The Angry Arab News Service/وكالة أنباء العربي الغاضب: The New York Times confuses `Alawites with Alevis: ""Many Turkish Alawites, estimated at 15 million to 20 million strong and one of the biggest minorities in this country, seem to be solidl...

The New York Times and Hasbara is not alone. I've yet to learn the difference between these two secretive sects that are known by the same name, Alevi (Turkish) or Alawi (Arabic). Their reluctance to reveal their beliefs to outsiders is understandable, as they are regarded as heretics by Sunni Muslims. Heresy carries a death sentence in the Umma, though few Muslims would be willing to enforce that penalty.
The heretical sects of Islam practice taqiyya, which involves eschewing outward display of their beliefs, and making no attempt to promote their faith to non-adherents. Naturally they prefer to live under a secular government, the alternative being Sunni domination, and the possibility of persecution and pogroms. As is well known the Syrian rebel forces include an al-Qa'idah militia, and the main rebel force is backed by the Wahhabi Saaudis. Neither of these forces would have any qualms about massacring heretics, they would consider it their religious duty.

On the difference between Alevi and Alawi: as both sects are secretive there can be no discussion of differences or similarities in beliefs. So if they were two branches of the same religion that had grown apart over the centuries, how could they know?