Syria’s New Regime Faces Persistent Sectarian Tensions and Economic Struggles
Syria has removed Bashar al-Assad, yet sectarian tensions persist, as evidenced by ongoing violence amid efforts by the new government to balance minority reassurance with jihadist appeasement. The economy suffers from sanctions, complicating the situation further.
Following the ousting of Bashar al-Assad, Syria continues to grapple with sectarian tensions. The new leadership appears conflicted, striving to reassure minorities while also catering to their jihadist constituents. Recent violent events serve as a stark illustration of this struggle.
On February 26th, four individuals were killed in Latakia, including an army officer from the overthrown regime, despite a promised amnesty. The following day, violence erupted in Qardaha, the hometown of Bashar al-Assad, when local residents attacked a police station after a political checkpoint resulted in the shooting of a protestor. Such incidents indicate ongoing unrest as the new Sunni Islamist government faces backlash from Assad’s Alawite supporters.
Following this, clashes ensued across three coastal cities as supporters of the new regime entered Alawite neighborhoods wielding machetes and al-Qaeda flags. Further violence erupted two days later in Jaramana, a suburb of Damascus, when government forces attempted to dismantle barricades established by the local Druze community, demonstrating the persistently volatile situation in Syria.
In addition to the sectarian strife, Syria’s economy remains severely impacted by sanctions, showing no signs of improvement until these restrictions are lifted. This economic hardship continues to exacerbate the existing tensions within the nation, complicating the path toward stability.
Other international issues, such as Donald Trump’s foreign policy strategies and America’s military readiness, alongside growing concerns regarding online scams, suggest a broader landscape of conflict and challenge that extends beyond Syria.
In conclusion, while the removal of Bashar al-Assad marked a significant change in Syria’s political landscape, it has not alleviated the deep-rooted sectarian tensions within the country. The ongoing violence and the fragile economic situation underline the complexities faced by the new regime, amidst pressures from varying sectarian factions and external sanctions. A path toward stability remains uncertain.
Original Source: www.economist.com
