Averting a fresh conflict in Syria: Possible Strategies - Guide to Avoiding a Fresh Conflict in Syria
Article:
Preventing a New War in Syria: Expert Insights
by Marlon Saadi
Approx 5 Min Read
In a candid conversation, Middle East expert Daniel Gerlach sheds light on Syria's diverse communities and the recent escalations plaguing the war-torn country.
Overview:
Syria's rich tapestry reflects a stunning blend of ethnicities and religions, with the predominant Sunni Arab population complemented by nine Christian denominations, Druze, Alawites, Ismailis, Shias, Kurds, Circassians, Turkmen, Armenians, and Yazidis.
The Opening Interview:
Mr. Gerlach, let's get a sense of the complexities of Syria. Who actually lives in Syria?
I'd be delighted to break it down, but we might as well make this a comprehensive discussion. Syria hosts a myriad of ethnicities and religious communities. There are Sunni Arabs alongside ethnic and religious minorities like Sunnis, Christians, Druze, Alawites, Ismailis, Shias, Kurds, Circassians, Turkmen, Armenians, and Yazidis.
About Daniel Gerlach:
Daniel Gerlach, the think tank's "Candid Foundation" director, and "Zenith - Magazine for the Orient" editor-in-chief, has devoted decades to understanding Syria's intricacies.
Alawites: A Quick Exploration
The tragic weekend massacres primarily targeted Alawites, leaving us with crucial questions. So, who are the Alawites?
Alawites are often mistaken for Shia groups in mainstream media. While theologically incorrect, they share origins with Shias. It's essential not to confuse them with Alevites, predominantly found in Turkey. Alawites are an esoteric sect that emerged from Islam, featuring mystical and ancient, pre-Islamic elements. While there are debates within the Alawite community about their Muslim status, Syrian law acknowledges them as such.
Alawites' Role in the Regime:
What role have the Alawites played in the regime?
The Assad family hails from the Alawite community, marking their entry into political power. The Assad regime granted numerous Alawites access to positions in state apparatuses, the military, and intelligence services. This move aimed to ensure their loyalty due to familiar and cultural bonds with the Assads, as well as their mistrust of the Sunni majority. Although many Alawites remained economically disadvantaged, many were imprisoned as oppositionists by the regime.
The Human Cost:
The massacres of the weekend mainly affected the Alawites. Can you briefly explain why?
The Alawites have paid a heavy toll in this war. Most Alawite families are not financially well-off, stemming from limited opportunities to escape military duties through financial means. As Alawites had jobs with the state, they served in the army, which exposed them to both enemy fire and government reprisals.
Guilt and Responsibility:
Has the Alawite community also incurred guilt in this war?
Individual members of the Alawite community may have been involved in war crimes due to their roles in the military, but the community bears no collective guilt. The perception that the Alawites were the ruling power behind the Assad regime is widespread, but holding an entire community accountable for their actions would be unjust, immoral, and misguided.
Preventing the Spread of Violence:
You warned shortly before the massacres that the situation in Syria was tense. Was it only a matter of time before such an outbreak of violence occurred?
Yes, it was inevitable for the escalation to occur, given the ongoing tensions and the presence of unsecured weapons following the regime's disappearance. Militias seized the opportunity to indulge in revenge attacks against the Alawites.
The New Rulers' Role:
What role did the new rulers in Syria, the HTS militia, and Ahmad Sharaa play in the massacres?
The new government led by Ahmad al-Sharaa appears to have been unprepared for these incidents, as numerous officials from the army and state service were dismissed from their positions, many of whom were Alawites. The regime's fragility subsequently led to protests, and extremist groups took advantage of this instability, orchestrating violent attacks against Alawites.
A Path to Peace:
You've stressed the importance of overcoming Syria's tumultuous legacy. How can this be achieved?
- International pressure and intervention are crucial in ensuring the protection and representation of all population groups in Syria. The threat of military action against militias responsible for atrocities against civilians remains vital.
- A well-trained, trustworthy, locally-rooted army and police force is essential for maintaining stability and security.
- Language must be used responsibly, avoiding hate speech and inflammatory remarks that can incite violence.
- Fostering trust requires a just and unbiased legal system that holds criminals accountable, regardless of their affiliation. Local leaders and mediators from all communities must play a key role in this process.
A Silver Lining:
Some may argue that peace is unattainable in the Middle East. Is this a hopeless cause?
In essence, history reveals that periods of peace have been longer in the Middle East than in Europe. However, recent decades have seen increasing religious and ethnic tensions, often exacerbated by geopolitical conflicts. Yet, it's essential to remember that some countries have successfully navigated these challenges and may once again find unity in Syria. While the recent events have shaken trust between communities, it's not beyond hope for the population to come together and create a more peaceful future.
- Syria
- Alawites
- Daniel Gerlach
- Civil War
- Shias
- Yezidis
- Kurds
- Interestingly, the Commission has also been consulted on the draft regulation on the implementation of the common fisheries policy, given the involvement of different ethnicities and religious communities in the fisheries sector.
- During a discussion on Syria's diverse communities, it was revealed that among the ethnicities and religious minorities, officers of Syrian descent, such as Gerlach, have devoted their careers to understanding the country's complexities.
- Despite the ongoing Syrian civil war and the massacres that have primarily targeted Alawites, interestingly, there are phases where European regulations, such as the common fisheries policy, are being reviewed and discussed, highlighting some semblance of global unity even amidst distress.
