alternatehistory.com

Let's say that France decides to create an independent Alawite state after the end of World War I instead of putting it into Syria.

How would the politics of both Syria and the Middle East be affected by this (especially after this Alawite state gains its independence from France--probably sometime in the 1940s)?

As for what I think, for one, a Syria without any coastline might be tempted to agree to unite (possibly in the form of a confederation) with Jordan. Also, the Iraqi Sunni Arab areas might secede from Iraq and join this unified Jordan-Syria state if Shiites still eventually come to power in Baghdad and begin pursuing anti-Sunni policies.

As for the Alawite state, it will probably be pretty pro-Western (the Alawites are more lax than other Muslims; for instance, their women don't wear headscarves and they are allowed to drink wine) and possibly an ally of Israel as well.
Top