Qatar has requested IAEA oversight of Israel’s nuclear facilities amid escalating violence in Syria. The transitional government struggles with stability as clashes ensue primarily between Alawites and other groups. Significant casualties reported since the fall of Bashar Assad raise fears of reprisals against minorities. The Kurdish forces maintain their autonomy, while Israel’s involvement adds another layer of complexity to the already turbulent situation.
In light of recent events, Qatar has called for oversight from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) regarding Israel’s nuclear facilities. Amid the ongoing conflicts in Syria, particularly in the ethnically and religiously diverse regions, transitional authorities are struggling to maintain stability. The government, primarily influenced by former Islamist rebels, has encountered intensified violence, particularly along the Mediterranean coast, leading to severe casualties and heightened tensions among various minority groups.
Over 500 individuals have reportedly died in violent clashes since the December removal of Bashar Assad, with a significant proportion being Alawite civilians. The Alawite minority, which constitutes approximately nine percent of Syria’s population, was heavily involved in military and security roles during Assad’s long rule, raising fears of retaliation against them due to their association with his regime’s brutal actions, including torture and disappearances.
Aron Lund, a researcher with the Century International think tank, has indicated that the current government, led by interim President Ahmed Al-Sharaa, has inadequate resources and local support to engage effectively with the discontented Alawite population. The government’s military forces largely comprise jihadists, exacerbating fears and leading to attacks on Alawite communities, where vulnerable civilians reside. Despite Sharaa’s assurances to uphold minority rights, little has changed for those formerly loyal to Assad.
Control of Syria’s northern and northeastern regions lies mainly in the hands of a semi-autonomous Kurdish administration, with ongoing negotiations regarding disarmament and integration into a unified Syrian military proving unsuccessful. The Kurdish forces, supported by the United States, have been pivotal in combating the Islamic State but remain steadfast in maintaining their autonomy, particularly in governance and military matters.
The Druze population, which represents three percent of the Syrian populace, has generally refrained from participating in the civil war, concentrating on protecting their territory. Recently, however, some Druze groups have indicated a willingness to integrate into a national army while withholding their arms. Israel has also shown a vested interest in the region, especially regarding the Druze communities, issuing warnings against any harm towards them and asserting its demand for demilitarization of southern Syria. This has further complicated the existing dynamics, pushing some Druze leaders closer to Damascus and reinforcing their allegiance to a united Syria.
The ongoing strife in Syria underscores the intricate challenges faced by transitional authorities in a country marked by ethnic and religious diversity. With significant violence against the Alawite community and resistance from Kurdish forces, the complexities of unification and peacebuilding remain formidable. Moreover, external influences, particularly from Israel, complicate the landscape further, indicating that stability in Syria will require careful navigation of local tensions and international pressures.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
