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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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With the World Watching, Syria Amassed Nerve Gas
New York Times 09.07.2013
President Makes a Tough Pitch to Weary Nation
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Elite Syrian Unit Scatters Chemical Arms Stockpile
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Want to Defeat ISIS? Help the Syrian Opposition
Wall Street Journal 08.14.2014
Would New Borders Mean Less Conflict in the Middle East?
Wall Street Journal 04.12.2015
Assad Draws Shock Troops From Elite Sect in Syria
Wall Street Journal 08.28.2012
Syrian Rebels Get Arms From a Diverse Network of Sources
New York Times 08.28.2012
Sunni Leaders Gaining Clout in Mideast
New York Times 11.27.2012
Syrian Resort Town Is Stronghold for Alawites
New York Times 12.22.2012
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