Khaled al-Ahmed, formerly an adviser to Bashar al-Assad, entered rebel-held Syria in 2021, navigating the perilous landscape as an Alawite. His background posed significant risks among Sunni militants who would oppose him.
In the summer of 2021, Khaled al-Ahmed, an impeccably dressed man, approached a crossing point into rebel-controlled Syria, crossing from Turkey. Being an Alawite, a sect that the Assad dynasty has ruled over Syria for 50 years, he felt apprehensive. Ahmed had served as a close adviser to President Bashar al-Assad until 2018. Now, confronting Sunni Islamist rebels, he entered a territory where many would seek his demise due to his past affiliations.
Khaled al-Ahmed’s story exemplifies the complexities of loyalty and survival in a fractured Syria. His transition from adviser to rebel territory illustrates the dangers faced by those connected to the Assad regime, especially in regions governed by Sunni militants who harbor deep-seated animosities. Ultimately, his journey reflects the ongoing conflict and the shifting allegiances that characterize the Syrian Civil War.
Original Source: www.economist.com
