The Alawite community, historically ruled by the Assad dynasty, faces grave threats following the regime’s fall. The ongoing civil war intensifies violence against them, resulting in numerous deaths and widespread fear. The sect’s survival is contingent upon overcoming sectarian strife to achieve national stability.
For over five decades, the Alawite community in Syria, an offshoot of Shia Islam, has been governed by the Assad dynasty. This rule commenced under Hafez al-Assad in 1970 and continued until December of last year when a coalition of rebels advanced toward Damascus, prompting President Bashar al-Assad’s flight from power. The ensuing conflict has left the future of the Alawite sect in jeopardy amidst a tumultuous civil war.
As the political landscape shifts with the emergence of a Sunni Islamist interim government, the violence against Alawites has escalated significantly. Reports indicate that revenge killings have resulted in the deaths of over 1,000 individuals affiliated with the Alawite community and the former regime, marking a surge in violence amongst the worst incidents recorded since the conflict began fourteen years ago.
Alawites account for approximately 10-15% of Syria’s population and mainly inhabit the coastal regions of Latakia and Tartus. Their beliefs diverge from both mainstream Sunni and Shia Islam, incorporating aspects of Gnosticism and mysticism. The sect received significant political empowerment during the four-decade rule of the Assad family, but this legacy has now rendered them vulnerable in the midst of ongoing turmoil.
Historically tied to the Assad regime, Alawites are currently viewed as loyalists by many opposition factions, which has made them targets of heightened hostility. Sunni extremist groups such as ISIS and Hayat Tahrir al-Sham have condemned Alawites as heretics, inciting violent reprisals. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that over 500 Alawites were killed as fresh hostilities erupted between interim government forces and loyalists of the ousted president.
Civilian accounts reflect harrowing experiences, with a 35-year-old Alawite woman describing her attempt to escape an assault: “We turned off the lights and hid. When we were able to flee our neighbourhood of Al-Qusour, we found the roads full of corpses.” Another Alawite resident recounted the loss of family members to attacks by armed groups, signaling a distressing trend of systematic killings across their coastal strongholds.
Looking ahead, the survival of the Alawite community hinges on Syria’s potential to address sectarian divides and aspire toward nation-building. The sect’s existential threats underscore a broader challenge confronting the nation’s stability as the civil war rages on, necessitating urgent attention to reconcile the diverse identities within Syria.
In summary, the Alawite community in Syria stands at a critical juncture following the ousting of the Assad regime. Historically linked to political power and now targeted by various factions within a fracturing society, their plight highlights the risks of sectarian violence and the urgent need for national reconciliation. The future of the Alawites will depend on Syria’s capacity to navigate these divisions and foster stability amid a protracted civil war.
Original Source: www.business-standard.com
