Damascus, Syria - December 12, 2024 Minorities in Syria face an uncertain and precarious future following the dramatic turn of events on Sunday, as rebel forces captured the capital, Damascus, and ousted former President Bashar al-Assad. Syria, one of the most ethnically diverse countries in the Middle East, is home to various minority communities that have suffered persecution by ISIS and other extremist groups during the nation's prolonged civil war. As the country transitions to a new phase, fears are mounting for these vulnerable groups. In Damascus, the historically Christian-dominated area of Bab Sharqi reflects the unease. There is no Christmas tree adorning its entrance this year, and Christmas celebrations have been limited to prayers in churches due to the rapidly changing situation. Many shops, especially those selling alcohol, remain shuttered. For many Christians, the moment is one of cautious optimism, as many had experienced relative security under Assad's secular rule. The swift offensive that led to Damascus's capture was spearheaded by the Islamist militant group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS). The regime's fall has left many minority groups uneasy, fearing potential persecution. While the rebels have vowed to protect minority rights, Syria's history of broken promises leaves many skeptical. George, another local resident, shared cautious hope. In a Shia Muslim neighborhood in Damascus, pictures with religious symbols have been removed. People here believe that such actions are expected from extremist groups like HTS. Protecting and integrating minorities while guaranteeing their religious freedoms will be a significant challenge for the incoming government. Building a state based on citizenship, freedom of speech, and equal prosperity for all will be essential for Syria to move forward after some 14 years of bloodshed and instability. Shotlist: Damascus, Syria - Dec 12, 2024: 1. Various of churches, traffic, pedestrians; 2. SOUNDBITE (Arabic) Haifa, Syrian Christian (partially overlaid with shot 3): "Last year during this time, the city of Damascus was full of Christmas decorations, but this year we have not seen any. It seems like it's because of the unrest and tension that our country is going through."; [SHOT OVERLAYING SOUNDBITE] 3. Cross on window; [SHOT OVERLAYING SOUNDBITE] 4. Various of pedestrians, locked doors; 5. SOUNDBITE (English) Mary, Syrian Christian (starting with shot 4): "We do appreciate not having any kind of restrictions, rules and regulations to stop us from being Christians."; Damascus, Syria - Recent 6. Various of locals on street, traffic, smoke rising from buildings, gunshots; Damascus, Syria - Dec 12, 2024 7. SOUNDBITE (Arabic) George, local resident: "Things are okay right now. There's nothing to fear. We have always been one people living in the same country, and I hope that nothing harmful will happen to us."; 8. Various of pedestrians, picture on wall; 9. Various of locals talking with each other; 10. SOUNDBITE (Arabic) Haytham, Shia Muslim (partially overlaid with shot 11): "Freedom encompasses opinions and pluralism. Syria is like a mosaic -- if one piece of stone is missing from that mosaic, then it is all gone."; [SHOT OVERLAYING SOUNDBITE] 11. Various of churches; [SHOT OVERLAYING SOUNDBITE] 12. Various of pedestrians. [Restriction - No Access Chinese Mainland/Orient TV/Syria Alshaab TV/Zanoubia TV/Alhurra TV/ANN TV/Al Jazeera/ Al-Arabiya TV]