Syria: New Regime Faces Persistent Sectarian Tensions Post-Assad

Syria has seen a violent aftermath following the removal of Bashar al-Assad, with security issues persisting as new Sunni Islamist rulers struggle to placate both minority sects and jihadist factions. Incidents in Latakia, Qardaha, and Jaramana highlight unresolved sectarian tensions.

On February 26, violent incidents erupted in Syria as security forces in Latakia killed four individuals, including an army officer from the recently deposed regime. This incident reflected ongoing tensions, particularly as the new Sunni Islamist government grapples with balancing the needs of various minority sects and its own jihadist support base. The following day, locals in Qardaha, the ancestral home of former President Bashar al-Assad, protested against a police checkpoint, resulting in clashes.

The conflict escalated as supporters of the new regime confronted members of Mr. Assad’s Alawite sect, leading to violent incidents in three coastal cities, where machetes and al-Qaeda flags were displayed. Furthermore, intense fighting erupted on February 28 in Jaramana, a Damascus suburb, as government forces attempted to dismantle barricades established by the Druze minority. This pattern of violence underscores the persistent sectarian tensions within Syria, which have not diminished with the fall of the Assad regime.

In conclusion, although Bashar al-Assad has been overthrown, Syria continues to wrestle with profound sectarian divisions. The new government’s struggles to manage these tensions illustrate the complexities of transitioning power while maintaining social order among competing sects. Therefore, the outlook for stability in Syria remains tenuous, characterized by ongoing violence and societal discord.

Original Source: www.economist.com