From Our Own Correspondent Syria’s sectarian faultlines
Jul 26, 2025
Jon Donnison, a BBC correspondent in Syria, provides a gripping look at the recent sectarian violence in Suweida, highlighting the struggles of the Druze community and the government's attempts to enforce peace. He notes the plight of Alawite Syrians fleeing to Lebanon, seeking safety and identity. Meanwhile, Robin Markwell takes us to Chukicamata, a ghost town in Chile, where former residents gather annually despite severe pollution, reflecting on the lasting impact of mining on their community.
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Complicated Sectarian Violence in Syria
- Syria's sectarian violence involves Druze and Bedouin communities, fueled by historic tensions and a fractured government.
- The Assad regime's fall unleashed localized conflicts, despite promises of unity by the new leadership.
Hospital Massacre and Child Victim in Suweida
- At Suweida hospital, hundreds of bodies lay in plastic bags from violent clashes; many victims were patients shot in their beds.
- Little Hala, an eight-year-old girl, was shot in the face and lost both parents amid the violence.
Alawite Youth Redefining Identity in Lebanon
- Young Alawites in Tripoli flee sectarian attacks and seek to redefine their identity beyond Assad's regime.
- They face suspicion and lack support, while suffering ongoing violence and displacement.