Syria’s Political Transition: Sectarian Tensions Persist Despite Regime Change

Syria’s new rulers are facing significant challenges in addressing ongoing sectarian tensions following the removal of Bashar al-Assad. Recent violence, including shootouts and protests, highlights the precarious situation as the new government attempts to balance reassurance for minority groups and appeals to their jihadist support base.

Despite the ousting of Bashar al-Assad from power, sectarian tensions continue to plague Syria. The new rulers are grappling with the challenge of balancing minority assurances while simultaneously catering to their jihadist base. Recent violent incidents highlight the ongoing strife, reflecting deep-rooted divisions within society.

On February 26th, a shootout occurred in Latakia, where Syrian security forces killed four individuals, including an army officer from the overthrown regime. Simultaneously, clashes erupted as locals in Qardaha, Assad’s ancestral land, attacked a police station following a protest that turned violent. These incidents were indicative of the rising unrest across the nation.

Subsequent unrest spilled over into coastal cities following the actions of new, Sunni Islamist supporters who displayed Alawite sect animosity by brandishing weapons. A similar outbreak of violence occurred in Jaramana, a Damascus suburb, when government forces attempted to dismantle barricades erected by the local Druze community.

The situation in Syria remains complex, with the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad failing to resolve the underlying sectarian issues. The new leadership faces the daunting task of uniting a fragmented population while managing competing interests from various factions. Without addressing these tensions, lasting peace and stability appear elusive.

Original Source: www.economist.com