Can Syria be unified?

Al JazeeraCenterEN 5 min read 100% complete by Marwan KabalanJanuary 8, 2026 at 12:56 PM

AI Summary

long article 5 min

In January 2026, Syria faces significant challenges to unification due to instability, distrust, and foreign interference. Leaked documents revealed a conspiracy by exiled former regime officials to launch an insurgency in the Alawite-dominated coastal region, involving recruitment, weapon storage, and financial support. This follows previous violence in the coastal region in March and Suwayda in July, as well as sporadic clashes between the Syrian Democratic Forces and government forces. Concerns are rising that these events could lead to the carving out of minority-dominated regions, undermining Syrian territorial integrity. While some Alawites may desire a return to power, most are focused on economic survival and security under the new authority.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Sunni 40% Aleppo 40% Suwayda 50% Arab Centre for Research and Policy Studies 50% Druze ×360% Marwan Kabalan 60% Alawite ×570% Bashar al-Assad ×270% Syrian Army 70% Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) ×280% Syria ×590%

Keywords

syria 100% unification 80% minority distrust 70% instability 70% alawite 70% foreign meddling 60% insurgency 60% syrian democratic forces 50% territorial integrity 50% economic deprivation 40%