Tel-Chai Nation

Shachar Kleiman discusses how Syria's new dictator only let the mask slip when he tried to attack Druze communities earlier in the week, which was fortunately thwarted by the IDF, though the battle isn't over:

Just days after attempting to capitalize on a local power vacuum and assert control over Sweida, forces loyal to Abu Muhammad al-Julani, also known as Ahmed al-Sharaa, have withdrawn from the city in defeat. The plan was to exploit the tension between the Druze and Bedouin populations and punish the Druze community for its recent displays of independence in defiance of the Islamist regime's tyranny. That effort failed, at least for now.

The first reason was the fierce resistance from Druze gunmen inside the city. According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, more than 100 jihadist fighters were killed in the fighting, with some even trapped inside city limits. The second factor was Israel's unusually forceful response, which included airstrikes on armored vehicles, roadblocks, supply lines, and key regime infrastructure. These actions sent a clear message to the Syrian President: his bid to settle scores with the Druze would not go unanswered.

Still, for Syria's Islamist regime, war is never truly over. In a speech early Thursday morning, al-Sharaa delivered a pointed message: a single battle may be lost, but that doesn't guarantee victory in the next. He also blamed Israel for a conspiracy to divide Syria. In other words, the Islamist forces are simply regrouping and waiting for another chance. Meanwhile, pro-regime voices in Damascus have called for a boycott of Sweida, accusing its leadership of betrayal. The strategy appears to be to isolate and weaken the Druze stronghold as much as possible.

[...] To date, al-Sharaa has not removed top regime officials who espouse radical Islamist ideology. Reportedly, he hasn't even purged foreign jihadists from his ranks. Instead, he is forging alliances and relying on Arab states focused narrowly on regional and economic interests. These states show no concern for minority rights or Israeli security, so long as someone is cracking down on drug smuggling and containing Iranian expansionism. For instance, Saudi Arabia's Foreign Ministry this week expressed support for al-Sharaa's "efforts" to restore law and order in Sweida.

Well then, it's clear Saudi Arabia still remains dangerous in their own way, and this is simply unacceptable. Exactly why the IDF still has considerable work to do to keep the tyrants away from the Druze villages. And Christian communities in Syria, along with any women who don't want to be forced to wear burkas, must also be protected. One of the best ways to put a stop to al-Sharaa is also to help all oppressed communities in the region be able to gain independence from him. That's something all concerned should emphasize.

Labels: anti-americanism, anti-semitism, Christianity, dhimmitude, islam, Israel, jihad, military, misogyny, political corruption, racism, sexual violence, terrorism, war on terror