For 10 points, name this country led by President Bashar al-Assad and with cities Aleppo and Damascus.
Conflict between the Othman Alawite clans and another group in Qardaha in this country has led to worries about the recreation of an independent Alawite state in this country. This country has recently seen massacres in its Hama and Houla regions, as well as defections by Manaf Tlass and its ambassador to Iraq, Nawaf al-Fares. Turkey recently retaliated against an attack by this country against its town of Akcakale. This country is currently embroiled in a conflict between Ba'ath Party loyalists and an army led by Riad al-Assad. For 10 points, name this country led by President Bashar al-Assad and with cities Aleppo and Damascus.
Conflict between the Othman Alawite clans and another group in Qardaha in this country has led to worries about the recreation of an independent Alawite state in this country.
Syrian Arab Republic [Accept Al-Jumhūrīyah Al-ʻArabīyah As-Sūrīyah.]