Why calls for federalism are growing on Syria’s coast

Why calls for federalism are growing on Syria’s coast

Damascus, Syria - In late December, protests erupted in Latakia and Tartus that few in Damascus expected to see so soon, or at all. Long portrayed as politically quiescent and regime-loyal, Syria’s coastal cities became the stage for demonstrations demanding detainee releases, an end to arbitrary killings, and protection from unchecked security forces.  The chants were not nostalgic invocations of the fallen Assad regime, but explicit political …