Syria’s Sectarian Tensions Persist After Assad’s Ouster
Syria struggles with ongoing sectarian tensions after Bashar al-Assad’s ousting. The new leaders face violence as they strive to balance minority reassurance and jihadist appeasement. Economic sanctions hinder recovery, complicating efforts to stabilize the region.
In the wake of Bashar al-Assad’s ousting, Syria is still grappling with sectarian tensions. The new rulers struggle to balance the need to reassure minority communities while appeasing their jihadist supporters. Ongoing violence highlights the challenges they face in establishing stability.
Recent violence underscores these struggles. On February 26, security forces in Latakia engaged in shootouts, resulting in four fatalities, including a former army officer protected under an amnesty. In Qardaha, the former president’s hometown, locals protested police actions, leading to further escalation.
On subsequent days, clashes erupted across coastal cities as supporters of the new, Sunni Islamist government confronted Alawite communities. Tensions escalated further in Jaramana, near Damascus, where Druze locals clashed with government forces attempting to dismantle barricades they had erected.
Despite these upheavals, Syria’s economy remains in dire straits, exacerbated by ongoing sanctions. Economic recovery is unlikely without their removal. The broader implications of leadership changes and policy shifts continue to reverberate through the region as local governments attempt to maintain order amidst deep-seated divisions.
In summary, although Bashar al-Assad has been removed from power, sectarian strife persists in Syria, presenting significant challenges to the new ruling authorities. The recent surge in violence indicates that healing the nation’s deep divisions will be a complex and protracted process. Moreover, the economic conditions further complicate the situation, as recovery remains contingent on lifting sanctions.
Original Source: www.economist.com
