Consequences of Syrian Conflict
Consequences of Syrian Conflict!
*Syria is now mired in an armed conflict between forces loyal to President Bashar al Asad and rebel fighters opposed to his rule.
-Since major unrest began in March 2011, various reports suggest that between 22,000 and 25,000 Syrians have been killed.
-U.S. officials and many analysts believe that President Bashar al Asad, his family members, and his other supporters will ultimately be forced from power, but few offer specific, credible timetables for a resolution to Syria’s ongoing crisis.
-In the face of intense domestic and international pressure calling for political change and for an end to violence against civilians, the Asad government offered limited reforms while also meeting protests and armed attacks with overwhelming force.
-Nonviolent protests continued, but their apparent futility created frustration and anger within the opposition ranks.
-An increasing number of Syrian civilians have taken up arms in self-defense, although armed rebel attacks alienate some potential supporters.
-The government accuses the opposition of carrying out bombings and assassinations targeting security infrastructure, security personnel, and civilians in Damascus, Aleppo, Homs, and other areas.
-Accounts of human rights abuses by both sides persist, with the majority attributed to security forces and military units.
Backgrounds
*Syrians have long struggled with many of the same challenges that have bred deep dissatisfaction in other Arab autocracies, including high unemployment, high inflation, limited upward mobility, rampant corruption, lack of political freedoms, and repressive security forces.
-These factors have fueled opposition to Syria’s authoritarian government, which has been dominated by the Baath (Renaissance) Party since 1963, and the Al Asad family since 1970.
-President Bashar al Asad’s father—Hafiz al Asad—ruled the country from 1970 until his death in 2000.
*Since taking office in 2000, President Asad has
*Syria is now mired in an armed conflict between forces loyal to President Bashar al Asad and rebel fighters opposed to his rule.
-Since major unrest began in March 2011, various reports suggest that between 22,000 and 25,000 Syrians have been killed.
-U.S. officials and many analysts believe that President Bashar al Asad, his family members, and his other supporters will ultimately be forced from power, but few offer specific, credible timetables for a resolution to Syria’s ongoing crisis.
-In the face of intense domestic and international pressure calling for political change and for an end to violence against civilians, the Asad government offered limited reforms while also meeting protests and armed attacks with overwhelming force.
-Nonviolent protests continued, but their apparent futility created frustration and anger within the opposition ranks.
-An increasing number of Syrian civilians have taken up arms in self-defense, although armed rebel attacks alienate some potential supporters.
-The government accuses the opposition of carrying out bombings and assassinations targeting security infrastructure, security personnel, and civilians in Damascus, Aleppo, Homs, and other areas.
-Accounts of human rights abuses by both sides persist, with the majority attributed to security forces and military units.
Backgrounds
*Syrians have long struggled with many of the same challenges that have bred deep dissatisfaction in other Arab autocracies, including high unemployment, high inflation, limited upward mobility, rampant corruption, lack of political freedoms, and repressive security forces.
-These factors have fueled opposition to Syria’s authoritarian government, which has been dominated by the Baath (Renaissance) Party since 1963, and the Al Asad family since 1970.
-President Bashar al Asad’s father—Hafiz al Asad—ruled the country from 1970 until his death in 2000.
*Since taking office in 2000, President Asad has