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Source: http://www.gatestoneinstitute.org/3394/alawites-syria
The Alawites and the Future of Syria
(Gatestone Institute) Harold Rhode - Many Alawites believed that the Arab-nationalist route of being accepted by the majority-Sunnis was doomed. They feared that whatever they did, the Sunnis would never accept them. For these Alawites, the only solution would be a separate Alawite state, or entity, where they could control their destiny and not be under the dreaded Sunni yoke. The Alawites would be wise to fear that, whatever happens in Syria, the Sunnis will massacre them for having governed Syria and for having killed so many Sunnis during the current war. Assad, therefore, cannot give in. He and the Alawites - whether they support or oppose Assad - are fighting for their very existence. The only way to end this civil war is to let them have control over their destiny - either as an autonomous region in Syria or as an independent entity. Whatever happens, they will insist that they remain well-armed. From 1994 until his recent retirement, the author served in the Pentagon's Office of Net Assessment.