Syria has transitioned from Bashar al-Assad’s regime, yet sectarian tensions persist. Violence has erupted following policies by the new Sunni Islamist government, illustrating the fragility of the current situation. The economy remains crippled by sanctions, posing further challenges to recovery and stability.
Syria has recently transitioned from the regime of Bashar al-Assad, yet the underlying sectarian tensions remain unresolved. The new governing authorities appear to be caught in a complex situation, straddling the need to reassure minority groups while simultaneously addressing the expectations of their jihadist affiliates.
On February 26, violence erupted in Latakia when security forces killed four individuals, including an army officer who was meant to be protected by an amnesty. Following this, disturbances occurred in Qardaha, the birthplace of the former president, when locals reacted violently to the establishment of police checkpoints after a protest culminated in the shooting of a demonstrator. On the same day, unrest sparked in three coastal cities, where supporters of the newly appointed Sunni Islamist government paraded through predominantly Alawite neighborhoods, displaying machetes and al-Qaeda flags.
Subsequently, on February 28, armed clashes occurred in Jaramana, a Damascus suburb, following government attempts to remove barricades erected by the Druze community, further illustrating the fragility and volatility of the current situation.
Despite the regime change, Syria’s economy continues to suffer significantly due to enduring sanctions, making recovery unlikely without their repeal. The ongoing instability and immediate threat of violence exacerbate the dire economic circumstances faced by the nation, thus highlighting the urgent need for comprehensive solutions to both security and economic challenges.
In conclusion, while Syria has moved beyond the regime of Bashar al-Assad, the persistent sectarian discord and rising violence indicate that significant challenges remain. The current authorities are grappling with the delicate balance of satisfying both minority groups and their jihadist support base, all while confronting a crippling economy exacerbated by sanctions. To ensure long-term stability, a multifaceted approach addressing both sectarian tensions and economic improvement is essential.
Original Source: www.economist.com
