The Syrian transitional government, which had previously promoted messages regarding religion and women, has become embroiled in controversy for proposing textbook revisions that include Islamic extremist content. Critics have questioned whether the recognition of minority religions and the appointment of the first female central bank governor were merely symbolic gestures aimed at lifting international sanctions. The transitional government has backtracked in response, stating they would use the textbook content.
According to AFP, on Thursday, the education ministry of the rebel-led transitional government, which recently ousted Bashar al-Assad’s regime, unveiled plans to revise the curriculum via Facebook. The proposed changes include removing poems on women, love, and content about various deities from ancient history lessons. In the Islamic studies section, the phrase “those who have gone astray and angered God” would be reinterpreted to refer to Jews and Christians. Additionally, the concept of sacrificing one’s life to defend the homeland has been replaced with the notion of “sacrificing for Allah.”
AFP criticized the proposed revisions for promoting a narrow interpretation of Islam by emphasizing Allah as the sole deity while excluding polytheism and disparaging Christians. Syrian activist and journalist Shiyar Khaleal warned that education based on extremist ideologies could produce individuals who pose threats to regional and international security. Another journalist, Ziad Haidar, noted that a specific religion has become a target.
Despite growing criticism, Nazir al-Qadri, the transitional government’s education minister, declared that the current curriculum would remain in place until a professional committee reviews the proposed changes. Al-Qadri acknowledged that some Quranic verses were inaccurately explained in the proposed revisions and assured that the misinformation would be corrected.
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