Syria's Minorities Navigate Uneasy Future Amid Power Shift

Members of minority groups in Syria, particularly the Alawites, Druze, and Christians, are grappling with a complex new reality after the ousting of the Assad regime, balancing hopes for freedom with concerns about potential reprisals and the implications of new governance structures.

Driving through Mezzeh 86, a working-class neighborhood in Damascus predominantly inhabited by members of Bashar al-Assad's Alawite sect, one is greeted by a checkpoint manned by fighters from Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS). This area reveals the ongoing tension: rundown buildings starkly contrast with the community's historical significance, as Alawites have long held power in Syria. However, with the recent upheaval and HTS's rise, fears of reprisals against the Alawite community are palpable.

Many Alawites remain wary of speaking out, eliciting reluctance from those approached for interviews. While some express relief over the regime's fall, there's an overarching sense of caution that permeates the community. "During Assad's regime, the stereotype about the Alawites is that they are wealthy, but most of us struggle," said Mohammad Shaheen, a pharmacy student, emphasizing the disparity that exists within the sect.

Hopes for a new beginning mingle with anxieties over potential reprisals. "While those with dark pasts have vanished, those innocent among us are still here," reflected Thaier Shaheen, a construction worker. Reports of reprisal killings have surfaced in various parts of the country, adding to the uncertainty.

Apart from the Alawite community, Syria's Christians are also feeling the ramifications of the regime's overthrow. "I'm happy the dictatorship is gone, but realistic about the future," remarked Youssef Sabbagh, a Christian lawyer. Despite his joy over regime change, he is concerned about the presence of HTS and what this means for Syria’s diverse religious fabric.

Conversations with community leaders, including the Archbishop of Homs, suggest that HTS has been open to dialogue. Many Christians remain optimistic as local life goes on, with businesses operating as usual. Yet, lingering apprehension looms over their future in a country teetering on the brink of a new chapter.

A journey to Suweida, primarily home to the Druze community, showcases a different aspect of minority sentiment. Historically loyal to the Assad regime, the Druze were catalysts for protests against perceived injustices, sparking a vibrant call for rights and self-determination in recent months. Activist Wajiha al-Hajjar expressed determination: "We are prepared to stay and demand our rights," emphasizing the need for continued advocacy.

The intersection of Syria’s religious diversity and the uncertainty of governance shaped by HTS raises questions about the resilience of its pluralistic society. As minorities reflect on the past while cautiously stepping into the future, the hopes for a more inclusive and secure Syria hang delicately in the balance.