The transitional government in Syria, led by Ahmed Al-Sharaa, encounters severe security challenges with rising violence, particularly against the Alawite population. The Kurdish forces maintain autonomy amidst tensions over disarmament. The Druze community remains cautious, seeking to join a national army, while Israeli interventions complicate regional stability. The government’s effectiveness in addressing these multifaceted issues is in jeopardy.
In light of the escalating violence in Syria, particularly along the Alawite-dominated coast, the transitional government, led by interim President Ahmed Al-Sharaa, is struggling to maintain security amidst rising tensions. Clashes have occurred between new authorities and forces loyal to the ousted Assad regime, resulting in over 500 fatalities, including a significant number of Alawite civilians, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.
The Alawite minority, constituting approximately nine percent of the Syrian population, has historically been overrepresented in security institutions. With the fear of potential reprisals due to the Assads’ brutal governance, the new government’s lack of capability and local support complicates its interactions with the disgruntled Alawite community. Some analysts, such as Aron Lund, indicate that the government’s reliance on forceful control, particularly by extremist factions, poses a threat to civilian safety.
Simultaneously, tensions persist in the northeast, where Kurdish forces have retained their autonomy and resisted integration into the new national army. Sharaa has demanded the disarmament of various groups, including the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), yet progress has stalled amid ongoing clashes with pro-Turkey factions. The presence of U.S. troops in the region further complicates this dynamic, as they provide support to the SDF against Islamic State remnants.
In the southern province of Sweida, the Druze community, which has largely avoided direct involvement in the civil war, is cautious regarding the new regime. Some armed Druze factions have expressed intent to join a national military but have yet to disarm fully. Israel, keenly aware of the sensitive demographics in the region, has made warnings against any perceived threat to the Druze, insisting on a demilitarized status for southern Syria. However, Druze leaders have reaffirmed their allegiance to a unified Syria, countering Israel’s interference in the area.
The complexities of these inter-community relationships alongside external pressures paint a grim picture for Syria’s transitional authorities, as they navigate an increasingly fractious landscape while attempting to establish governance and stability.
In conclusion, the transitional government in Syria faces significant challenges amid rising violence and sectarian tensions. The government, struggling to find common ground with both the Alawite and Kurdish populations, lacks the necessary support and resources to foster peace. Additionally, external influences, particularly from Israel, further complicate the intricate social fabric of the region. Without effective management and dialogue, the conflict in Syria risks deepening and extending further into sectarian strife.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
