Syria has replaced Bashar al-Assad, but sectarian tensions continue to escalate. Recent violence in several cities highlights the challenges faced by the new government as it struggles to balance minority interests against jihadist pressures. Economic conditions remain dire, further complicating the situation.
Syria recently ousted Bashar al-Assad, yet sectarian strife persists. The new rulers are caught between the need to reassure minority groups and satisfy their jihadist supporters. On February 26, violence erupted in Latakia, Syria’s largest port, leaving four dead, including a former army officer under alleged protection from an amnesty.
In Qardaha, Assad’s ancestral home, unrest followed when locals violently protested against a police checkpoint, resulting in the shooting of a demonstrator. This incident catalyzed clashes across three coastal cities, where supporters of the new Sunni Islamist government confronted neighborhoods populated by Assad’s Alawite sect, waving machetes and al-Qaeda flags.
The situation escalated in Jaramana, a suburb of Damascus, when government forces attempted to remove barricades erected by local Druze, triggering armed confrontations. This ongoing violence indicates that, despite changes in leadership, Syria remains mired in complex sectarian tensions.
The Syrian economy continues to struggle under crippling sanctions, and prospects for recovery hinge on their removal. The economic situation is exacerbated by uncertainties in global diplomacy and security, influencing regional stability. It is evident that while the regime has shifted, the underlying issues remain unresolved, perpetuating a cycle of violence and unrest.
The fall of Bashar al-Assad has not resolved Syria’s deep-rooted sectarian conflicts. Instead, the new government’s attempts to navigate the delicate balance between minority protections and jihadist expectations have led to increased violence and instability. Additionally, the economy remains severely impacted by sanctions, indicating a persistent cycle of challenges that could hinder any potential recovery.
Original Source: www.economist.com
