Agriculture in Syria: Aalen expert warns of new wave of violence

Agriculture in Syria: Aalen expert warns of new wave of violence

Antakya, Türkei - In the Turkish-Syrian border region, there is an alarming wave of violence. Aalener Roland Hamm, who has traveled the region for 30 years, describes the current events as atrocities and reports on a high number of victims. According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, around 1,500 people were recently killed, including 1,068 civilians, especially Alawites. These violations of human rights lead to growing concern about the security of all ethnic and religious groups in Syria.

In the past few weeks, the transitional government under Ahmed al-Sharaa has tried to restore stability with military measures. However, Hamm observes that the perpetrators who commit violence against civilians are often associated with the political sunism and the transitional government. These insights are in accordance with reports that indicate that armed supporters of the Assad government attack security forces and contribute to an escalation of violence. The transitional government reacted with military operations that used artillery and tanks.

The tense location of the Alawites

The Alawites, a religious minority, are in a particularly vulnerable position. After you were privileged under the Assad regime, you can now see the attack on Sunnitic jihadists, which you consider as "renegade". Many Alawites from areas affected by violence have left their houses and hide in the mountains. Hamm expresses concerns that this minority cannot be adequately protected and refers to the existing fears in Aalen's Turkish partner city of Antakya/Hatay, where many Alawites live. However, he does not believe that there are currently specific dangers for you, at least not in the city that was severely destroyed after the devastating earthquake two years ago.

The situation is also complicated by the miscarry relationship between different ethnic groups. According to reports, the Drusen has founded armed militias to protect themselves and at the same time show willingness to work with the transitional government. This illustrates the general distrust of the different ethnic groups and the continuing challenges for the control of armed groups in the country.

human rights and international responsibility

The general human rights situation in Syria is worrying. In 2022, tens of thousands were victims of letting disappearance, including journalists and human rights activists. Elsewhere, organizations reported on arbitrary arrests and serious human rights violations, especially in the areas controlled by the Syrian National Army. Amnesty International has documented that many of the detainees suffer from catastrophic conditions and have no access to legal benefits.

Hamm emphasizes that the international community has to play a key role in the reconstruction of Syria. It is essential that reconstruction aids are linked to political conditions to ensure the creation of a pluralistic state that grants protection for all ethnic and religious minorities.

Hope for an end to violence and the return to stability remains fragile in view of the current situation and the deeply sitting uncertainties in Syria. The expression of solidarity with the affected minorities and the practice of pressure on international actors could be crucial elements to promote sustainable peace.

For more detailed information and current reporting, follow the sources: Schwäbische Post , Deutschlandfunk and amnesty international .