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Assad Draws Shock Troops From Elite Sect in Syria
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The Alawite sect in Syria, a sect of Islam different from Sunnis and Shiites, consitutes only 12.5% of the 22.5 million population of Syria. Alawites live mostly in the mountainous coastal region near the Mediterranean. Under the French the Alawites who are open to foreign influences and western education, were used as a buffer against the majority Sunni population, with many Alawites joining the government and army. One of the Alawite military officers, Hafez Assad, took over Syria in 1971.
The role of the Alawite sect in Syria under the French and under Hafez Assad since 1971
08/28/2012
The Alawite sect practices Islam in away that is different from Sunnis and Shiites. It is open to foreign influences and not a strict form of Islam. Alawites live in the coastal mountainous region of Syria. The French used the Alawites as a buffer against the large Sunni population of Syria. Alawites are about 12.5% in a country of 22.5 million. Many Alawites joined the army and government under the French. In 1971 an Alawite army officer, Hafez Asssad, took over the government in Syria. He used violent tactics to suppress opposition during his rule, not hesitating to gun down civilian populations. His son is the current president in 2012, and the same tactics against democracy protests have aroused international condemnation. Saudi Arabia and other Arab states have come out in support of Sunnis in Syria who lead the protests. Turkey with its long border with Syria is supporting the democracy protests and offers a haven for refugees from Syria. The U.S. Britain and Syria warn of military intervention if Syria's chemical weapons are moved and threaten safety.
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A brief history shows the Alawite community constitutes about 13% of the population in Syria and live mainly in the coastal region near the Mediterranean. Under the French Alawites generally supported the colonial regime and the community was used by the French colonial regime to act as a buffer as they ruled a predominantly Sunni population. The Alawites joined the military and Hafez Assad, an Alawite general, seized control in 1971. His son now rules Syria. The Obama administration has largely missed the struggle of the people for freedom from dictatorships in Syria and Egypt under Mubarak.. With Turkey and Egypt supporting the young people in Syria, the U.S. investment is minor in military and other support compared to the cost of letting the war continue with unintended consequences for the entire region.
Linked Articles
New York Times 11/13/2012
Assad Draws Shock Troops From Elite Sect in Syria
Wall Street Journal 08/28/2012
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