Syrian minority community adapts to unexpected power shift in Damascus
After two-decade rule ends in Syria members of Assadʼs religious group face uncertain future. Local communities set-up self-protection while rebels show unexpected restraint in captured areas
In dec 2024‚ Bashar al-Assadʼs power ended leaving his Alawite community puzzled by the quick downfall; many wonder how it happened after years of supporting his leadership
The situation in Assadʼs hometown Qardaha (where his fathers tomb stands) shows big changes - from being a place of endless military funerals to current uncertainty. An Alawite named Mohsen points out a strange fact: “the army didnt even call-up extra fighters from our area‚ they just left their posts“
Local people near the coast made their own check-points to watch who comes in and out of villages. In Latakia and Tartous cities people took down statues of Hafez al-Assad who led Syria from 71 till 00; protesters stayed calm and non-violent
The take-over in Homs city brought unexpected peace: rebels didnt destroy government buildings‚ and Alawites in Zahraa district felt safe enough to make a public statement. They wrote that theyd stay home and asked rebels to keep being fair to minorities (which made many feel better about whats happening)
- Alawites are about 10% of Syrian people
- Sunni Muslims make up 70%
- Other groups include Christians Kurds and Druze
A local person who didnt want his name used said: “if things stay like this we dont need to worry; its not going the Libya way and maybe what they told us to fear wasnt real.“ Some still worry about foreign fighters but most hope the new government will stop any blood-shed
