The greater polarization of views among those supporting different sides in the
The greater polarization of views among those supporting different sides in the conflict which we observed this year was also evident in their attitudes towards the key figures and groups in the Syrian struggle. Views of individuals and organizations we tested divided even more sharply along pro-regime and anti-regime lines than last year. The nuances and qualifications some respondents attached to perceptions of their leaders also have largely vanished. However, there was somewhat more common ground around the rejection of extremists. Pro- and anti-regime respondents tended to share negative views of ISIS, and to a lesser degree, Jabhat al-Nusrah and Jaish al-Mujahideen.
Views of Assad Further Apart than Last Year
Supporters of Bashar al-Assad saw him as the trustworthy protector of the Syrian people. There was no ambivalence or middle ground in views of the President, as there was in our prior research.
Strong, honorable, and honest government with great credibility that is working hard to keep the people pleased. Long live Dr. Bashar and the government.
— Alawi man (pro-regime), 44, Damascus
Bashar al-Assad’s government is a government of safety and stability. It is the government of its leading, brave, wise president, who cares about his people and looks out for them. He is the leader.
— Kurdish woman (pro-regime), 35, Al Hasakah
Conversely, all regime opponents we interviewed were extremely negative towards the President, describing him as an animal, criminal, or murderer.
A regime that is unjust, tyrant, murderous, and blood thirsty. There is no possible monstrous description that would be enough to describe it.
— Sunni man (anti-regime), 27, Aleppo
Assad, how can I describe him to you? How can I describe this animal? First thing, I want to describe his name, what his name means: a vicious animal, unjust, carnivore, and in fact he is a carnivore, a thief, a stealer, and seller of lands.
— Sunni man (anti-regime), 25, Hamah
Similar Polarization of Views on the Army
Nuanced views of the Syrian government army last year have also been replaced by sharp disagreement. Regime supporters viewed the army as the heroic protector of Syria from invading foreign terrorists seeking to divide the country.
The national army, and the only guarantee that this country will remain unified and protected.
— Christian man (pro-regime), 28, Damascus
May God protect this courageous army. This is our army that is protecting us, protecting Syria, and protecting its people. It would sacrifice its life because of ISIS and its bastards. And also the other bastards.
— Alawi man (pro-regime), 24, Tartous
Regime opponents, however, viewed the Syrian army as criminal killers of children with chemical weapons and barrel bombs.
The army of Bashar [al-Assad], the criminal, which killed children with chemical weapons and exploding barrel bombs.
— Kurdish man (pro-regime), 32, Al Hasakah
An army of infidelity and humiliation, may God curse them. How can they stand with a tyrant