In the aftermath of Bashar al-Assad's removal, the Alawite community, historically aligned with the regime, is feeling the weight of public anger, facing protests and calls for justice in a changing political landscape.
Alawite Community in Syria Faces Uncertainty Amid Calls for Justice
Alawite Community in Syria Faces Uncertainty Amid Calls for Justice
The fall of the Assad regime leaves Syria's Alawite minority grappling with fears and demands for accountability as public sentiment turns against them.
The remnants of a once-mighty dynasty are being challenged in the village of al-Qardaha, the ancestral home of the Assad family. The mausoleum of Hafez al-Assad, former president and patriarch of the family, now bears the marks of public dissent—tarnished by graffiti and disrespectful acts reflecting a simmering rage among Syrians. This once-sacred site, standing solemnly over Latakia province, is now a testament to the anger fueled by decades of repression.
The Alawite minority, which constitutes about 10% of Syria’s population and was integral to the Assad regime, finds itself in a precarious position as the nation seeks accountability for atrocities committed during years of dictatorship. The recent power shift, having removed Bashar al-Assad from authority, has prompted a call for justice, leaving the Alawites with a gnawing apprehension about what the future holds.
Dr. Fidaa Deeb, an Alawite gynecologist, expressed concerns about the desecration of Hafez's mausoleum, emphasizing the need for respect towards the deceased and the trauma extending into the reflections of his community. As resentment surges, many within the Alawite sect worry about being scapegoated due to their historical association with the regime, igniting fears of potential reprisals.
The atmosphere in al-Qardaha mirrors a broader national sentiment, where calls for accountability clash with the fear of retribution against the Alawite population, who enjoyed power under the Assads. While some seek to express their freedom through protest, others urge for a more cautious approach to rebuilding a shattered society. The evolution of Syria's political landscape remains uncertain, encapsulating both the quest for newfound justice and the struggle of a minority facing an undefined future amidst rising tensions.
