Sectarian tensions rise as Syria's Shiite shrine community navigates conflict

During Syria's civil war, the Sayyida Zeinab shrine became a focal point for Shiite fighters and Iran-backed groups who supported the government of Bashar Assad. Its protection by Shiite militias from Sunni extremists symbolized the intertwining of religious and political identities in the ongoing conflict. Hussein al-Khatib, a member of the Syrian Shiite community, took steps to protect the shrine following Assad's ouster, emphasizing their desire to avoid sectarian sedition. The turnover in power resulted in reduced foreign visitors, impacting local economies that benefited from tourism to the shrine. Al-Khatib also highlighted how the narrative surrounding Assad's rule positioned Shiites as minorities reliant on his regime for protection against violence. This increasing sectarian tension, exacerbated by acts of violence from Sunni extremists and foreign Shiite fighters, forced the community to take a defensive posture. As a consequence, many in the Shiite community feel unjustly blamed for prolonging the Assad regime's power, which has led to a sense of insecurity and fear among them. The ongoing conflict has left many Shiites grappling with their identity amidst rising hostilities and the need for intra-communal harmony in post-war Syria.