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Source: http://www.inss.org.il/upload/(FILE)1312805874.pdf
The Syrian Regime: Protests at Home and Criticism from Abroad
(Institute for National Security Studies-Tel Aviv University) Liad Porat and Gallia Lindenstrauss - Reports of the mass murder of civilians and allegations of crimes against humanity by Bashar al-Assad's regime are multiplying, while the number of participants in the Syrian protests has risen steadily. Minorities that have only recently begun to participate actively in the protests include Kurds and Christians. There is growing pressure on the Alawis, the power base supporting the regime, to turns their back on the Assad family and join in the demonstrations. According to Western estimates, it is only a matter of time before the Alawis cross over to the protesters' side. Not only do the Alawis fear the response of Assad's regime should they join the protests, but they also fear the Sunni Muslim majority when considering the day after the fall of Assad's regime.