Wednesday 26 November 2014
Syria today is in state of ruins and
anarchy. The crisis started in March 2011 when demonstration against
dictatorship turned into an armed conflict. The protest was part of a movement
called ‘Arab Spring ‘.Syrians rose against Assad’s dictatorial regime demanding
for democracy. Fundamentalist group such as Muslim Brotherhood seized this
opportunity to make Syria an Islamic state which they were trying to do since
independence of Syria. Involvement of fundamentalists outfit gave sectarian
colour to the revolt, overshadowing its political motives. The present
situation of Syria has its roots deeply embedded in its past. Sunnis form major
part of Syrian population, they account for 74% while Alawites and Christians
forms 12% and 10% respectively. Alawites are an offshoot of Shia sect of
Muslims. They share a long history of persecution by Sunnis. Their persecution dates back to Ottoman Empire
when they were forced to convert to Sunni. Sunni and Alawites have long history
of enmity which even today shape the events of Syria. The great hero of Syria
during times of crusade Saladin persecuted Shia and mitigated their influence.
Alawites being in small numbers were an easy target. The most famous incident of
alawite persecution happened in Tripoli when a Sunni Muslim cleric issued an
edict condemning sects that were heretic. He singled out Alawites and even
claimed that they were more heretic than Christians. This led to widespread slaughter
and killings of Alawites. It is estimated that more than 20000 Alawites were
killed. They were denied rights in society and were forced to live on mountains
for years and Alawites of Syria were no exception. When French colonised Syria
they exploited rift between Sunni and Alawites. They gave political powers to
Alawites to check Sunni nationalists. Alawites on getting social and political power
became loyal to French. When French left Syria, there was a struggle of power.
Post-independence politics was dominated by Sunnis. Many Sunni organizations
wanted Syria to be an Islamic state. Many resented, aqmong them was a young
Alawite Hafez –al –Assad. He wanted Syria to be a secular state. He seized
power through a military coup in 1970. From a poor Alawite of Syria he became ruler
of it. He established Syria as a secular state, safeguarding rights of minority.
But he ruled like a dictator making Syria a police state. Muslim Brotherhood
can’t digest an alawite whom they consider heretic ruling country with 70%
Sunni. They were against secularism which was embedded in Assad’s regime. They
resorted to same tactics as used by Muslim terrorists today. They launched a
terror campaign which lasted 6 years from late 70’s to early 80’s.There was
widespread bombings, assassinations, executions killing politicians, civilians
and intellectuals. A bomb blast in Damascus killed Alawite military cadets and
Assad also survived an assassination attempt. Now Assad retaliated with full
force and brutality. Widespread executions and arrests were carried out. The
ancient city of Hama a stronghold of Muslim Brotherhood was dealt with stiff
hand. The raid in Hama carried out in February 1982 led to killing of all
insurgents and many civilian. Total casualties amounted to more than 10000. Muslim
Brotherhood was battered to the core. Now in present situation they want
achieve objectives which was left unachieved during reign of Hafez –al-Assad
.They joined hands with Al-Nusra front a franchise of Al-quaida in Syria. The
support for both rebels and government are motivated by sectarian interest.
Hezbollah and Iran are supporting Assad while Al-Quaida and Arab countries are
supporting rebels. Protesters demanding democracy are torn between this
sectarian conflict. Fundamentalist forces are in total command of rebel
leadership. Syria may not be good under Assad dictatorial regime but it will
never be better under reign of fundamentalists. Syria must take lessons from
history of Afghanistan and mitigate rising influence of fundamentalist forces.
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