Alawite is a sub-sect of the Shiite sect of Islam. Some say it isn't and some say it is, but it's a point I don't care to argue.
Personally, if they follow any form of Islam I must regard them as adversaries, their book commands them to kill, convert or enslave me.
Recent history reminds us that dictatorships, however benevolent or not, are preferable to the chaos in Libya , for example.
Saddam, Quaddafi, Mubarak and Assad are/were not Islamists like MB, AQ, and ISIS.
The more devoutly they follow Islam, the more dangerous they are to us. None of them should be considered allies.