Keeping the Syrian state intact entails powersharing among all its constituent groups.
![The conflict has intensified sectarian divides in Syria, but it is not a confessional war, writes the author [AFP/Getty Images]](https://aljazeeranews.edgeone.app/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/2014314111846389580_20.jpeg?resize=270%2C180&quality=80)

Volker Perthes is the Executive Chairman and Director of the SWP German Institute for International and Security Affairs.
Keeping the Syrian state intact entails powersharing among all its constituent groups.
![The conflict has intensified sectarian divides in Syria, but it is not a confessional war, writes the author [AFP/Getty Images]](https://aljazeeranews.edgeone.app/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/2014314111846389580_20.jpeg?resize=270%2C180&quality=80)