Syria's New Reality: Extremism, Fear, and the Fight for Survival
In Syria today, life is far from peaceful. The country has undergone a significant transformation, with a new government in power that is not universally welcoming. Minorities, including Christians, Kurds, and Alawites, are living in fear. They recall the previous Assad-led government as strict but fair, asserting that it did not target them based on their beliefs. The new leadership, however, adheres to extreme religious ideologies, viewing those who disagree as enemies of their faith. This environment has enabled groups like al-Qaeda and ISIS to gain traction, using religion to justify violence and control.
Key Figures and Threats
One prominent figure in this new Syria is Abu Mohammad al-Jolani, a former al-Qaeda member who now leads Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS). His fighters control large swathes of the country, enforcing their own laws. However, Jolani's legitimacy is questioned, with some suspecting he may be covertly aiding ISIS. This fuels further anxiety among minorities, who fear escalating ISIS attacks and the group's growing influence.
The Turkish-backed Syrian National Army poses another threat, targeting minorities and perpetrating violent acts. While some attribute recent massacres, such as the one against Alawites, to political motives, minorities insist it is rooted in religious persecution. They believe the new government seeks to eradicate them based on their beliefs.
Christians in Peril
Christians in Syria are particularly alarmed, anticipating a large-scale attack. The only deterrent so far is Jolani's desire to maintain a veneer of legitimacy on the global stage. He understands that attacking Christians would provoke international condemnation. However, violence against other minorities persists. Alawites and Druze have been victims of sectarian killings, driven by the belief that these groups are heretics.
Safety in Rojava
In Rojava, a Kurdish-led region, minorities find relative safety. Kurds protect them and grant equal rights. Christians in Rojava have their own militias and armed guards, feeling safer than in other parts of Syria. The economic situation in Syria remains dire, with high unemployment and inflation exacerbating hardships. President Trump has lifted some sanctions, hoping to stimulate the economy and reduce violence through foreign investment.
Alawites and the U.S. Role
Alawites are concerned about their future, seeking U.S. assistance to secure autonomy or relocate to safer areas. Christians in Rojava share similar fears, recalling the Alawite massacre where victims were defenseless. This is why they maintain their weapons in Rojava. The Druze, who are armed, suffered fewer losses in recent attacks. Kurds feel betrayed by the U.S. after meeting with the new Syrian leader, fearing another abandonment akin to the 2019 troop withdrawal from Kurdish areas.
