The Alawites, a minority sect within Shia Islam, have been politically prominent in Syria since Hafez al-Assad’s rise to power in 1970. Following the departure of Bashar al-Assad, they face escalating violence and severe threats to their safety, with over 1,000 individuals reportedly killed in vengeance attacks. The community’s survival now hinges on overcoming sectarian tensions and rebuilding a stable nation amidst ongoing conflict.
The Alawites, a minority sect within Shia Islam, represent approximately 10-15 percent of Syria’s population, predominantly located in the coastal areas of Latakia and Tartus. Their unique religious beliefs incorporate Gnostic and mystical elements, setting them apart from traditional Sunni and Shiite practices. The political significance of the Alawite community surged when Hafez al-Assad, an Alawite, assumed control in 1970, leading to an enduring dynasty until December 2024.
Following the ouster of President Bashar al-Assad amid escalating civil unrest, the Alawite community now grapples with severe instability. Newly-formed Sunni Islamist factions have intensified civil strife, prompting revenge killings that have claimed the lives of over 1,000 individuals, including Alawites and affiliates of the former regime. This recent violence represents a critical juncture, marking one of the bloodiest periods in the Syrian conflict’s 14-year history.
The Alawites have become increasingly vulnerable as they are often perceived as loyalists to the former regime. Extremist Sunni groups, such as ISIS and Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, have labeled Alawites as heretics, legitimizing hostility towards them. Reports from the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights indicate that more than 500 Alawites have lost their lives amid fresh confrontations between interim regime forces and the supporters of the ousted president.
The experiences of Alawites amid this turmoil are harrowing. A 35-year-old woman recounted to Agence France-Presse her desperate escape from her neighborhood, revealing the horror she faced alongside her peers. Reports of systematic killings affect villages across the coastal regions, engendering a climate of fear among the Alawite populace.
As the civil war persists, the future of the Alawite community is precarious. Their survival hinges on Syria’s capacity to overcome its sectarian strife and pursue a pathway towards stabilization and unity.
The Alawite community in Syria, historically aligned with the Assad regime, now confronts significant existential challenges in the wake of the regime’s collapse. With marked increases in violence and targeted killings by opposing factions, their prospect for survival is jeopardized. Rebuilding national stability and healing sectarian divides will be pivotal for their long-term security and coexistence in Syria.
Original Source: www.business-standard.com
