Driving into Mezzeh 86, a working-class neighborhood in western Damascus, one encounters checkpoints managed by fighters from Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS). The area, with its crumbling buildings, is home to members of the Alawite sect—a minority group that has historically held power under the Assad family’s rule.
For 50 years, Alawites, an offshoot of Shia Islam, dominated Syria’s political, military, and intelligence sectors. However, with the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad’s regime by Sunni Islamist rebels led by HTS, the community now faces fears of retribution.
Many Alawites, initially reluctant to speak due to safety concerns, expressed feelings of disillusionment with Assad’s regime. “The stereotype was that Alawites were wealthy and powerful under Assad, but the reality is most are poor,” said Mohammad Shaheen, a 26-year-old pharmacy student. Others, like shopkeeper Hasan Dawood, criticized the regime’s exploitation of their community, referring to Alawites as “slaves” for the Assad family.
There is also a palpable sense of betrayal. “Bashar fled without addressing the people, leaving chaos behind,” Mohammad added.
While some fear reprisals for their association with Assad’s security apparatus, many Alawites believe those who committed atrocities have already fled. “Those without blood on their hands have stayed and are not afraid,” said construction worker Thaier Shaheen.
HTS Promises Justice and Inclusion
HTS has stated that individuals guilty of torture and killings under the Assad regime will be held accountable. The group also vowed to protect the rights and freedoms of Syria’s religious and ethnic minorities.
Despite its jihadist origins, HTS claims to have distanced itself from its extremist past. However, questions remain about how its Islamist present will shape Syria’s diverse society.
“I’m happy the Assad regime is gone—it’s a dream come true. But I’m realistic and concerned,” said Youssef Sabbagh, a Christian lawyer. “I pray HTS will act as a modern Islamic militia, not create another Afghanistan or Libya.”
Syria’s Christian community, one of the oldest in the world, has witnessed cautious optimism. Archbishop Jacques Murad of Homs confirmed open dialogues with HTS, and reassuring signs include the continued operation of bars and restaurants serving alcohol in Damascus’s Christian quarter.
Druze Population Embraces Change
South of Damascus, in the city of Suweida, Syria’s Druze population has experienced its own journey through the regime change. Once loyal to Assad for protection, the Druze increasingly opposed his rule. Protests, which began in 2023, culminated in celebrations following the regime’s collapse.
Activist Wajiha al-Hajjar recounted how Assad’s regime suppressed dissent in Suweida through bureaucratic means rather than violence. “They imposed a kind of siege, restricting our civil rights and mobility,” she explained.
Today, Suweida’s central square remains a symbol of resistance and resilience. “We celebrate the fall of the regime, but we are also prepared to demand equality if new leadership imposes extreme laws,” Wajiha said.
A Complex Road Ahead
Syria’s minorities, from Alawites to Christians and Druze, are navigating a delicate transition. HTS has taken steps to assure inclusion, but fears linger about the future.
As lawyer Ouday al-Khayat, a Shia Muslim, observed: “Syrian society has been diverse for a long time, but we must wait and watch. The signs from HTS are promising, but challenges remain.”
The path to rebuilding Syria’s pluralistic society is fraught with uncertainty, but its people remain hopeful for a future free from dictatorship and division.
