Syrias Alawites

With the establishment of the modern Syrian state in the mid-20th century, the Alawite community seized the political moment. The ascent of Hafez al-Assad in 1970 marked a pivotal juncture in their political landscape. The Assad regime, led by an Alawite, not only carved out a space for Alawite governance but also entrenched their sociopolitical identity in opposition to Sunni-majority governance. This shift facilitated a unique form of state-sponsored sectarianism, wherein the state apparatus was harnessed to bolster Alawite identity, resonating with the community’s historical narrative of survival amid external antagonism.

The entwined relationship between the Alawite community and the Assad regime is multifaceted, displaying elements of both coalition and compulsion. On one hand, the regime’s policies often privileged Alawites in military and governmental roles, fostering a sense of loyalty among community members. On the other hand, the regime’s survival strategy—which involved the marginalization of Sunni groups—exacerbated societal rifts. As tensions escalated during the Arab Spring, the Alawite community found itself ensconced in a precarious position, balancing the imperatives of loyalty to the regime with the rising tide of sectarian strife.

The recent civil war in Syria has further complicated the Alawite identity. As the conflict became increasingly sectarian, Alawites were often depicted reductively as ardent loyalists of the Assad regime. This caricature neglects the diversity of sentiments within the community. While many have supported the regime for reasons of survival and security, there are also voices that question the trajectory of Alawite participation in the conflict. This internal discourse is crucial to understanding the evolving identity of the Alawite community and its potential for change post-conflict.