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Government
After WWI, was colonized by FrenchAfter WWII, gained independence
But politically unstable as military coup’s were common 1970, Hafiz al-Assad seized power 2000, upon Hafiz’ death, son (Bashar al-Assad) became
president and remains in power …So, authoritarian republic
Shares borders w/ Iraq, Israel, Turkey…
Economy
GDP = $107 billion Per capita = $5,100 (ranks 159 of 229 in world)
Below the likes of Mongolia, Morocco, Guatemala Just ahead of Fiji, Honduras, the Congo
Dependence on oil 25% of government revenue
Unemployment = 18%
Social Demographics
Religion 74% = Sunni 16% = Shia (including government) 10% = Christian
Population of 20 million similar to Taiwan & Australia
Similar land area to N. Dakota 55% of population is under 25 yrs old
Based on this background information, what issues do you think are likely
problematic in Syrian society?
History of Conflict w/ U.S.
1960-1980: Syria allied with USSR1990-2000: Syria allied with U.S. during Gulf
War2000-2008: Relations w/ U.S. have eroded
Aided search for al-Qaeda U.S. fears over WMDs U.S. fears Syrian alliance w/ Iran U.S. fears Syrian support of anti-Israel groups Considered a state sponsor of terrorism
History of Contemporary Internal Conflict
2011: Arab Spring Youth-oriented popular uprising in Middle East
utilizing the internet to overthrow authoritarian governments
2011-today: Syrian Civil War President Assad’s regime fights to maintain control as
rebels fight to overthrow regime Complications:
Who are the rebels & what do they want? Would the U.S. aid the revolution?
History of Contemporary Internal Conflict
U.S. has remained outside the conflict Limited aid: small-scale CIA training of rebels,
providing small armsRebels control large portion of northern
areasAug. 2012: Obama warns that use of chemical
weapons crosses a red line
Tension Today
March 2013: Syria claims rebels use chemical weapons on Syrians
April 2013: Investigators confirm chemical weapons use, but believe it done by government
Aug. 2013: U.S. & allies begin to organize for strikes Obama’s choices: U.N. cooperation, Congressional
authorization, go-it-aloneSept. 2013: Russia proposes diplomatic
response
Role of Russia
Ally of SyriaAttempts to constrain “American imperialism”
Vetoes military action & sanctions in U.N.
Role of Iran
Ally of Syria One of a few nations with Shia leadership Rivalry with Saudi Arabia’s Sunni leadership
Developing nuclear weapons Aiding Syrian weapons programs Enemy of United States
Victim of chemical weapons use & warns against further use
Archive: History of Tension w/ SyriaFull Interview: Charlie Rose w/ Assad60 Minutes: Assad & Obama Interviews