The slogan chanted in the demonstrations against the regime of Bashar al-Assad in spring 2011 was controversial: "The Alawites to the grave and Christians to Beirut."  The Syrian opposition claimed that the authors of this slogan were members of the intelligence services who infiltrated the demonstrations. According to them, the purpose was to show the radicalism of the opposition, dominated by Salafists, to scare minorities and all those who wish to live in a secular Syria. Is it actually a manipulation of the system or a real aim of a part of the opposition?

After two and a half years of fighting, a clear cleavage has emerged between minorities and the Sunni Arab majority in Syria. Does this foreshadow a partition of the country, and more generally the entire Middle East on ethno-religious criteria?

Fabrice Balanche, Director of the Research Group in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern Studies, will discuss sectarianism and community fragmentation in Syria and beyond on Wednesday, November 6th.

This event is co-sponsored by the Middle East Institute and the Alliance Program at Columbia University.

This talk will take place in 754 Schermerhorn Extension. To get to the Extension, enter Schermerhorn Hall via the main front door, then turn right and follow the hall down a short flight of stairs to the rear of the building. The elevator on your right will take you to the 7th floor of Schermerhorn Extension. Accessible directions are available here.

On Wednesday, November 6th, Prof Balanche will be participating in Join the Dialogue: A Workshop on the Global and Regional Implications of the Syrian Crisis at Lehigh University. This event will be available to watch via livestream at lehigh.edu/syria. More information is available here.