Alawites
Hama’s Uprooted Villages
In Syria’s Hama province, displaced Alawite villagers are unable to return to houses and lands now occupied by their former Sunni neighbors, whose own homes were destroyed. With property disputes unresolved and pistachio orchards — the region’s economic lifeblood — neglected, the fragile coexistence that once defined these communities risks collapse.
The Alawite Tragedy
The recent massacres of Syria’s Alawites mark a painful end to a long chapter in the community’s history and highlight the existential challenges it faces following Assad’s fall.
Investigating the Alawite Massacres
A new investigation into the massacres on the Syrian coast in March details the events leading up to the violence, including interviews with survivors and militants who took part in the fighting.
Massacres on the Syrian Coast
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.
How Desperation Sowed the Seeds of Rebellion in Syria’s Latakia Province
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.