After the removal of Bashar al-Assad, Syria remains plagued by sectarian violence and economic issues. Incidents in Latakia and other regions reflect ongoing tensions among various minorities. The economy suffers due to sanctions, complicating recovery efforts for the new government.
Following the removal of Bashar al-Assad, Syria remains entrenched in sectarian tensions and violence. On February 26th, security forces in Latakia, the country’s largest port, killed four individuals, including an officer from the ousted regime. This incident raised concerns as the officer was expected to be protected under an amnesty agreement. The following day, in Qardaha, locals responded with hostility after police created a checkpoint, resulting in a protester being shot.
Subsequently, clashes erupted in three coastal cities after supporters of the new Sunni Islamist government targeted neighborhoods inhabited by the Alawite sect with displays of machetes and al-Qaeda flags. Two days later, fights broke out in Jaramana, a Damascus suburb, as government troops attempted to remove barricades established by the local Druze community, another minority group. The onset of these conflicts illustrates the complexity facing Syria’s new rulers.
Moreover, Syria’s economy continues to suffer significantly due to enforceable sanctions, leaving it in a precarious state. Economic improvement hinges on the lifting of these sanctions. The intricate socio-political landscape and economic stagnation signal that, while leadership may have changed, deep-rooted challenges persist for the new regime.
A broader context reveals that Syria’s current turmoil intersects with global affairs; an example is the international implications of Donald Trump’s transactional diplomatic approach, which could create additional strains.
In summary, despite the removal of Bashar al-Assad from power, Syria continues to grapple with severe sectarian tensions and violence among various minority groups. The ongoing conflicts in regions like Latakia and Jaramana highlight the challenges faced by the new Sunni Islamist government. Additionally, the strained economy, exacerbated by sanctions, further complicates the nation’s recovery. Therefore, Syria remains in a state of turmoil, indicating that the resolution of existing issues will require considerable effort and time.
Original Source: www.economist.com
