1. The world is a complicated place

2.  Students will be able to define the term Geopolitics.  Students will read and comprehend a current events article.  Students will analyze and relate current events in Syria to the term Geopolitics

3.  From Merriam Webster  : a study of the influence of such factors as geography, economics, and demography on the politics and especially the foreign policy of a state.

4. Syria is a country that has been controlled by the Assad family for most of the past 50 years. The Assad’s are part of an Alawite (Shia Muslim) elite that controls a majority Sunni Muslim population.

5.  The Syrian Civil war is a part of a chain of events that began in December of 2010 known as the Arab Spring.  A collection of groups is fighting to oust the government of “President” Bashar Al Assad.  Many people feel that Assad’s government crossed a “red line” in using chemical weapons against its own people.

6.  The USA has publically advocated for the ouster of Bashar Al Assad.  The USA (CIA) has begun to send aid and weapons to the coalition of groups fighting the Assad government.  The USA felt that Syria had crossed a “red line” in using chemical weapons and postured military action as a result.  Thus far NO “boots on the ground”

7.  Super Power Status – is it our responsibility to lead on world affairs?  Humanitarian – use of chemical weapons did cross a “red line”  Strategic – isolate Iran, our enemy and a pro Assad country.  Strategic – Install a more pro western, democratically elected government friendly to our regional interests (Israel).

9.  Military – use of Syrian port city of Tartus to gain access to Mediterranean Sea.  Military – most of Assad’s weapons come from Russia.  Trade – tourism / energy / infrastructure  History – Russian pride as a former world superpower (Soviet Union). Rivalry with the USA.  Personality – Putin ego?

10.  Really, really, really interested in events but trying to keep a low profile.  Israel has fought 3 major wars with Syria in the past 1948, 1967, 1973.  Hezbollah a Shi ite terrorist group with ties to the Syrian government is devoted to the destruction of Israel.  Iran an ally of Assad has at times advocated for the destruction of Israel.

11.  Form of Government Religious Theocracy.  Majority of population is Shiite Muslim.  Regional Rivalry – Saudi Arabia  Sworn Enemies – State of Israel & USA

12.  Iran is a Shia Muslim country  Influence - Iran supports Assad because his downfall would probably turn Syria into a country controlled by Sunni Muslims.  Iran’s helps to fund /arm Hezbollah because they both want to eliminate Israel.

14.  Students will be able to define the term Geopolitics.  Students will read and comprehend a current events article.  Students will analyze and relate a current events article to the term Geopolitics