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.

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BENEFIT, the Kingdom’s innovator and leading company in Fintech and electronic financial transactions service, has announced its sponsorship of the “Innovation and Sustainable Technology Solutions Competition (GU - IST Solutions), hosted by Gulf University at its main campus.
This strategic sponsorship reflects BENEFIT’s active role in advancing technological innovation and fostering sustainable solutions to future challenges. It also seeks to empower Bahraini youth by enhancing their skills, capabilities, and competitiveness in innovation and solution development—contributing meaningfully to the broader goals of sustainable development across all sectors.
As part of BENEFIT’s active involvement in the competition, the company has announced that Hanan Abdulla Hasan, Senior Manager of Public Relations and Communication, will serve on the competition’s supervisory committee. Her upcoming participation reflects BENEFIT’s forward-looking commitment to championing academic and professional excellence.
Commenting on the occasion, Hanan Abdulla Hasan, Senior Manager of Public Relations and Communication at BENEFIT, said, “We are privileged to support this pioneering initiative, which aligns seamlessly with BENEFIT’s enduring commitment to fostering innovation and nurturing the potential of Bahrain’s youth. Our participation is rooted in a deep sense of social responsibility and a firm belief in the pivotal role of innovation in shaping a sustainable future. Through such platforms, we seek to empower the next generation with the knowledge, skills, and foresight required to develop impactful solutions that address future challenges, in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 2030.”
Dr. Aseel Al Ayash Dean of the College of Engineering in Gulf University commented, “We extend our sincere gratitude to BENEFIT for their generous sponsorship and support of the Innovation and Sustainable Technology Solutions Competition. This contribution plays an instrumental role in helping us achieve the strategic goals of this initiative, namely, cultivating a culture of innovation and sustainability, encouraging efforts that address the imperatives of sustainable development, and enhancing the practical and professional capabilities of our students and participants.”
The event will bring together a diverse spectrum of participants, including secondary school students, university undergraduates, engineers, industry professionals, entrepreneurs, academic researchers, and subject matter experts representing a wide range of disciplines.
The competition seeks to inspire participants to develop and present innovative, sustainable technologies aimed at addressing pressing environmental, social, and economic challenges. It encourages the formulation of business models that integrate advanced technological solutions with core principles of sustainability. Moreover, it serves as a platform for emerging leaders, entrepreneurs, and innovators to contribute to the advancement of the Sustainable Development Goals, promote the ethos of responsible technology, and demonstrate its transformative potential across various sectors.
Attendees will have the opportunity to view a series of project presentations submitted by participants, covering diverse areas such as eco-friendly product design, smart and sustainable innovations, renewable energy technologies, water conservation and management, waste minimisation and recycling, green architectural solutions, and sustainable transportation systems. Outstanding projects will be formally recognised and awarded at the conclusion of the event.