Urgent Global Action Needed to Protect Alawites in Syria, Says MP Haydar Nasr
Lebanese MP Haydar Nasr emphasizes the need for international intervention to protect the Alawite minority in Syria from ongoing violence and potential refugee crises in Lebanon. Recent reports indicate severe targeted killings of Alawites with Mr. Nasr calling for investigations and highlighting the urgent situation in northern Lebanon. He advocates for strengthening the Lebanese army and urges for regional dialogue to ensure lasting peace.
Lebanese MP Haydar Nasr has urged for international intervention to prevent the ongoing massacres of the Alawite minority in Syria, warning that Lebanon could face a severe refugee crisis as a result. Since September, Mr. Nasr, representing the Alawite community from Tripoli, has been collaborating with the Lebanese army to maintain stability amidst escalating violence. The Alawite population in Lebanon is relatively small, numbering approximately 120,000, yet around 10,000 Alawite refugees from Syria have crossed into Lebanon recently due to targeted killings.
Currently, there are about four million Alawites in Syria, out of a total population of 25 million. Mr. Nasr highlighted that Alawites in Syria have suffered greatly, losing a significant part of their population during the prolonged conflict. He noted that many have faced violence from security forces, indicating that they are not collectively responsible for former President Bashar Al Assad’s actions, who has since departed the country.
Recent UN reports suggest that assaults targeting civilians, particularly in coastal regions, were executed on sectarian grounds, particularly affecting Alawites in Tartus, Latakia, and Hama governorates. The violence began on March 6, following several attacks by forces loyal to the Assad regime against the new Syrian government. A preliminary report indicated that at least 961 people were killed between March 6 and March 13, with a majority being Alawites.
Mr. Nasr condemned the killings of innocent individuals, including children and the elderly, and emphasized the urgency for the international community, including the U.S. and European nations, to step in. He expressed disappointment over the actions of Ahmad Al Shara, the leader of the Hayat Tahrir Al Sham group, calling for thorough investigations into the coastal massacres instead of mere statements from the government.
The refugee influx is increasing concerns about social tensions in Lebanon, particularly in Tripoli, which has a history of clashes between Sunni and Alawite militias. Despite ongoing fears regarding security, Mr. Nasr noted that his hometown has seen attempts at fostering peaceful relations among different communities. He asserts that without urgent international assistance, marginalized communities in both Tripoli and the Shiite-majority south of Lebanon will continue to struggle.
The Lebanese army, under President Joseph Aoun, has been strengthened to address these issues. Mr. Nasr advocates for increasing military personnel to enhance state capability and control potential violence. He also emphasized that the current political landscape, following the appointment of Nawaf Salam as Prime Minister, offers hope for rebuilding Lebanon after a period of crises heightened by the Israel-Hezbollah conflict.
Despite the recent political changes, experts remain wary of the new Syrian government’s capacity to mitigate violence and maintain stability. Mr. Nasr, while hopeful, acknowledges the serious challenges ahead, particularly concerning accountability for actions against the Alawite community and the broader need for dialogue aimed at resolving regional tensions and preventing future conflicts.
In summary, Lebanese MP Haydar Nasr calls for immediate international involvement to protect the Alawite community in Syria from escalating violence and prevent a significant refugee crisis in Lebanon. He highlights the urgent need for investigation into recent atrocities and the importance of enhancing state military capabilities to manage security effectively. The political landscape in Lebanon may hold some promise for stability, yet the risks of renewed conflict necessitate urgent action and dialogue to foster a peaceful, collaborative future.
Original Source: www.thenationalnews.com
