As the European Union imposes further sanctions against Syria by banning imports of its oil, concern is growing about the potential regional impact of the Syria conflict.
The birth pangs of the next Middle East war are possibly playing out today on the streets of Hama and elsewhere in Syria.
Iran has the most to lose if its Alawite allies are removed from power by the Sunni majority and that’s why it’s been helping Bashar el Assad in the battle against his rivals. A chaotic civil war in Syria may be welcomed by Iran because it may possibly undermine the interests of both Israel and Saudi Arabia.
An excellent analysis from Meir Javendanfar appears in The Diplomat. While a protracted civil war may benefit Tehran, it would not be good for Syria’s Christian minority.
Asia News reports many Christian leaders in the country fear chaos could cause them to face persecution similar to that experienced by Christians in Iraq. CBN News has reported many incidents since the start of the Iraq War in 2003.
Many Christians are not opposing the Assad regime because the Alawites—for the most part--have protected them from Sunni extremists. If the Sunni gain power, they may seek revenge attacks against the Alawites AND their perceived allies—including Christians.
The struggle for freedom always has consequences. Thousands more lives may be lost beyond Syria in the days ahead.
The latest amateur video of clashes between protestors and Syrian troops in the village of el Harra and in the streets of Damascus can be viewed here: