The Alawites, a minority sect in Syria, historically ruled under the Assad dynasty. Their control ended in December 2024, leading to intensified violence against the community, with over 1,000 deaths reported. Alawites face existential threats as extremist groups justify violence against them, complicating their future in a war-torn nation.
The Alawites, a minority sect within Shia Islam, constitute approximately 10-15 percent of Syria’s population. Predominantly residing in the coastal regions of Latakia and Tartus, they maintain a belief system that integrates Gnostic and mystic elements with traditional Islam. The community gained significant political influence when Hafez al-Assad, an Alawite, assumed power in 1970, leading to decades of Alawite governance over a mainly Sunni populace.
Following President Bashar al-Assad’s flight in December after a rebel coalition advanced, the Alawite community now faces severe dangers amid an escalating civil war. The ascendance of a Sunni Islamist-led interim government has resulted in heightened violence and reprisal killings against Alawites, with reports indicating that over 1,000 lives have been lost due to ongoing conflicts. This surge marks one of the most intense periods of violence since the outbreak of the Syrian conflict fourteen years ago.
The current context poses profound threats to Alawites, as they are often viewed as loyalists to the former regime by opposition groups. Extremist factions such as ISIS and Hayat Tahrir al-Sham have labeled Alawites as heretics, legitimizing attacks against them. According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, recent clashes have resulted in the deaths of over 500 Alawites, further exacerbating fears within their communities.
Civilians in the Alawite-dominated areas have reported distressing experiences, including systematic killings and assaults. One Alawite woman shared her traumatic experience of having to flee her neighborhood, noting, “When we were able to flee our neighbourhood of Al-Qusour, we found the roads full of corpses.” In this desperate situation, families have sought refuge with others, including Christians offering help as Alawites attempt to escape to safer regions such as Lebanon.
As the Syrian conflict prolongs, the future of the Alawite community remains bleak. Their existence is intricately tied to the nation’s ability to overcome its sectarian strife and reconstruct a stable societal fabric.
The Alawite community in Syria faces a precarious situation in the wake of the recent upheaval following President Bashar al-Assad’s departure. Historically interconnected with the Assad regime, they are now targets amid increasing sectarian violence. The fate of the Alawites hinges upon Syria’s capacity to resolve these divisions and forge a path toward national stability.
Original Source: www.business-standard.com
