Why this Syrian city now has a night-time curfew | DW News

Key Concepts

• Alawite Community: A religious minority in Syria, constituting approximately the second largest community in the country (around 3 million people).
• Transition Period: The state of Syria following the ousting of Bashar al-Assad, marked by instability and ongoing conflict.
• Intercommunal Conflict: Specifically, tensions and violence between Sunni and Alawite communities.
• State Capacity: The ability of the Syrian government to provide security and services to all communities.
• Narrative Building: The importance of reshaping public perception regarding the Alawite community’s role in past conflicts.
• Economic Support: The necessity of providing economic opportunities to the Alawite community, particularly those displaced from security forces.

The Situation in Post-Assad Syria: Focus on the Alawite Community

This discussion centers on the ongoing instability in Syria over a year after the fall of Bashar al-Assad, with a specific focus on the precarious situation of the Alawite community and recent unrest in the coastal province of Latakia. Authorities have arrested 21 individuals allegedly linked to the former regime following attacks targeting Alawite neighborhoods, prompting a nighttime curfew in Latakia city.

Protests, Curfew, and the Vulnerability of the Alawite Community

The protests and curfew in Latakia highlight the challenging nature of the transition in Syria, a country ravaged by 14 years of civil war, corruption, and massacres under Assad’s rule. Zidun Alzubi, a governance and peacebuilding expert, emphasizes that despite the difficulties, acknowledging the vulnerability of the Alawite community is crucial. He notes a surge in atrocities – killings, kidnappings – targeting the Alawite population. Alzubi asserts that the Alawite community is currently facing the most dangerous situation of any minority group in Syria.

Lack of Support for the Alawite Community

A key argument presented is the Alawite community’s unique lack of support systems. Unlike other minorities, such as the Jewish community in the south, they lack:

• Regional Power Support: No external regional actors actively championing their interests.
• Social Representation: Assad actively suppressed the development of Alawite leadership and representation to prevent any independent power base.
• Strong Diaspora: A limited and economically weak diaspora community capable of providing substantial support.

This leaves the Alawite community almost entirely reliant on the state for protection, a state that is still adjusting to its new role and struggling to provide adequate security. Alzubi warns that failure to support the Alawite community could destabilize the entire country. As he states, “If we do not support the Alawite community, then the entire country might destabilize.”

Demographic Context and Historical Misperceptions

Alzubi clarifies the size and distribution of the Alawite community, estimating a population of approximately 3 million people concentrated in coastal areas (Latakia, Tartus, Homs), and Damascus. He addresses a prevalent “false perception” that the Alawite community directly committed atrocities against Sunni communities. He argues that Assad exploited the Alawite community, utilizing them within the security forces to carry out his actions. Because the majority of leadership in the security forces were Alawite, the blame has been wrongly attributed to the community itself.

Strategies for De-escalation and Stabilization

Alzubi proposes a two-pronged approach to reduce tensions and stabilize the situation:

1. Narrative Building: A comprehensive media campaign is needed to correct the public perception and explain that Assad, not the Alawite community, was responsible for past atrocities. This campaign should emphasize that the Alawite community was exploited and used as a “shield” by the former regime.
2. Economic Support: The dissolution of the army and security forces has left a large number of Alawites jobless (hundreds of thousands). Providing economic support to the Alawite community, alongside broader support for Syrian civil society and the government, is essential for stabilization. Focusing on economic opportunities in coastal areas is particularly important.

Logical Connections and Overall Assessment

The discussion logically progresses from the immediate situation in Latakia to a broader analysis of the Alawite community’s vulnerabilities and the historical context contributing to current tensions. The argument consistently emphasizes the need to address the root causes of resentment and provide tangible support to the Alawite community to prevent further destabilization. The expert’s insights highlight the complex interplay between political, social, and economic factors in post-Assad Syria.

Conclusion

The interview underscores the fragility of the transition in Syria and the critical importance of addressing the specific needs and vulnerabilities of the Alawite community. Successfully navigating this period requires not only security measures but also a concerted effort to reshape public narratives, provide economic opportunities, and build a more inclusive and stable future for all Syrians. The expert’s warning that neglecting the Alawite community could lead to broader national destabilization serves as a stark reminder of the interconnectedness of Syria’s various communities.