Syria

Government After WWI, was colonized by French After 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 : Syria allied with USSR : Syria allied with U.S. during Gulf War : 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 arms Rebels control large portion of northern areas Aug. 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-alone Sept. 2013: Russia proposes diplomatic response

Role of Russia Ally of Syria Attempts 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/ Syria Full Interview: Charlie Rose w/ Assad 60 Minutes: Assad & Obama Interviews