Syria's Minority Report: Sectarian attacks on Alawites and Druze threaten Syrian unity

Syria's Minority Report: Sectarian attacks on Alawites and Druze threaten Syrian unity

Author: The New Arab May 23, 2025 Duration: 41:01

The New Arab Voice is back!

This week we look at the recent sectarian violence that engulfed the Syrian coast and targeted the country's Alawite community and the violence that hit in the south, which targeted the country's Druze community. 

We examine the causes of the violence, the response by the state, where the state's response went wrong, and what it means for the future of this new Syria. 

Joining us to guide us through the violence on the coast, we speak with Dr. Rahaf Aldoughli (@r_aldoughli), a Lecturer in Middle East and North African studies at Lancaster University (@LancasterUni), and Senior Editor for the Middle East Section at Cogent Social Sciences.

And to explain what happened in the south, we speak with Dr. Nanar Hawach (@NanarHawach), Senior Analyst for Syria at International Crisis Groups (@CrisisGroup).

All five episodes of our special series Sanaa's Odyssey are out now, you can listen to them via The New Arab, or search for 'Sanaa's Odyssey', wherever you get your podcasts.

This podcast is written and produced by Hugo Goodridge (@hugogoodridge).

Theme music by Omar al-Fil with additional music from Audio Network.

To get in touch with the producers, follow then tweet us at @TNAPodcasts or email podcast@newarab.com


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From a London newsroom, The New Arab Voice reaches across continents, offering a distinct perspective on events and ideas shaping communities from the Middle East and North Africa to Asia and global diasporas. This isn't just a headlines recap. Each episode weaves together rigorous news analysis, cultural insight, and historical context, treating complex political shifts and societal transformations with the depth they deserve. You'll hear from people living the stories-artists, analysts, and everyday voices-providing a nuanced understanding that moves beyond simplistic narratives. The podcast reflects the rich tapestry of the regions it covers, finding the connections between past and present, policy and personal experience. For listeners seeking to move past soundbites and explore the interplay of power, identity, and heritage, The New Arab Voice provides essential listening. It’s where current affairs meet deep storytelling, all grounded in the extensive journalistic tradition of The New Arab. Tune in for conversations that challenge assumptions and illuminate the underreported, fostering a more informed and engaged perspective on a dynamic part of the world.
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