Syrian Social Media Users Protest Changes in School Curriculum

The new Syrian government has faced widespread negative reactions from social media users following the announcement of changes to school curricula. These changes, some of which pertain to the Islamization of school education, have drawn criticism. According to a list published on the official Facebook page of the Syrian Ministry of Education, various phrases in the curriculum have been altered. Among these changes is the modification of the phrase 'good way' to 'Islamic way' and 'those who are cursed and have gone astray' to 'Jews and Christians.' These changes refer to an extremist interpretation of a verse from the Quran. Another change is the term 'martyr' for someone who has died for their homeland, which has been altered to refer to someone who 'has sacrificed themselves for the pleasure of God.' Additionally, some chapters from the curriculum, including one on 'the principles and evolution of life,' have been completely removed. These changes have not yet been implemented in all schools but are set to be applied to students aged 6 to 18. Some changes, aimed at distancing from Bashar al-Assad's regime, have been welcomed, but those intended to Islamicize the subjects have faced negative reactions. The new Syrian government came to power after Bashar al-Assad was overthrown by the rebel group Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham, which has recently attempted to distance itself from extremist views. Some social media users in Syria have criticized these changes, stating that such actions have been taken by a temporary government that does not have the right to make fundamental changes. One user stated: 'The current government is a temporary government and should not implement these changes in the curriculum. Curricula should be amended according to the new constitution.' Despite these criticisms, the Syrian Ministry of Education announced that school curricula will not change until specialized committees for review and oversight are formed. The United States: The people of Syria have gained a rare opportunity to rebuild their country. The second visit of U.S. officials to Damascus and meetings with the new Syrian rulers and various groups. The foreign ministers of Germany and France traveled to Damascus to meet with Julani. The expansion of unrest in Syria to Homs and Tartus; 14 police forces were killed.