Syria has just rejoined the Arab League after twelve years of exclusion. During the war, faced with the jihadist danger, Damascus consolidated its image as a protector of religious minorities.
In April 2014, the Syrian army recaptured the Christian town of Maaloula from the rebels. The Syrian president had chosen Easter Day to appear in the city a few days later, escorted by prelates. The official discourse is full of praise for Christians, says Samira Mobira, Syrian NGO vice-president for Peace.