Editorial 1: Sectarian wounds
Context
Syria is in danger of becoming unstable and violent under Islamist control.
Introduction
Last week’s violence in southern Syria, where hundreds of Druze civilians were killed, reflects the country’s deep sectarian tensions. Under the rule of HTS, a former jihadist group, hopes for peace and pluralism have faded. With minorities under attack and external pressures rising, Syria faces another chapter of conflict and instability in its already tragic history.
Rising Violence in Southern Syria
- Last week, hundreds of Druze civilians were killed in southern Syria.
- This shows the ongoing religious and ethnic tensions in the country.
- Syria is now ruled by HTS (Hayat Tahrir al-Sham), a former al-Qaeda-linked group.
- HTS took power in November 2024, led by Ahmed al Sharaa, once known as Abu Mohammed al-Jolani.
- He had promised to protect all communities, but violence suggests otherwise.
Fear Among Minorities
- Syria is 80% Sunni Muslim, while minorities include Alawites, Shias, Christians, and Druze.
- After HTS came to power, minority groups grew fearful of their safety and rights.
- In March, violence erupted in the coastal region, mostly targeting Alawites (the sect of former President Bashar al-Assad).
- Hundreds were killed in days of fighting, carried out by pro-government jihadist militias.
- Four months later, another major attack happened in Sweida, a Druze-majority area.
- It started as a clash between Druze and Bedouin groups, but worsened when HTS sent in security forces, leading to a massacre.
Israel’s Involvement and Political Pressure
- After the Sweida incident, Israel bombed Syrian military sites in Sweida and Damascus.
- Israel claimed to help the Druze, but this is seen as insincere, given its ongoing war in Gaza.
- In the past, Israel targeted Hezbollah and Assad’s army in Syria.
- Now, it fears a strong Syrian military near its borders under HTS rule.
- These external attacks and internal unrest have made Mr. Sharaa’s leadership unstable.
Missed Opportunity for Peace
- Syria had a history of political instability in the 1950s–60s but gained some stability in the 1970s under Baathist rule.
- Over time, Baathist leadership turned into a family dictatorship under Hafez and Bashar al-Assad.
- This led to divisions and civil war in the country.
- Mr. Sharaa had a chance to unite the nation by creating a diverse, fair government for Kurds, Druze, Alawites, and Christians.
- Instead, he chose to build a strict Islamic regime in Damascus, making sectarian tensions worse.
- HTS fighters continue to target minorities, risking Syria’s total collapse.
- If Mr. Sharaa doesn’t act soon to control violence and build unity, Syria could fall into deeper chaos.
Conclusion
Unless HTS leader Ahmed al Sharaa takes urgent action to control violence, restore inclusivity, and protect minority rights, Syria risks falling deeper into chaos. The dream of a pluralistic and unified nation may slip away, replaced by sectarian strife and external interference. The country urgently needs leadership, reform, and national consensus to avoid complete disintegration.