Syria's Ethnic and Religious Fault Lines

The United States and the European Union should make their political and fiscal assistance to the rebel groups conditional on respect for human rights and religious freedom. Likewise, the United Nations must insist that the legitimate rights recognized by international charters and conventions be protected. The Free Syrian Army and other indigenous rebel groups, if held firmly by the international community to support rights, can turn the tide against Sunni militants and other intolerant factions, thereby ensuring that a post-Assad Syrian society is a multiethnic and multireligious one.