The Sunnis were at a disadvantage , since many were opposed to any kind of dynastic succession .
By the 1990s , the Sunni faction of the leadership was aging ; the Alawites , with Assad 's help , had received new blood .
The Sunni were at a disadvantage , since many were opposed to any kind of dynastic succession .
By the 1990s , the Sunni faction of the leadership was aging ; the Alawites , with Assad 's help , had received new blood .