Syria’s ultimatum to Christians: “Leave Qusayr"

[seekerz]

Originally Posted by Ridgerunner

One of the peculiarities of Arab societies seems to be that when minorities rule, minorities are protected. When majorities rule, minorities suffer.

Assad is Alawite, as are the core of his supporters. A minority government seeks supporters where it can; often among other minorities. Certainly, Christians are a minority in Syria, and can naturally be expected to favor a government that does not oppress them. That does not mean, however, that in favoring that government they favor everything that government does. Nor does it mean that the Sunni persecution of Christians in Syria arises out of political differences. It seems that everywhere the "Arab Spring" arrives, Christians get persecuted.

I don't think it is peculiar at all; in most societies, minorities get a bum rap when they are not in power. Plus, generally speaking, it seems impossible in the natural course of things for minority rule and democratic principles to coexist - as I write, I can think of no such example.