Members of Assad’s own sect convene against him

Alawite meeting in Cairo is first of its kind for community members opposed to Syrian president

23 March 2013, 6:16 pm

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A Sunni gunman takes aim during clashes that erupted on Syria Street, which divides the areas between Sunnis and Alawites, in the northern port city of Tripoli, Lebanon, June 2013 (photo credit: AP)

BEIRUT (AP) — Members of Syrian President Bashar Assad’s own minority sect who are opposed to his regime are meeting in Cairo amid concerns about their fate in a post-Assad Syria.

Organizers say the two-day meeting, which began Saturday, is the first of its kind for opposition members of the Syrian community. Most have either rallied behind Assad or stayed quietly on the sidelines of the 2-year-old civil war.

Rebels fighting to topple Assad are mostly from the country’s majority Sunni sect. Assad is Alawite, a sect combining both Shi’ite Islamic and Christian motifs.

The meeting of about 50 Alawites reflects fear within the tiny sect that they would fall victim to revenge killings and assassinations should Assad’s regime fall.

They plan on seeking assurances from opposition chief Mouaz al-Khatib who may attend the meeting on Sunday.