Surge in Violence and Religious Intolerance Marks a Troubled Week from Syria to Scotland and Afghanistan

Surge in Violence and Religious Intolerance Marks a Troubled Week from Syria to Scotland and Afghanistan
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A series of violent and discriminatory incidents across three countries this week have underscored growing global concerns over religious intolerance and insecurity, as reported by the Shia Waves Agency, affecting both Muslim and minority communities.

In southern Syria, unidentified gunmen opened fire on a passenger bus traveling along the Damascus–Sweida highway, killing two people and injuring several others, according to Syrian media reports. Authorities said the attackers fled the scene, and an investigation has been launched. The assault comes amid persistent unrest and insecurity in Sweida Province, an area that has witnessed sporadic clashes between local factions and government forces in recent months.

Meanwhile, in Scotland, Glasgow’s largest mosque was targeted in what police described as an Islamophobic hate crime. The mosque’s leadership condemned the attack, stating that it had shaken the city’s Muslim community. In a public statement, they emphasized that Muslims have long been an integral part of Glasgow’s civic life, contributing to business, education, health care, and public service. Religious leaders and officials have urged authorities to take stronger measures to combat hate crimes and protect minority groups.

In Afghanistan, reports emerged that several Shiite students were expelled from dormitories at Kabul University after refusing to participate in Sunni congregational prayers. Witnesses said individuals claiming to represent the Taliban’s Ministry for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice confiscated the students’ identification cards and forced them to leave the dorms without notice. The incident has sparked alarm over increasing sectarian discrimination within educational institutions under Taliban rule.