The article examines the situation in Syria after the overthrow
of President B. Assad and the coming to power of new forces led by the pro-
Islamic State leader Al-Julani Al-Sharaa.
The ideological origins of the coalition of forces that came under the
auspices of the Hayat Tahrir Al-Sham* organization, known in the past for its ties
with Al-Qaeda*, are revealed. Steps and statements of new leaders to establish their
own order, seek recognition in the region and the world community are
highlighted.
The author considers the situation in Syria through the prism of the
diversity of the confessional-ethnic composition of its population. They are
trying to use this diversity in the narrow-minded interests of adherents of
political Islam.
The new rulers of the country formally present themselves in favor of the
equality of all national-ethnic components of society. But at the same time, the
ruling circles cannot ignore the pressure of jihadists – their mass support, who
consider minorities, especially Alawites “apostates.” This is the breeding ground
for all sorts of excesses on the part of radical militants after December 6, 2024.
The article highlights events related to the wave of violence that swept
the coastal zone of Syria in early March 2025. Its victims were mainly people
from the Alawite community.
The author concludes that the situation in the country remains unclear
and fraught with the most unexpected turns.
* Banned in Russia.
Syria; Assad; regime; Julani; Al-Sharaa; 2024 coup; terrorist attack; jihadists; ISIS*; political Islam; Alawites; Kurds; violence; victims; reaction; assessments; Arabs.