Syria

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