The Sectarian Dynamics of the Syrian Conflict

Abstract

Although it represents a key element of the Syrian conflict, the sectarian dimension has not received the attention it deserves. From the outbreak of the popular uprising in March 2011, both the Syrian regime and the Islamist rebels have used sectarianism to obtain support inside and outside the country. At the same time, the regional powers have encouraged sectarianism to strengthen their position in the conflict and mobilize their allies. The emergence of various jihadist groups, such as the Al-Nusra Front and the Islamic State, was followed by the mobilization of several regional Shia militias by the Iranian forces. For all of them, the conflict has turned into a zero sum game in which the sectarian dimension plays a central role.