Sunni Populism Rises, Challenging Unity in Post-Assad Syria

Recent protests in Syria reveal a deepening crisis as sectarian tensions escalate, threatening hopes for national unity. Activists, including **Zain**, faced violence during a sit-in outside the parliament in **Damascus** last month, protesting against sectarian violence in **Sweida**. The demonstration turned hostile when young men attacked the group, accusing them of siding with “traitors” from the Druze community, which has been embroiled in conflicts with Sunni Bedouin tribes and government forces.

Zain described the scene, stating, “They kept yelling . . . [we are] ‘Sunnis, Sunnis’,” as the attackers tore down protest signs that demanded an end to violence among Syrians. This incident marks a stark shift from the early optimism that greeted **Ahmed al-Sharaa**, the new Sunni leader, when he ousted **Bashar al-Assad**. Many initially celebrated the potential for rebuilding the war-torn nation, despite concerns about Sharaa’s Islamist ideology.

Escalating Sectarian Divides

As the national mood shifts, many Syrians are questioning whether Sharaa will foster a spirit of unity or deepen sectarian strife. Approximately two-thirds of Syria’s **25 million** residents are Sunni Muslims, a demographic that has experienced both empowerment and anxiety in the wake of the regime change. The **Druze** and **Christian** minorities, who have historically been marginalized, now find themselves feeling increasingly vulnerable amidst rising Sunni populism.

Political analyst **Malik al-Abdeh** notes that Sharaa’s leadership has fostered a growing sense of Sunni nationalism, which he suggests serves to placate his support base. “It gives Sharaa’s Islamist project a more nationalist bent and endears him to the streets, who have long awaited Sunni rule,” he explained. This shift is worrying for those in minority communities, who fear they are being relegated to a subordinate status under Sunni governance.

The violence in Sweida, which has claimed hundreds of lives, reflects a broader pattern of sectarian violence that has marred Syria since the onset of civil war in **2011**. Reports indicate that government forces may have participated in reprisal killings against the Druze community, further inflaming existing tensions. Meanwhile, **Israel** has conducted strikes against Sharaa’s security forces, purportedly to protect minority groups, which complicates the already fraught situation.

The Struggle for Control and Unity

The recent violence has left many citizens disillusioned. **Abdallah Omar**, a **24-year-old** university student, expressed his frustration, saying, “I have been a fan of Sharaa’s, but that video broke my faith in him a bit.” This reference highlights the graphic depiction of violence that has circulated widely, showcasing the brutal reality many Syrians face.

Despite these challenges, Sharaa’s government is attempting to regain public trust. He has condemned the violence and announced an investigation, similar to one following earlier massacres. Parliamentary elections are also slated for **September**, with plans to include representation for regions not currently under government control, including Sweida.

Yet, ongoing violence, such as clashes with Kurdish-led forces, continues to undermine these efforts. For many, including **Hossam**, a **52-year-old** Druze teacher, the prospect of cooperation with Sharaa’s government feels untenable: “If we deal with them, it means we will sign our death warrants.”

As Syria navigates this precarious moment in its history, the rise of Sunni populism poses significant challenges to the country’s fragile peace and unity. The struggle for governance, representation, and coexistence remains a complex and urgent issue, with the potential to reshape the nation’s future.