Syria's new regime alters school curriculum, faces criticism over cultural identity concerns

Syria's new regime has announced major changes to the national school curriculum, increasing the focus on Islam and removing content related to the former Assad government. Critics worry this will harm the country's diverse cultural identity. The changes include replacing "defending the nation" with "defending Allah" and removing references to pre-Islamic gods. Science books will no longer include the Big Bang theory or evolution, and history subjects will be edited to exclude certain topics. Activists express concern over the lack of public consultation before these changes. Protests are planned ahead of the new school term, as citizens seek to prevent further alterations to the education system without broader input.