Syria’s fragile peace is being tested in 2025 as the new leadership under Ahmed al-Sharaa grapples with escalating violence and the implementation of a landmark Kurdish accord. The nation, still reeling from the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime in December 2024, faces a complex web of sectarian tensions, humanitarian crises, and external threats.
Alawite Bloodshed Erupts
In early March 2025, bloodshed erupted in Alawite-majority areas of western Syria, resulting in over 1,500 deaths, primarily civilians. Supporters of the former President Assad, who belongs to the Alawite community, launched attacks against security forces loyal to the new regime. Al-Sharaa’s government responded by dispatching reinforcements, but the situation continues to escalate. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights has reported significant casualties, including over 1,200 civilian deaths, as well as fatalities among Syrian security forces and pro-Assad fighters. Christian churches in Syria have condemned the massacres and are appealing for civil peace.
Kurdish Accord Offers Hope
Amidst the turmoil, a deal brokered between Kurdish officials and the Syrian government offers a glimmer of hope. Celebrations erupted in northeast Syria as the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) agreed to hand over control of border posts and airports to Damascus. In return, Damascus will gain access to revenue from oil and gas fields in the area. This agreement could represent a significant step towards unifying the country and stabilizing the region, but challenges remain in its full implementation.
Humanitarian Crisis Deepens
The humanitarian situation in Syria remains dire, with over 90% of the population living below the poverty line. The United Nations has resumed humanitarian operations in northwestern Syria, deploying food, medical supplies, fuel, and other essential services. However, health facilities are overwhelmed, and border crossings have been closed, disrupting supply chains and hindering aid efforts. Millions remain displaced internally and in neighboring countries, struggling to rebuild their lives amidst uncertainty and instability.
Regional Tensions Escalate
Adding to the complexity, Israel conducted a military strike near Damascus in early May 2025, targeting an extremist group allegedly responsible for attacks against the Druze community. Sectarian clashes in the southern suburbs of Damascus between Sunni gunmen and Druze fighters have further stoked tensions and left residents in fear. The strike raises concerns about regional stability and the potential for further escalation.
Challenges for the New Leadership
The fall of Assad’s regime, after a decade-long civil war, initially sparked hopes for a new era in Syria. However, the country remains deeply fractured along sectarian and ethnic lines. The political transition, led by interim President al-Sharaa, faces immense challenges in consolidating power, addressing the humanitarian crisis, and navigating complex regional dynamics. The constitutional declaration adopted on March 13, 2025, aims to govern the transitional process for five years, but its success hinges on the ability of the new leadership to overcome deep-seated divisions and establish a lasting peace.