Anger of the Syrian Coast Against the Government: A Legitimate Right or Fishing in Troubled Waters?
Residents of the predominately Alawite Syrian coast held protests demanding an end to alleged abuses by the new authorities.
Residents of the Alawite-majority regions along the Syrian coast, particularly in Latakia, have organized protests against the new government, claiming that they are facing violations including killings and abductions. There is a deep sense of betrayal among these communities, as they feel abandoned after disarming and trusting in the new political order. Activists note that their grievances stem not only from current misgovernance but also from the historical context of oppression endured under Bashar al-Assad's regime.
In a televised discussion, Mustafa Rostom, the political office head for the so-called "Western and Central Syria," outlined the protesters' demands, highlighting the need for a constitution that guarantees equal rights for all Syrians, ensuring their security without discrimination. He pointed out that tensions have escalated to a point where pacific resistance has become their only recourse in response to government violence, as the new regime has reportedly turned against the Alawite community despite its previous loyalty to Assad.
Conversely, Syrian activist Mohammad Shazaar Al-Zoubi referred to this segment of the population as the "Assad sect" and criticized their current expressions of discontent as ungrounded, suggesting that past actions of the Alawites in supporting the regime are now coming back to haunt them. This situation illustrates the complexities of the Syrian conflict, where historical allegiances and grievances intertwine with current political realities, raising questions about future governance and community relations in the region.