How serious are the sectarian tensions facing Syria?

Alawite protesters confront government supporters in coastal cities.Syria’s new leader has been trying to stabilise his country and reintegrate it globally since he took office in January.But outbreaks of sectarian violence are threatening President Ahmed al-Sharaa’s efforts to rebuild the country after 14 years of civil war.Recommended Stories list of 4 itemslist 1 of 4Syrian gov’t troops deployed to Latakia, Tartous after deadly clasheslist 2 of 4Recent clashes in coastal Syria “not the fault” of governmentlist 3 of 4Deadly protests and clashes in Syria – what happened and what’s next?list 4 of 4What we know about deadly clashes after protests in Syriaend of listThe latest flare-up on Sunday saw protesters from the Alawite minority group come face to face with supporters of the government in the coastal cities of Latakia and Tartous. Government troops sent to stop the violence were attacked. The once-powerful community says it is being marginalised.How big a security threat are the protests and violence?How can President al-Sharaa calm tensions?Presenter: Adrian FinighanGuests:Fadel Abdulghany – Founder and executive director of the Syrian Network for Human Rights.Gamal Mansour – Specialist in comparative politics and international relationsLabib Nahhas – Director of the Syrian Association for Citizens’ Dignity