Judging Freedom Kevork Almassian: International Implications of Assad’s Fall
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Jan 23, 2025 Kevork Almassian, an expert on Syrian affairs, dives deep into the international ramifications of Assad's potential fall and the rise of HTS. He reveals the stark contrasts in life under HTS rule, shedding light on media biases concerning sectarian violence. Almassian discusses Turkey's role as a possible ally for Alawites and the complexities of U.S. foreign policy, including sanctions and Kurdish autonomy. He also highlights the historical and present-day challenges faced by Syria's Jewish community amid ongoing conflict.
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Sectarian Violence in Syria
- Damascus and Aleppo are relatively stable, while rural areas and cities like Homs, Hama, and Latakia experience sectarian violence.
- Alawites face the most severe persecution, including summary executions, while Christians experience political persecution.
HTS Summary Executions
- HTS death squads conduct summary executions in the streets, sometimes involving children in documenting the crimes.
- There's a backlash against recording these crimes, as HTS tries to rebrand itself and persuade the West to lift sanctions.
HTS and Religious Killings
- Perpetrators belong to HTS, an umbrella group with multinational militants.
- Killings are based on religious and sectarian affiliation, not political views.