Correct use of the word: STRONGHOLD ???

[tuboludo]

Hi everybody. I am having some problems with a piece that I am writing these days. I want to use the word STRONGHOLD, but I am not sure if I am using it in a correct manner. Yes, I have of course goggled all there is to goggle of the word STRONGHOLD. My question is if I can use the word STRONGHOLD about a regime in a country like let’s say Syria???

Would that in any way be logical to anyone in any English speaking countries?

Example: “The Syrian stronghold was only protecting their close friends.”

Is it obvious that I am talking about the regime and not a fortress?

Like, I want to use the word STRONGHOLD about a group of people with their own agenda, in this case the people holding power in Syria. I just like the word and how it feels to me, but I don’t want to use it if it can be misunderstood by a majority of readers?!

Is it obvious that I am talking about the regime and not a fortress?

In any case, any suggestions for other words than STRONGHOLD ???

Thanks ;)

[The Atheist]

Nope - a stronghold is a place, not a regime. As you say, a fortress.

If describing the regime, you're much better off to use "regime". The Syrian regime....

[tuboludo]

Thanks Atheist!

I will limit my use of the word STRONGHOLD

PS, I am a good Atheist too :angel:

[Mohammad Ahmad]

I think you meant using the implied meaning, and there in the context you used, the listener will not understand that you imply the item "stronghold" as something shelled itself to be an environmental place for certain components as a Syrian regime you refer to, otherwise this quotation or this similarity is not by far in use.
In one word you can't refer to such random item to employ it in literary language.
Something can be accepted others are not.
Subtle words always have very narrow or very strict extent to be employed.

[tuboludo]

Thanks for the insight Mohammad!

[stellaleon503]

STRONG HOLD-An area dominated or occupied by a special group or distinguished by a special quality