Syria’s Minorities Seek Security as the Country Faces a New Future
In the western neighborhood of Mezzeh 86 in Damascus, Syria, Alawite residents, a minority sect of Shia Islam, now face an uncertain future following the collapse of the Assad regime. The once-powerful Alawite community, long entrenched in the upper echelons of Syria's government, military, and intelligence services, is now grappling with fears of reprisals after the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad by rebel groups, including Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS).
HTS, a Sunni Islamist group that was once affiliated with al-Qaeda, now holds sway in much of the area. Many Alawites in Mezzeh 86 are fearful of being held accountable for their involvement in the regime’s violent actions. Despite this fear, residents of the neighborhood, who have long been associated with Assad’s government, are trying to distance themselves from the regime and its legacy.
Mohammad Shaheen, a pharmacy student, explained that while many Alawites are often stereotyped as wealthy due to their association with the regime, the reality is that most are poor. “Only the Assad family amassed wealth,” he said, referring to the Alawite heartland along the Syrian coast. For many in the community, Assad’s betrayal by fleeing without explanation has left them feeling abandoned and uncertain about the future.
The situation is particularly tense for those who served in Assad’s brutal security forces. Thaier Shaheen, a local construction worker, pointed out that those who were involved in the regime’s most violent actions have fled to avoid revenge, leaving many innocent Alawites behind in fear of retaliation. However, Shaheen assured that those who had not committed atrocities are staying in the hope that HTS will honor their safety.
Though the region has not yet witnessed widespread reprisals, there are reports of isolated killings. But, as Mohammad noted, much of the fear stems from people pretending to represent HTS while making threats. Many in the Alawite community are worried about what the future holds and what form HTS’s justice might take.
For religious and ethnic minorities in Syria, the fear extends beyond the Alawite community. Christians, who form one of the oldest Christian communities in the world, are also watching closely as HTS consolidates power. Youssef Sabbagh, a Christian lawyer, expressed cautious optimism about the fall of the Assad regime but voiced concerns about the rise of an Islamic militia like HTS. He emphasized, “We don’t want Syria to become another Afghanistan, another Libya.”
The Archbishop of Homs, Jacques Murad, shared a more hopeful outlook, noting that meetings with HTS representatives had been constructive and allowed for open discussions. In the Christian quarter of Old Damascus, businesses are still operating normally, with bars serving alcohol and Christmas decorations visible on the streets. This indicates a level of tolerance that some hope will continue under HTS rule.
Shia Muslims in the region, including lawyer Ouday al-Khayat, share similar apprehensions. While acknowledging that HTS’s signals are positive so far, he stressed the need for vigilance. There is widespread concern among Syria's minorities about the future direction of the country, and the potential for a shift toward a more sectarian society, similar to other countries in the region. Yet, many hold on to the belief that Syria's long history of religious and cultural diversity may offer hope for a more inclusive future.
As Syria moves forward after the fall of the Assad regime, its minorities continue to navigate the challenges of a rapidly changing landscape, seeking security and the preservation of their rights in an uncertain future.