence.

The Eighth Brigade, which is loyal to Moscow, has therefore opened a recruitment office in Palmyra to attract locals to join the unit.

The office was opened in the Baath party headquarters, which is close to the Badia intelligence branch.

Activists told the Observatory that the Russians tasked one figure, identified only as A.A., with contacting the residents of Palmyra who live in areas under Turkey's control in northern Syria.

The figure has pledged to offer them guarantees and incentives to return to Palmyra in return for joining the Brigade.

A Syrian from the al-Sukhnah region was also tasked with contacting the local tribes and others living in Kurdish-held regions for the same purpose.

On Sunday, the Observatory had said Russia was vying for influence against the Iranians in areas held by the regime in the Hasakah region.

It has sought to curry favor with the locals to attract them in joining the Russian branch of the National Defense Forces instead of the Iranian branch.

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Despite Fear and Concern, Christians in Syria are Optimistic

 A demonstration in Damascus to protest the burning of the Christmas tree in Hama (Reuters)
 A demonstration in Damascus to protest the burning of the Christmas tree in Hama (Reuters)
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Despite Fear and Concern, Christians in Syria are Optimistic

 A demonstration in Damascus to protest the burning of the Christmas tree in Hama (Reuters)
 A demonstration in Damascus to protest the burning of the Christmas tree in Hama (Reuters)

Syria’s Christians prepared on Tuesday to celebrate their first Christmas since the overthrow of Bashar Assad amid fear and concern, particularly after armed men burnt a Christmas tree.
Demonstrators, including Christians and Muslims, took to the streets in Damascus and other locations in Syria after a Christmas tree was set on fire in the city of al-Suqaylabiyah, in the countryside of the west of Hama.
In Damascus, Father Andrew Bahi expressed concern about how Christians will be treated in Syria after Assad's ouster.
“We have the right to be afraid. Over the years, the [Christian-dominated] neighborhoods of eastern Damascus have been hit by hundreds of shells and we endured in our homes, but now the atmosphere remains ambiguous. There is a conflict and contradiction between words and actions,” Bahi told dpa.
“The statements by the new leadership in Damascus are reassuring and they stressed respect for all sects and religions, but some actions and slogans are a source of concern for us, and the coming days will test that,” added Bahi.
Meanwhile, Tony Matanius, a Christian man from Bab Touma, in eastern Damascus, who works at a grocery store, said that the opposition who seized the capital “did not do anything that would offend or harm us, but everyone is cautious.”
“We did not decorate the shops and homes as we are used to, though no one stopped us, but things we have heard and seen published on some social media sites are scaring us,” he added.
Matanius is optimistic about change after enduring conflict in the country for 13 years. He said he will continue monitoring statements by the new leadership and hope "They are translated into actions, not just words.”
Rana Medani, a civil employee, believes that the injustices Syrians faced during Assad's rule harmed people of all faiths.
“Personally, I am optimistic about the new leadership. I do not care if the ruler is Muslim or Christian. I care that it is someone who wants the best for the people and serves the people,” she added.
Medani said most of her colleagues are opposed to Bashar Assad's regime, which has humiliated and starved people.
“They oppose the corruption and patronage of the former regime officials,” she said.
On Tuesday, demonstrators took to the streets in Damascus and other regions in Syria after the arson of a Christmas tree in the city of al-Suqaylabiyah.
People chanted slogans against sectarian strife that seeks to destabilize society, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported.
“Everyone chanted demanding the protection of Christians in Syria,” said Samer Elias, who joined the protests in Damascus on Monday evening.
A security source in Hama province, where al-Suqaylabiyah is located, told dpa that two people burnt the tree and one of them was arrested.