Problems in the Middle East often turn out to be tribal, or "confessional." Almost everybody who matters in Syria is some variety of Muslim but an issue in the current uprising is which sect of Islam will be dominant.
The
CIA World Fact Book describes Syria as being roughly three-quarters Sunni Muslim. A minority sect, Assad's Alawites, currently control Syria in much the same way as another minority sect, Sadam's Sunnis, once controlled mostly Shia Iraq. Letting go of power puts a minority at risk.
A
Los Angeles Times article describes Alawite beliefs, how they are viewed by other Shia and by Sunnis. A
Now Lebanon article suggests what the Alawites may plan for Syria - partition.
