Following the collapse of the regime in Syria, jihadists have continued to carry out attacks against Alawites, escalating to massacres. Alawite woman activist Sara Abbas, spoke to ANF, about the new situation in Syria, which, she said "is fraught with uncertainties.

Sara Abbas said that HTS (Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham) and its allies are oppressing the Alawites. "Mass terror tactics against the Alawites are being orchestrated with the intent of displacement, and the situation will only worsen if no action is taken."

Mirroring the old regime’s political style

Sara Abbas noted that escaping the 61-year legacy of mafia, dictatorship, corruption, and excessive centralization overnight is impossible. "Even more dangerous is the fact that Islamist groups, mysteriously coming to power, have quickly started to unveil their projects to establish a Sharia state, as seen in Idlib. All significant positions are being seized by sheikhs, Sharia, and foreigners. They are utilizing the factor of time and are maneuvering towards all domestic and international parties, a political strategy employed by the old regime for decades. Thus, significant changes are necessary in the country in the upcoming period."

Heavy oppression against the Alawites

Highlighting that the Alawites, due to their known historical ties with the old Syrian regime, feel themselves in a precarious situation, Sara Abbas said: "Despite the overwhelming majority of Alawites having severed ties with the regime years ago, impatiently and wearily awaiting its departure, and despite the presence of thousands of political prisoners, HTS is currently heavily repressing the Alawites. Even those who acted according to the regime's ideology during the old Syrian regime's time should not be considered criminals. Judging people's free thoughts is unacceptable. The hierarchical structure of Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham, with various groups breaking control and conducting assassination operations against Alawites in different regions, poses a significant problem. For example, recently, two young university students were abducted in Homs; they were later found dead, and images of their torture were released."

Abbas continued: "A mass terror campaign against the Alawites is being orchestrated with the intent of displacement. The situation would escalate if no interventions are made."

Women’s will is being usurped

The new authority's clear Islamist orientation severely limits women's freedom, said Sara Abbas, adding: "For instance, many of my acquaintances who once did not wear headscarves, especially in Damascus, Homs, and Hama, are now forced to do so. The freedom for women to live freely is being blocked, and their will is being usurped. Alawite women, compared to many Syrians, possess a high degree of free spirit.

After the fall of the old regime, Alawite women have continued their activities more robustly amidst the political freedom restrictions brought by the power vacuum. We have launched numerous initiatives and held meetings. Our efforts like these to secure our rights will continue. The role of Alawite women has grown since the fall of the Syrian regime. We possess the strength and dedication to embrace all sects in solidarity. Alawite women are more prepared than ever to take on an active role."

Women’s organization is essential

Pointing out that Syrian women need to act in strong and organized solidarity, Sara Abbas said that "Syrian women, no matter where they are, must fight for their rights. This shouldn’t be a struggle carried out by one person; all women must unite in the fight. It is essential to act in an organized manner to secure rights."

Autonomous Administration: A model for the new Syria

Emphasizing that the Democratic Autonomy Administration model of Northern and Eastern Syria is the most ideal for the entire Syria, Sara Abbas underlined that "it is the model that ensures the recognition of rights for all people and safeguards women’s rights. It is incomparable to the Islamist-focused regime that HTS and other groups are trying to impose. Undoubtedly, the Autonomy Administration model, with its experience, serves as an inspiration for building a new Syria that will grant rights to all Syrians without imposing any ideology."