As the French left Syria , many Syrians mistrusted Alawites because of their alignment with France .
Alawites initially opposed a united Syrian state ( since they thought their status as a religious minority would endanger them ) , and Hafez 's father shared this belief .
As the French left Syrian , many Syrian mistrusted Alawites because of Syrian 's alignment with France .
Alawites initially opposed a united Syrian state ( since they thought their status as a religious minority would endanger them ) , and Hafez 's father shared this belief .