Post-Alawite Syria

Assad's regime collapses; Syria's future depends on peace, unity, and protecting minorities.

President Bashar Al-Assad's regime collapsed like a house of cards. The House of Alawite that ruled Syria for more than 50 years could not put up a fight even for a single day as militias thronged at the door of Damascus. Ironically, the unscrupulous elements of yesteryears and terror outfits are now well-entrenched in the capital and around, as the West and the Arab states contemplate a new order in utter confusion.

Prime Minister Ghazi Al-Jalali has exhibited statesmanship by stating the obvious – that he is ready for a peaceful transfer of power, and the way to go for the beleaguered nation is ballot and not bullet. The fact that the regular army has taken a backseat and is not making any effort to buckle up a fallen order is a blessing in disguise. Likewise, Hayat Tahrir Al-Sham's nod to retain the lame duck leader at the helm until a complete transition bodes well for a country that has been in civil strife since 2017.

The least that is desired is to prevent bloodshed and stop Syria from plunging into an endless cycle of violence, and even disintegration. A repeat of Libya and Iraq would be suicidal and open floodgates of sectarian killings. Thus, there is concern in all the capitals of the region as to what the future holds for Syria and its people. It necessitates the non-state actors calling the shots in Damascus to reach an accord with the Kurds and other minorities for forming an inclusive government, and not to exhibit arrogance as the Taliban did after Kabul's takeover in 2021.

Protecting the minorities, especially the Shia and Alvi communities, is a critical task, and it is soothing to learn from the HTS leadership that they would respect sectarian freedom. The new regime should also be cognisant of Syria's territorial integrity and ensure that there isn't any further encroachment from Israel. The rolling of Jewish tanks inside Syria hours after Assad fled must be repulsed. Realpolitik dimensions hint at Syria becoming a prey to major powers scrambling – something that needs to desisted from by ushering in serenity and order.