Ethnic and Religious Differences and its Impact on the Formation and Growth of Radicalism in Syria

The Syria crisis is passing through its sixth year and during these years several theories have been given to explain the causes of this crisis. One of these theories considers the existence of wide and extensive ethnic and religious differences and conflicts which shows itself in intergroup (Shiite-Sunni) and outer group (Kurdish-Arabic) differences. The present paper wants to examine how the existence of ethnic and religious differences has led to the growth of radicalism in Syria? The underlying hypothesis is that the existence of extensive ethnic and religious differences in Syria and the inability of the government to manage them have led to an increase in the level of conflict and social discontent. These differences and conflicts have become sharper and deeper after Syria got its independence from France (1946) and then the rise of Baath Party (1963) and subsequently the domination of Alawites on the Syrian government (1970). Eventually these ethnic and religious differences led to hostility and formation of radical groups against the government in Syria.