Lebanese MP Haydar Nasr highlights the risk of a humanitarian crisis due to targeted killings of Alawites in Syria, urging for international intervention. Over 10,000 Alawites have fled to Lebanon, exacerbating existing economic and social tensions. He emphasizes the need for military support in Lebanon and regional dialogue to prevent further conflict.
Lebanese MP Haydar Nasr warns of an impending refugee crisis if targeted killings of the Alawite community in Syria persist. He has coordinated with the Lebanese army since September to maintain stability in northern Lebanon. The Alawite population, about 120,000 in Lebanon and millions in Syria, faces significant violence due to ongoing sectarian conflicts, particularly following assaults against them since March 6, leading to thousands fleeing into Lebanon.
The UN has reported attacks primarily targeting Alawites in coastal regions of Syria, indicating a targeted sectarian basis for the violence. These clashes began after Assad’s loyalists attacked the new Syrian government forces. Between early March and mid-March, around 961 people, mostly Alawites, were killed during these conflicts. Nasr articulated the urgent need for international intervention to protect vulnerable Alawite civilians.
Current estimates indicate that 10,000 Alawite refugees may increase drastically if violence continues, risking a severe humanitarian crisis reminiscent of the Syrian civil war. Lebanon, already burdened with millions of Syrian refugees and a struggling economy, could face intensified social tensions, especially in Tripoli, where past sectarian clashes occurred.
Mr. Nasr emphasized the importance of addressing poverty in Tripoli as a foundational issue for rebuilding Lebanon. Without international intervention and community support, escalating tensions among various sects in Tripoli and beyond remain a critical concern. He highlighted the necessity for a robust Lebanese military presence to mitigate potential conflicts and improve regional stability.
He expressed hope that the newly appointed President Joseph Aoun could contribute to rebuilding Lebanon and stabilizing the military situation, resolving political deadlocks, and managing the challenges posed by growing sectarian violence. Furthermore, a UN-led initiative calls for strengthening the Lebanese army to regain control over the border with Israel, and Nasr points out the need to balance power among factions in both Lebanon and Syria.
The regional implications of Syria’s instability are vast, with calls for a comprehensive dialogue aimed at controlling armed groups within both Iraq and Lebanon. Nasr urges discussions on the authority to initiate conflicts and the importance of addressing historical grievances to rebuild a unified future for Lebanon.
Lebanese MP Haydar Nasr underscores the urgent need for international intervention to protect the Alawite community in Syria amidst escalating violence and targeted killings. As refugee numbers grow, both Lebanon and Syria face precarious social and economic challenges. Addressing poverty and strengthening the Lebanese army are critical for regional stability and preventing further sectarian conflicts. A dialogue aimed at reconciling conflicting interests in Lebanon and Iraq is crucial for a peaceful future.
Original Source: www.thenationalnews.com
