1. Syria Cultural facts

2. The Syrians 23 million people23 million people 74 % Sunni Muslim74 % Sunni Muslim 12% Alawites, a sect of Shia Muslims12% Alawites, a sect of Shia Muslims 10% Christian10% Christian Small % Druze, mystical religious sectSmall % Druze, mystical religious sect Alawites have dominated government for decadesAlawites have dominated government for decades President Bashar al-Assad is AlawitePresident Bashar al-Assad is Alawite Most speak Arabic, about 9% speak Kurdish (NE)Most speak Arabic, about 9% speak Kurdish (NE)

3. Ancient history Cradle of civilization for at least 10,000 years.Cradle of civilization for at least 10,000 years. Fertile CrecsentFertile Crecsent Ancient majestic cities from 1800 BCEAncient majestic cities from 1800 BCE Capital city: DamascusCapital city: Damascus Been part of major empires in history: Egyptians, Assyrians, Persians, Macedonians & RomansBeen part of major empires in history: Egyptians, Assyrians, Persians, Macedonians & Romans

4. Notable places Biggest cities are Aleppo in the Northwest, Damascus in the Southwest are truly ancient.Biggest cities are Aleppo in the Northwest, Damascus in the Southwest are truly ancient. Damascus first mentioned in Egyptian document dating 1500 BCEDamascus first mentioned in Egyptian document dating 1500 BCE Aleppo may be one of the oldest continuously occupied cities in the world. Ancient city along the Silk Road. It saw bustling trade for centuriesAleppo may be one of the oldest continuously occupied cities in the world. Ancient city along the Silk Road. It saw bustling trade for centuries

5. Modern history For nearly four centuries Syria was part of Ottoman Empire.For nearly four centuries Syria was part of Ottoman Empire. Syria and Lebanon came under French control after WWISyria and Lebanon came under French control after WWI Became independent in 1946.Became independent in 1946. From time to time, Syria has occupied and tried to control Lebanon.From time to time, Syria has occupied and tried to control Lebanon. Current President’s father was ruler from 1971 until his death in 2000.Current President’s father was ruler from 1971 until his death in 2000. Governed as a dictatorship.Governed as a dictatorship.

6. Current conflict Civil war erupted after President al-Assad violently suppressed pro- democracy demonstrations in 2011Civil war erupted after President al-Assad violently suppressed pro- democracy demonstrations in 2011 Rebel groups began to organize. Not all working together. Many have increasingly been composed of Islamist factions, making U.S. nervous about assisting them vs. President.Rebel groups began to organize. Not all working together. Many have increasingly been composed of Islamist factions, making U.S. nervous about assisting them vs. President. Feb. 2012, UN condemned massacre by gov’t in city of Homs. UN estimates about 100,000 people have been killed so far, millions displaced by the conflictFeb. 2012, UN condemned massacre by gov’t in city of Homs. UN estimates about 100,000 people have been killed so far, millions displaced by the conflict August of 2012 President Obama issued warning to Syria not to use chemical weapons. That use could change U.S. action.August of 2012 President Obama issued warning to Syria not to use chemical weapons. That use could change U.S. action. On August 26, 2013 U.S. Sec. of State John Kerry said there was strong evidence that Syria government used chemical weapons vs. own citizens.On August 26, 2013 U.S. Sec. of State John Kerry said there was strong evidence that Syria government used chemical weapons vs. own citizens.