Syrian rebels continue to launch attacks against Christian groups, including those in the village of Maaloula. According to a local resident, “I saw the militants grabbing five villagers and threatening them and saying, ‘Either you convert to Islam, or you will be beheaded.’”

As the Associated Press reports, “The village, about 40 miles (60 kilometers) northeast of Damascus, is home to 3,300 residents, some of whom still speak a version of Aramaic, the language of biblical times believed to have been used by Jesus.”

Recall last week when State Secretary John Kerry asserted, “[The Assad regime’s opposition] has increasingly become more defined by its moderation…” On the contrary, it appears that – similar to Egypt and other countries around the Middle East – we are seeing the opposition’s true colors. And rather than fighting as peace-seeking activists, they’re more like savages fighting for an Islamic state. In short, there’s nothing “moderate” about threatening non-Muslims with death for failing to convert.