Posted on 12/12/2013 3:20:46 PM PST by Zhang Fei
Judaism has been ravaged in its long exile from Jerusalem. Its adherents have faced pressure from the Church to convert throughout European history, persecution from Sunnis during the decline of Spain and by Shiites in 19th century Iran. But its been a fortunate minority to survive and adapt to its surroundings. Other minorities have not been so lucky, and Bashar al-Assads people maybe following the path to extinction.
(snip)
Many politicians and historians have revived the idea of an independent Alawi state, almost exactly as designed by the French 90 years ago. The country would have a viable population: 3 million. It would control two major ports: Latakia and Tartus. It would have legitimacy from another minority group that fears the regimes collapse to Islamists: Syrian Christians. The country would be an economically and militarily capable state that would shield its traditional minority population in a country where theyd be the dominant forces.
The Assad regime might be containing the situation, but its military forces are spread thin. Eventually, a staged withdrawal to a consolidated area is the smartest idea if the regime wants to retain power over anything:
By gradually shifting its power base to Latakia, the Assad regime could continue a protracted civil war with assistance from Iran and Russia. Dilip Hiro
(Excerpt) Read more at blogs.timesofisrael.com ...
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