Syria’s Sectarian Violence Exposes Fragile Authority and Risks Regional Instability

In the volatile aftermath of Syria's brutal sectarian clashes in Sweida province, where scores of civilians were slaughtered and tens of thousands displaced, the country’s so-called new authorities have hastily formed yet another investigative committee. But this latest bureaucratic move raises serious questions: can Damascus genuinely rein in lawlessness while preserving national sovereignty, or is this merely window dressing for deeper dysfunction? The July fighting erupted between Sunni Bedouin clans and the Druze minority, ignited by retaliatory kidnappings that rapidly spiraled into public executions and acts of humiliation. Syrian government forces intervened—predictably siding with the armed Sunni groups. This partial...