Escalating Tensions in Syria: Concerns Over Sectarian Violence
March 9, 2025, 3:17 pm

Escalating Tensions in Syria: Concerns Over Sectarian Violence

الساحل السوري

In recent days, Syria has spiraled into a cycle of security tension, beginning with clashes between the new administration and remnants of the regime of former President Bashar Assad. This unrest has yet to end, with hundreds of violations and crimes reported against the residents of the coastal region, which has a majority Alawite population.

The complex situation in the Syrian coast combines the new administration's right to maintain security and stability against any attempts by the previous regime to disrupt it, with crimes committed against unarmed civilians that, according to observers, raise fears of the situation devolving into civil and sectarian conflict.

With approximately 745 Alawite civilians documented killed thus far, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, voices calling for an end to the violations have grown louder, notably from individuals who were once integral to the Syrian revolution after 2011.

Yassin al-Haj Saleh, a writer, critic, researcher, and political prisoner opposed to Assad's regime, expressed his condemnation of events in the Syrian coast on his Facebook account.

Saleh stated, "We condemn the crimes committed by today's rulers because they are crimes, not because the perpetrators are Islamists. Just as we condemned the crimes of Assad's regime yesterday because they are crimes, not because of who the perpetrators are."

He added, "The crime of public office holders is a public crime, a crime against all of us, and not merely crimes against the direct victims."

For her part, opposition figure Reema Fleihan stated: "A call to all Syrians who love Syria: today we must all unite to stop the killing. Today we must all stand against the conspiracies that seek to deepen the rift in our country among Syrians and aim to sever the country's ties, standing against the targeting of civilians."

Zahlout, who currently resides in France, highlighted the role she played during the years of the Syrian revolution in advocating for the rights of innocent people who were killed, regardless of their sect or the identity of their killer.

A Unified European Army Necessary to Protect Against Moroccan Threats Foreign fighters take part in massacres... Sectarian atrocities strike the Syrian coast with heavy casualty toll

BENEFIT, the Kingdom’s innovator and leading company in Fintech and electronic financial transactions service, has sponsored the BuildHer CityHack 2025 Hackathon, a two-day event spearheaded by the College of Engineering and Technology at the Royal University for Women (RUW).
Aimed at secondary school students, the event brought together a distinguished group of academic professionals and technology experts to mentor and inspire young participants.
More than 100 high school students from across the Kingdom of Bahrain took part in the hackathon, which featured an intensive programme of training workshops and hands-on sessions. These activities were tailored to enhance participants’ critical thinking, collaborative problem-solving, and team-building capabilities, while also encouraging the development of practical and sustainable solutions to contemporary challenges using modern technological tools.
BENEFIT’s Chief Executive Mr. Abdulwahed AlJanahi, commented: “Our support for this educational hackathon reflects our long-term strategic vision to nurture the talents of emerging national youth and empower the next generation of accomplished female leaders in technology. By fostering creativity and innovation, we aim to contribute meaningfully to Bahrain’s comprehensive development goals and align with the aspirations outlined in the Kingdom’s Vision 2030—an ambition in which BENEFIT plays a central role.”
Professor Riyadh Yousif Hamzah, President of the Royal University for Women, commented: “This initiative reflects our commitment to advancing women in STEM fields. We're cultivating a generation of creative, solution-driven female leaders who will drive national development. Our partnership with BENEFIT exemplifies the powerful synergy between academia and private sector in supporting educational innovation.”
Hanan Abdulla Hasan, Senior Manager, PR & Communication at BENEFIT, said: “We are honoured to collaborate with RUW in supporting this remarkable technology-focused event. It highlights our commitment to social responsibility, and our ongoing efforts to enhance the digital and innovation capabilities of young Bahraini women and foster their ability to harness technological tools in the service of a smarter, more sustainable future.”
For his part, Dr. Humam ElAgha, Acting Dean of the College of Engineering and Technology at the University, said: “BuildHer CityHack 2025 embodies our hands-on approach to education. By tackling real-world problems through creative thinking and sustainable solutions, we're preparing women to thrive in the knowledge economy – a cornerstone of the University's vision.”