STUDY The Coast in Conflict Migration, Sectarianism, and Decentralization in Syria’s Latakia and Tartus Governorates KHEDER KHADDOUR July 2016 n The protracted Syrian conflict has created a steady flow of displaced Sunnis to the primarily Alawite coastal region. Rather than viewing these migrants as an undis­tinguished bloc of Sunnis, local communities treat them differently based on their regional and class identities. n To address both the need for more military manpower and the effects of increas­ing numbers of battle casualties on coastal communities, local charities aimed at supporting conflict-affected families and recruitment centers for pro-regime militias have sprung up in the Latakia and Tartus governorates. This has furthered the mutual dependence between the Assad regime and the coastal communities and extended the regime deeper into society, beyond the framework of formal state institutions. n The coast has been affected by the conflict, touched by dynamics of localization of power relations and de-institutionalization seen in other parts of the country. Hence, is not an island outside of the broader conflict.