[stormhill]

It's a matter of perspective; Assad has not yet shown an inclination to create a world-wide caliphate. Under the Assad family Christians thrived while under the rebels they were exterminated.

He may give the obligatory tough talk but is not likely to start a suicidal war with Israel.

[Olog-hai]

Assad’s allied with Iran, so he is definitely on board with a worldwide caliphate under the Mahdi.

If you call dhimmitude “thriv(ing)”, then you probably also think that “Palestinian” Christians also “thrive”.