November 1, 2004
Source: Assyrian International News Agency
http://www.aina.org/news/20041101184703.htm
On November 1, 2004 Assyrian International News Agency reported, "The ancient Christian churches of Syria, small in numbers but vibrant in faith, are facing new challenges brought by political instability and religious extremism outside the country's borders. The war in Iraq has unleashed violence and terrorism by groups claiming to act in the name of Islam, sending tens of thousands of Iraqi Christians -- along with many Muslims -- fleeing into Syria. Although the Syrian government has steered a moderate course and clamped down on any form of fanaticism, the percolation of Islamic fundamentalism throughout the Middle East worries Christians in Syria."