Alawites
Burning Remnants
Firsthand accounts of the recent massacres on Syria’s coast reveal lingering sectarianism and a post-Assad regime that has not yet come to terms with its role as a government for all Syrians.
The Seeds of Rebellion
In Syria’s Latakia province, a stronghold of the former Assad regime, the loss of jobs and opportunities and a feeling of being marginalized by the state are leading Alawites to rebel against the new administration.
Sectarian Violence Simmers in Homs
The Syrian city of Homs is plagued by kidnappings and killings. The victims are largely members of the Alawite minority, and the motives appear to be sectarian. The situation remains volatile, with little transparency from the authorities and ongoing fear among residents.
The Challenges Facing Syria’s Alawites
A provocative video showing the burning of the al-Khasibi shrine in Aleppo sparked outrage in Syria's Alawite community, amplifying sectarian fears and leading to protests. As the Assad regime crumbles, Alawites face poverty, displacement and an uncertain future.
The Assads’ Domination of Qardaha
The fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime ignited a dramatic act of defiance in his hometown, Qardaha, where locals burned an Assad family mausoleum, revealing complex feelings of anger and betrayal that go beyond politics.