Urgent Call for Intervention: Lebanese MP Warns of Alawite Crisis in Syria

Lebanese MP Haydar Nasr warns of a potential refugee crisis due to escalating violence against Alawites in Syria, calling for international intervention. With thousands fleeing and ongoing sectarian attacks, he highlights the need for accountability from Syrian leadership and emphasizes Lebanon’s struggles with both economic crises and social tensions. Nasr advocates for regional dialogue to address underlying issues affecting national security.

Lebanese MP Haydar Nasr has expressed urgent concerns over the rising violence against the Alawite minority in Syria, which could trigger a considerable refugee crisis in Lebanon. With about 10,000 Alawites having fled to Lebanon recently due to targeted killings linked to the Syrian government, Mr. Nasr emphasizes the need for international intervention to stop this escalation. He stated that the Alawite community has already suffered heavily, losing a significant percentage of its population during 14 years of war.

Mr. Nasr, representing the Alawite community from Tripoli, has coordinated with the Lebanese army to ensure regional stability amidst ongoing conflicts involving Hezbollah. He highlights that the plight of Syrian Alawites has worsened under the former regime of Bashar Al Assad, who had left the country after the economy collapsed. The recent uptick in violent attacks, particularly in coastal regions, has been described by the UN as being executed on a sectarian basis.

The recent clashes, involving armed groups reportedly supporting the caretaker authorities and remnants of the former regime, have resulted in significant casualties, primarily impacting Alawites. Mr. Nasr condemned the killings of innocent civilians and called upon international powers to halt the bloodshed, emphasizing that without intervention, events could escalate into a wider conflict similar to historical atrocities.

He believes that the current government led by interim President Ahmad Al Shara must take tangible actions toward accountability for the violence, stating that mere statements would not suffice. Furthermore, challenges persist for Lebanon, which faces economic strain from an influx of Syrian refugees alongside its existing economic crises, fueled by political mismanagement.

Social tensions are anticipated to rise, especially in areas with historical sectarian conflicts like Tripoli. Mr. Nasr underscored the necessity of addressing poverty to rebuild Lebanon effectively, while also highlighting the need for bolstered military support to ensure stability. The recent appointments in the Lebanese military and government have sparked optimism for potential recovery and reconstruction efforts.

Experts urge the necessity for regional dialogue to address the influence of non-state armed factions. Mr. Nasr emphasizes that productive conversations on security and governance are essential for a stable future, acknowledging that long-standing issues must be resolved to prevent repetition of past conflicts.

In conclusion, the urgent plea from Lebanese MP Haydar Nasr for international intervention underscores the severe humanitarian crisis facing the Alawite community in Syria. With increasing violence leading to mass displacement, there is a critical need for accountability and effective governance to restore stability. The recent changes in Lebanese military leadership offer a beacon of hope, yet proactive measures are paramount to address poverty and social tensions that threaten Lebanon’s fragile peace.

Original Source: www.thenationalnews.com