Things have taken a dark turn in Syria. For a country that has been at war with itself for over a year, it is hard to imagine that things could be getting worse, but that is exactly what is happening. In the last few days, the Assad regime has cut off the internet and cell phone service in much of the country. At the same time, the air forces and artillery of the regime have stepped up their bombardment of rebel positions. Meanwhile, the rebel forces are attacking the government positions across a broad front. Hundreds, if not thousands, are dying each day. But, I fear that the worst is yet to come. Assad and his forces are mainly comprised of Alawaites, a Shiite sect of Islam. Roughly three quarters of the country are Sunni Moslems. The Alawaites are about one-eighth of the total population. Given the brutal onslaught by the Assad forces against rebel forces and civilian population, it is likely that there will be significant revenge taken by the Sunni majority once the Assad regime falls. We may soon see slaughter at a scale that makes the current death toll of more than 40,000 look like a footnote.
I just hope I am wrong.
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