Al-Bayt leader urges coexistence to counter extremism and end sectarian violence

In Al-Tabaqa, Adnan Aliwi, president of the Al-Bayt League, stated that the war in Syria has fueled the spread of extremist ideologies, attracting foreign mercenaries and drawing many Syrians into such groups, often driven not by ideological motives but by necessity, familial ties, or services provided by these factions.

 He noted that sectarian divisions, which emerged at the onset of the Syrian conflict, combined with the influx of foreign mercenaries, significantly contributed to the rise of extremist ideologies.

Aliwi highlighted that several countries played a role in supporting this extremism. Saudi Arabia and Qatar provided funding and training to groups such as Jabhat al-Nusra, Ahrar al-Sham, and Jaysh al-Islam, and supported military operations like "Jaish al-Fatah."

Meanwhile, Turkey maintained lenient border policies and provided logistical and military support. On the other hand, Iran and Hezbollah bolstered the Syrian regime through Shia militias from Lebanon, Iraq, and Afghanistan to ensure Bashar al-Assad’s continued rule.

These actions deepened sectarian and ideological divisions, dragging Syria into the abyss of sectarian wars. Aliwi emphasized that jihadist ideologies have caused profound societal rifts by targeting minorities and mixed communities, leading to mass displacement, heightened sectarian tensions, and the erosion of social cohesion.

Armed groups’ control over institutions and services, coupled with the decline of secular education in favor of rigid interpretations of Sharia, has undermined Syria’s national identity and intellectual diversity. 

He further noted that extremist ideologies are not new to the region, having previously destabilized societies in Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Afghanistan, Algeria, and Libya before reaching Syria in 2011, bringing unprecedented violations such as beheadings and the flogging of women.

Aliwi praised the moderation practiced by the people of northern and eastern Syria, which has kept them largely insulated from sectarian conflicts and made their regions a refuge for the persecuted.

He described this approach as a pathway to resolving Syria’s challenges, fostering a society that embraces diversity and rejects all forms of extremism. In conclusion, Aliwi stressed that extremist ideologies, rooted in conflict and rejection of others, cannot bring peace or stability to Syria.

He called for promoting a culture of peace, raising awareness of the dangers of extremism to all societal components, and adhering to the moderate, ethical principles exemplified by the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), which emphasize compassion and good conduct. He underscored the urgent need to reinforce values of fraternity and entrench the principles of coexistence among Syria’s diverse communities.

a.k

ANHA