Chuck Holton
Politics • Culture • News
The Syrian Conflict:
Alawites, Hezbollah, and the Struggle for Power
March 13, 2025
post photo preview

 

The Syrian conflict is one of the most complex and misunderstood wars of the modern era. While recent massacres of Alawites and Christians have drawn international condemnation, it is crucial to understand the deeper historical and sectarian dynamics at play. The Assad regime, dominated by the Alawite minority, has long been allied with Hezbollah, an Iran-backed Lebanese militant group, to maintain power in Syria. Meanwhile, the Sunni majority has suffered decades of brutal repression, and the Christian minority finds itself caught in the crossfire, suffering regardless of who is in control.

The Sunni-Shia Divide in Syria

Syria’s population is primarily Sunni Muslim (about 74%), but its ruling elite belongs to the Alawite sect, a branch of Shia Islam. Historically, the Alawites were a marginalized group, but under French colonial rule (1920-1946), they gained influence through military service. By the time Hafez al-Assad seized power in 1970, the Alawites had entrenched themselves within the military, intelligence services, and government bureaucracy.

This created deep resentment among the Sunni majority, who viewed Alawite rule as illegitimate and oppressive. The Sunni-Shia divide has been a driving force of conflict in Syria, with Sunnis leading opposition movements and Islamist groups seeking to overthrow the regime, while Alawites, fearing persecution, have clung to power by any means necessary.

The Assad Regime’s Alliance with Hezbollah

Hezbollah, a Lebanese Shia militia and proxy of Iran, has played a crucial role in propping up the Assad regime. While Alawites and Shia Muslims historically had distinct religious traditions, Iran has embraced Alawites as part of the Shia fold to expand its influence in Syria.

Hezbollah’s Military Role in Syria

When the Syrian civil war erupted in 2011, Hezbollah intervened decisively on Assad’s behalf. The group provided:

  • Elite fighters to reinforce Assad’s struggling army.

  • Urban warfare specialists to retake rebel-held cities.

  • Advanced weaponry and logistics supplied by Iran.

  • Assassination squads to eliminate opposition leaders.

One of Hezbollah’s most significant interventions was during the Battle of Qusayr (2013), a strategic town on the Lebanese border. Hezbollah fighters spearheaded the regime’s assault, demonstrating how deeply the Alawite regime depended on its Shia allies.

Alawite Rule and the Systematic Persecution of Sunnis

While recent killings of Alawites by Sunni jihadist groups have garnered international attention, it is essential to recognize that the Assad regime’s repression of Sunnis has been far more extensive and systematic. Some key examples include:

  • The Hama Massacre (1982): Hafez al-Assad’s forces killed between 10,000 and 40,000 Sunnis to crush an Islamist uprising.

  • The Syrian Civil War (2011-Present): Assad’s forces have bombed Sunni-majority cities, used chemical weapons (e.g., Ghouta, 2013), and displaced millions.

  • The Role of Pro-Regime Militias: Alawite militias like the Shabiha carried out mass executions, rapes, and looting in Sunni neighborhoods.

Despite these atrocities, many Western observers fail to see the Alawite regime as a primary aggressor, instead focusing on the war crimes of jihadist factions. However, the Syrian government’s brutality fueled the rise of extremism, as moderate Sunni opposition groups were wiped out or radicalized in response to the regime’s scorched-earth policies.

The Forgotten Suffering of Syria’s Christians

Syria’s Christian minority has been disproportionately affected by the war, suffering no matter who is in charge.

Assad’s Repression of Christians

While Assad has portrayed himself as a protector of Christians, his regime has also persecuted Christian political activists, imprisoned church leaders who refused to endorse him, and bombed Christian-majority areas when they aligned with the opposition.

Jihadist Persecution of Christians

On the other hand, radical Sunni groups like ISIS and Al-Nusra Front have targeted Christians, forcing them to convert, flee, or be executed. Christian churches have been destroyed, and entire communities wiped out.

The Exodus of Syrian Christians

Before the war, Christians made up about 10% of Syria’s population (1.7 million people). Today, that number has plummeted to 300,000-500,000, with most fleeing to Europe or Lebanon. More than a million Christians have been displaced, caught between the brutality of the regime and the extremism of Islamist groups.

Conclusion: A War of Power, Not Just Religion

The war in Syria is not just a battle between Sunnis and Shia-aligned Alawites; it is a power struggle where religious identity is often exploited for political gain. The Assad regime and Hezbollah’s alliance has ensured the Alawites’ grip on power, while Sunnis continue to resist their rule. Meanwhile, Syria’s Christians have been devastated, used as pawns by all sides and left without a safe future in their own homeland.

Understanding these dynamics is crucial to seeing the full picture of Syria’s ongoing tragedy. The Alawites may face retaliation today, but for decades, they were the ruling elite who repressed millions. Meanwhile, the Christians—who posed no political threat—continue to suffer, no matter who controls Damascus.

community logo
Join the Chuck Holton Community
To read more articles like this, sign up and join my community today
5
What else you may like…
Videos
Podcasts
Posts
Articles
Watch: Biblical Red Heifer ritual comes to life

in a rehearsal ceremony, A red heifer raised in Israel was disqualified for sacrifice after two black hairs were found on its body. It was used in a practice burning ceremony for priests.

00:00:05
Pray for Texas Flood Victims

Wow.

00:00:30
Free Burma Rangers Under Fire

WARNING: This video contains graphic material.
The Free Burma Rangers charged into the line of fire to extract the wounded from the frontlines in Burma during the ongoing war for freedom.
One of their own, Ranger Benedict To, was killed in the line of duty as he worked to get those who were wounded out of harms way.

