CRISIS+IN+SYRIA

By: Ben Stryker and Xavier Franczyk

__**Thesis:**__ Syria could very easily plunge into civil war within the next year or two. media type="youtube" key="EJCbKEBMMnI" height="315" width="560" align="center"




 * __Summary__**-Syria has experienced a great number of military coups and counter-coups in its history, building itself on a very unstable platform. Due to its prize location, there has been a constant battle for power among many nations. The current government is extremely oppressive and allows no resistance, and if they see any resistance, they bring it down through violence and slaughter of innocent people. The current situation in Syria is much like a child's game of "king of the hill", it is a constant battle for power, and whoever is on top has complete control and rules with an iron fist, allowing no resistance.




 * **1944**- Syria is granted recognition as a sovereign state.
 * **1946**- Last French troops left Syria, gaining full independence from them.
 * **1962-2012**-Syria declares Emergency Law, suspending most constitutional rights for citizens.
 * **1970**- Military coup by Minister of Defense Lieutenant General Hafiz al-Assad.
 * **1971**- Hafiz al-Assad is elected president. Then he sets up the Baath regime.
 * **2000**- Hafiz al-Assad dies and his son, Bashar al-Assad takes over.
 * **2000-2001**- Damascus Spring (short period of openness, relaxation, and freedom)
 * **2011-**Popular uprisings begin in Syria in various cities. They continue to go on today. The government counters the protest through violence and thousands of innocent lives are taken.
 * **January 2011**- Syrian man named Hasan Ali Akleh set himself on fire to protest, according to witnesses, the corruption of the Syrian government.
 * **March 2012-** Kofi Annan comes up with his five step plan to end the violence in Syria.
 * **May 2012-** Government kills 108 innocent men, women, and children in Houla. It is being called the Houla Massacre.



__**QUESTIONS:**__ **Be thoughtful with your responses.**

How do you think the government should respond to the protests?

What do you think other world powers should help Syria?

Considering the location of Syria (Middle of the Middle East, along the Mediterranean), how might this country be very valuable land?