Although members of the Christian community said they are happy to see the Assad regime go, many are wary of their new Islamist leaders.

Twinkling lights, stars, bells and revolutionary flags are strung above the ancient streets of the old city of Damascus.

Protests have broken out in Syria over the burning of a Christmas tree, prompting calls for the new Islamist authorities to take steps to protect minorities. A video posted on social media showed the tree on fire in the main square of Suqaylabiyah, a Christian-majority town in central Syria.