Alawis Distance Themselves from Assad and Shi’a Islam?

[Valin]

Via Meadia:

April 3 2016

 

The BBC has the scoop on what could be a transformational document for the Middle East:

 

(Snip)

 

It’s hard to say what exactly is going on here, but if this document turns out to be accurate and representative, it would mean that the Alawis are distancing themselves both from Assad AND from Iran in the sectarian war that has engulfed Syria.

The best hope for the return of some kind of long term stability in the Middle East would be the emergence of a Syria that is acceptable to the Sunni world, which means at a minimum a Syria which is not aligned with Iran and where the Sunni majority is the leading political force in the country. If a significant group of Alawites are now recognizing this and embracing it—and this is a big if—it could represent the opening to a brighter future.