00:07:03
Episode 622 - Field Producer Dennis Azato and Chuck Reminisce

My erstwhile field producer and cameraman Dennis Azato has accompanied me on ten years of adventures across the globe. Today he joins me in Ukraine and we spend some time remembering our many trips together.

Episode 622 - Field Producer Dennis Azato and Chuck Reminisce
Travel to Armenia with Chuck Holton

Join us for an unforgettable 10-day adventure through Armenia. Explore ancient Christian sites, breathtaking mountains, and the resilient spirit of the Armenian people, guided by Chuck Holton and his family. Perfect for couples, Christian adventurers, photographers & drone lovers. $2700 per person – limited spots available! Link to application and details here, https://www.holtonnews.com/armenia-tour/

post photo preview
Looking to Adopt?

Two sweet dogs were left on Chuck’s property and we’re hoping to find them a loving home. They’re both friendly and healthy—the black one is a sweet little female and the brown one is a gentle male.

If you’re on the East Coast or near southern West Virginia and would like to adopt them, please email [email protected] to coordinate pickup.

Let’s find these two a good home.

post photo preview
The national library of Israel

A hot zone viewer named Rachael works at the national library of Israel and invited me for a tour today. Fascinating! Thank you, Rachel!

post photo preview
Blood Sea:
 Why the Houthis Just Sank Two Ships

 

This week, the Houthis took their war to a whole new level—sinking two commercial ships in the Red Sea in just a matter of days. First, the Magic Seas was hit and went down. Then came the Eternity C, boarded by armed Houthi fighters who planted explosives on the hull and detonated them. The shocking video released by the group shows militants moving through the ship, firing weapons into walls and windows. Most of the crew is still unaccounted for.

So why now?

Only for Supporters
To read the rest of this article and access other paid content, you must be a supporter
Read full Article
post photo preview
Ceasefire Illusions and the Battle for Real Peace in the Middle East

By Chuck Holton
Reporting from Jerusalem, Israel

Another Strike Looms: Israel Eyes Fordow, Again

As tensions simmer just beneath the surface in the Middle East, the illusion of ceasefires continues to dominate headlines. But from the ground here in Jerusalem, the reality is far different. Israel appears to be preparing for another potential strike on Iran—particularly the Fordow nuclear facility—amid concerns that time is running out to neutralize the threat of uranium enrichment. Israeli leadership is not waiting for diplomatic ceremonies. They’ve made it clear: the truce was conditional, and they reserve the right to act if Iran continues to endanger Israeli security.

That resolve was evident in Prime Minister Netanyahu’s recent visit to Washington, D.C., where he met twice with President Trump. Despite public speculation, it’s clear Netanyahu was not simply seeking peace talks. He emphasized the necessity of "finishing the job in Gaza" and praised America’s support—particularly the determination of U.S. B2 bomber pilots—as instrumental in reshaping the conflict.


Houthi Menace: Political Theater with Real Victims

Meanwhile, in a display of violence as propaganda, the Iranian-backed Houthis released another highly-produced video showing the sinking of commercial vessels like the Magic Seas—Greek-flagged, Liberian-registered, and completely unaffiliated with Israel. These attacks aren’t strategic; they’re sensational. Poorly trained operatives parading around as commandos show that the goal isn’t military victory but media relevance.

The real tragedy? Innocent seafarers becoming casualties in a conflict they never signed up for. And with every new attack, the narrative of peace grows thinner.


The Ceasefire Charade

Despite high-level efforts—most notably by President Trump—to broker ceasefires across the region, the facts on the ground reveal continued hostilities:

  • In Lebanon, Israeli forces are conducting daily drone strikes and eliminating Hezbollah leadership.

  • In Syria, IDF troops continue operations, targeting Iranian militias and weapons depots.

  • In Iran, mysterious explosions still rock military sites and infrastructure, hinting at covert operations.

  • In Gaza, heavy IDF activity persists as troops push deeper into urban strongholds like Beit Hanoun and Khan Yunis.

These are not signs of peace. These are signs of a nation that understands its survival depends on vigilance.


The Gaza Dilemma: Feeding the War Machine?

The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation has now distributed over 65 million meals to civilians in Gaza—funded in large part by U.S. taxpayers. But while the aid is vital for many, it raises a vital question: at what cost?

Only for Supporters
To read the rest of this article and access other paid content, you must be a supporter
Read full Article
post photo preview
Facts, Not Feelings

“Why Don’t You Talk About the Deaths in Gaza?”

That question came up—again. And here’s my answer: I do talk about it, just not in the way people want me to. If your side orchestrates an atrocity like October 7th, you don’t get to demand that the world ignore your consequences. Self-defense isn’t genocide.

Do civilians die in war? Of course—and every loss is tragic. But according to third-party data, the civilian-to-combatant ratio in Gaza is one of the lowest in modern warfare. Lower than in Iraq or Afghanistan. Lower than in Yemen. Lower even than Israel’s last major operations.

And no, Gaza isn’t being depopulated. In fact, population numbers show there are more people in Gaza today than at the war’s start. For a so-called genocide, that’s one remarkably inefficient campaign.


Crossing Borders and Cultures

Joining me in Israel is my good friend Oscar Blue Ramirez, who experienced firsthand what real border security looks like. After flying into Jordan, he spent over nine hours just trying to cross into Israel. From chaos on the Jordanian side to four-hour inspections on the Israeli end, Oscar came through sunburned, smoked out, and very much enlightened.

Only for Supporters
To read the rest of this article and access other paid content, you must be a supporter
Read full Article
See More
Available on mobile and TV devices
google store google store app store app store
google store google store app tv store app tv store amazon store amazon store roku store roku store
Powered by Locals