By John Q. Hosedrinker 
The Alawite casualties included a significant number of civilians, outweighing the number of fighters, according to reports from activists. This underscores the devastating impact of the conflict on the civilian population. The situation highlights the urgent need for a peaceful resolution. Further details regarding the casualties were not provided by Defense Minister Israel Katz.
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Hundreds of Alawite civilians have been executed in Syria, a horrific event confirmed by devastating online videos depicting the brutal killings of even the elderly and children. This underscores the brutal reality of jihadism, irrespective of the specific group—be it Hamas, ISIS, or Boko Haram—demonstrating a consistent pattern of terrorizing communities and rejecting peaceful coexistence with those who don’t adhere to their strict interpretation of Islamist fundamentalism. The sheer brutality is sickening, and the world desperately needs to be free of such violence.
The reports indicate that while women were spared in these attacks, the aftermath is equally disturbing. Where is the global outcry from Muslims condemning these actions? The absence of widespread demonstrations in world capitals is striking, particularly considering the historical context. Slogans like “Christians to Lebanon, Alawites to the wall” have been circulating for years, highlighting the long-simmering tensions and predicting the potential for such violence.
The situation has led to Alawite civilians seeking help from Israel, a development that’s not entirely unprecedented. Druze and Kurds have also previously reached out for assistance, indicating a shift in perspective among some Syrians who now see Islamic extremists and remnants of the Assad regime as their primary enemies. This renewed perspective bolsters Israel’s stance on its security buffer zone and Mt. Hermon, emphasizing the need for strong border defenses against the new extremist regime. In retrospect, the creation of that buffer zone, despite earlier criticism, seems increasingly justified in light of this massacre.
The lack of widespread media outrage is perplexing. This event represents ethnic cleansing, contradicting promises of a different future. While some argue that this conflict is merely one faction of radical Islamists purging another, the sheer scale of civilian casualties is undeniable. It’s crucial to note that some government units have been arrested for involvement in these massacres, indicating that Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) didn’t sanction these attacks directly. Furthermore, the units involved appear to be from the less disciplined Syrian National Army (SNA), with HTS deploying its own forces to protect civilians. The situation remains complex, highlighting the need for clear reporting, especially given Al Jazeera’s apparent silencing of this genocide. The double standard in media coverage is shockingly apparent when contrasted with the intense focus on other conflicts.
It’s vital to consider all angles of the conflict. Some reports suggest that the violence escalated after Assad loyalists attacked Sunni civilians and security forces, killing over a hundred people and chanting sectarian slogans. While the subsequent civilian deaths are horrific, supporting the perpetrators is illogical, especially given that they had been granted amnesty but then committed acts of violence. Those who celebrate these attacks display hypocrisy, as they previously remained silent about Assad and Iran’s killing of hundreds of thousands.
The international community’s response is equally concerning. The UN and the Arab League’s silence in the face of this ethnic cleansing points to a disturbing double standard. Calls for intervention highlight the desperation of the affected populations. This situation is horrific, revealing the flawed assumption that a former Al-Qaeda general’s leadership would result in peaceful governance. The hope for a fairer future under the new government has evaporated, revealing the bitter reality of the ongoing conflict.
While some attempt to justify the violence by citing the Alawites’ role in past atrocities, the current events are a clear violation of human rights, demanding an international response. This massacre serves as a grim reminder of the potential for violence in the wake of regime change, particularly when deep-seated sectarian divisions remain unresolved. The situation underscores the urgent need for international intervention to protect civilians and prevent further atrocities. The consequences of inaction are devastating and far-reaching, leaving a trail of suffering and destruction.