Post-conflict transitions are notoriously difficult for societies that have experienced a long-running civil war—a reality Syria and Syrians are unfortunately learning firsthand today. Following days of sectarian fighting that threw the country’s south into chaos, many are once again questioning the capabilities and interests of the new interim authorities in Damascus. Concerns surrounding the interim authorities are far from promising for the future, suggesting that reasonable pressure from world leaders and significant policy adjustments on the part of the Syrian government are necessary to right the ship.

Fortunately, the situation in Syria’s Suweida Governorate—where fighting erupted between the Druze and the nomadic Sunni Arab Bedouins—has largely subsided. The parties agreed to a ceasefire on July 20, with Damascus’s internal security forces overseeing the withdrawal of Bedouin fighters, controlling entry into the governorate, and introducing some forces to handle local security alongside Druze factions.

The Druze constitute the largest ethnic group in the governorate, and roughly 3 percent of Syria’s total population. Both the Druze and the Bedouin communities are prominent in Suweida, and they have a history of both peace and conflict. The instability reportedly displaced at least 93,000 civilians from both communities and caused a humanitarian crisis.

Indeed, that the violence ended unfortunately marks the only positive news from these developments. With official figures still being verified, it appears that hundreds likely died, including women, children, and the elderly. Major factions on each side

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