kathimerini.gr
Aleppo Bishop Recounts Two Wars, Christians' Plight
In Aleppo, Syria, Bishop Bento Kasis recounts surviving ISIS attacks, witnessing the Christian population's decline from 200,000 to 35,000-40,000 due to two civil wars, and negotiating with rebel groups while searching for two abducted metropolitans.
- What immediate impact has the ongoing conflict in Aleppo had on its Christian community, considering Bishop Kasis's experiences and observations?
- In 2016, amidst Syria's first civil war, Syrian Orthodox priest Bento Kasis, a Thessaloniki Theology School graduate, contacted a Greek newspaper from Aleppo, describing his near-fatal attack by ISIS and the dire situation of Aleppo's Christians, who had dwindled from 200,000 to 35,000-40,000, facing shortages and violence. Nine years later, now Bishop of Aleppo, he recounts his experiences during both wars, including negotiating with rebel commanders for Christian protection.
- How have the experiences of Aleppo's Christians during the two Syrian civil wars shaped their current situation and outlook, according to Bishop Kasis?
- Kasis's narrative highlights the drastic decline of Aleppo's Christian population due to the ongoing conflicts. His account reveals the precarious security situation, with Christians caught between warring factions and facing shortages of essential resources. His efforts to negotiate with rebel groups and search for missing Orthodox metropolitans (abducted in 2013) underscore the complex and dangerous environment in which Aleppo's Christians strive to survive.
- What are the longer-term implications of the current situation in Aleppo for the future of its Christian community and its relationship with other religious groups?
- The ongoing conflict in Aleppo, exemplified by Bishop Kasis's experiences, demonstrates the long-term impact of war on religious minorities. His role in negotiating with rebel groups illustrates the difficult choices and compromises that Christians must make to survive. The uncertain future of Aleppo's Christians, dependent on the volatile political landscape, highlights the need for continued international attention and humanitarian aid.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The framing centers on the plight of Christians in Aleppo, emphasizing their suffering and dwindling numbers. While this is a significant aspect of the story, the framing might unintentionally minimize other critical dimensions of the Syrian conflict, such as the overall humanitarian crisis or the political factors driving the violence. The repeated focus on Christmas and the Christian perspective, although understandable given the context, could subtly shift the focus away from the broader conflict.
Language Bias
The language used is generally descriptive and factual. However, terms like "fanatical Muslims" and "death bombs" carry strong negative connotations and could be perceived as biased. Neutral alternatives could be considered, such as "extremist groups" or "bomb attacks". The repeated use of "Christians" alongside terms like "suffering" or "dwindling numbers" could unintentionally emphasize victimhood, although this may reflect the reality of the situation.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on the experiences of Christians in Aleppo, potentially omitting the perspectives and experiences of other religious groups or the broader Syrian population affected by the conflict. While acknowledging the journalist's focus on a specific community, a more comprehensive picture might include diverse voices to avoid a potentially skewed representation.
False Dichotomy
The article implicitly presents a dichotomy between Christians and Muslims, particularly in describing the pre-war coexistence and the subsequent conflict. This simplification overlooks the complexities of Syrian society and the diversity of views within both religious communities. The narrative might benefit from explicitly acknowledging the nuances within these groups and avoiding broad generalizations.
Gender Bias
The article does not appear to exhibit explicit gender bias. While it primarily focuses on the experiences of religious leaders, there is no evident disproportionate attention to personal details or gender stereotypes related to either men or women. However, further information on the involvement and experiences of women in the conflict would strengthen the narrative.
Sustainable Development Goals
The article details the ongoing conflict in Syria, the abduction of religious leaders, and the fear and uncertainty experienced by Christians. This directly impacts peace, justice, and the stability of institutions within the country. The ongoing violence and abductions represent a failure to uphold justice and protect citizens.