Syria's Civil War Explained
|
|
- Franklin Skinner
- 5 years ago
- Views:
Transcription
1 Syria's Civil War Explained By Al Jazeera, adapted by Newsela staff on Word Count 1,166 A displaced Syrian child, fleeing from Deir Ezzor besieged by Islamic State (IS) group fighters, hangs on the back of a woman as she walks through a refugee camp in al-hol, located 14 kilometers from the Iraqi border in Syria's northeastern Hassakeh province, February 1, 2017\. Photo by: DELIL SOULEIMAN/AFP/Getty Images Five years since the conflict began, more than 450,000 Syrians have been killed in the Syrian Civil War. More than a million have been injured, and over 12 million Syrians have been displaced from their homes. That is equal to about half of the country's population before the war began. In 2011, revolts that became known as the "Arab Spring" toppled Tunisian President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali and Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak. That March, peaceful protests erupted in Syria as well, after 15 boys were detained and tortured for writing graffiti in support of the Arab Spring. One of the boys, 13-year-old Hamza al-khateeb, was killed after being brutally tortured. The Syrian government, led by President Bashar al-assad, responded to the protests by killing hundreds of demonstrators and imprisoning many more. In July 2011, former military members announced the formation of a rebel group called the Free Syrian Army, aimed at overthrowing the government. From there, Syria began to slide into civil war. This article is available at 5 reading levels at 1
2 What caused the uprising? Initially, lack of freedoms and economic woes fueled resentment of the Syrian government, and the harsh crackdown on protesters increased public anger. Seemingly successful uprisings in Tunisia and Egypt gave Syrian pro-democracy activists hope. Many Islamist movements were also strongly opposed to the Assad family s rule. Though the term "Islamist" has come to be associated with violent extremism, not all Islamist movements are in fact violent. It is a broad term that refers to political activism based on the religion of Islam. Some Islamist groups, like the Islamic State (also known as ISIS or ISIL), promote violence, but others are peaceful. Islamist groups may also be in favor of democratic principles like freedom of assembly and a free press. In 1982, Bashar al- Assad's father, Hafez, ordered a military crackdown on an Islamist organization called the Muslim Brotherhood. The military operation killed between 10,000-40,000 people. Climate is also considered to have played a role in sparking the 2011 uprising. A severe drought plagued Syria from It caused as many as 1.5 million people to migrate from the countryside into cities, which exacerbated poverty and social unrest. Just as Christianity has many denominations, there are different branches of Islam. Sunni is the largest branch, though Shiites make up a large minority. It's a divide that dates back centuries. Although most Syrians are Sunni Muslims, Syria's leadership, including the Assad family, has long been dominated by members of another branch, the Alawites. The Alawites broke off from the Shiite branch over 1,000 years ago. Today in Syria, the overwhelming majority of groups fighting against Assad's government are Sunni Muslims. Minority religious groups tend to support the Assad government. This split is reflected throughout the region. The governments of majority-shiite Iran and Iraq support Assad, as does the Lebanon-based group Hezbollah. Meanwhile, Sunnimajority states including Turkey, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and others staunchly support the rebels. The role of foreign involvement Foreign backing and open intervention have played a large role in Syria's civil war. An international coalition led by the United States has been bombing Islamic State targets since The Islamic State emerged in 2013 in northern and eastern Syria after overrunning large portions of Iraq. The group quickly gained international notice for its brutal executions and its energetic use of social media. Its fighters have attacked both government and opposition forces. Its goal is to create its own Islamic state across Iraq, Syria and beyond. This article is available at 5 reading levels at 2
3 In September 2015, Russia launched a bombing campaign against what it referred to as "terrorist groups" in Syria. It targeted the Islamic State as well as rebel groups that the United States supports. Russia has also deployed military advisers to help Assad. Several Arab states, along with Turkey, have provided weapons and materiel to rebel groups in Syria. Many of those fighting come from outside Syria. Among the Islamic State's ranks are a number of foreigners whom the group recruited. Lebanese members of Hezbollah are fighting on the side of Assad, as are Iranian and Afghan fighters. Although the U.S. has stated its opposition to the Assad government, it has hesitated to involve itself deeply in the conflict, even after the Assad government allegedly used chemical weapons in President Barack Obama had previously referred to chemical weapons as a "red line" that would prompt the United States to intervene. In October 2015, the U.S. scrapped its controversial program to train Syrian rebels, after it was revealed that it had spent $500 million but only trained 60 fighters. The situation today On November 26, 2016, the Syrian army launched a military offensive on Aleppo. In less than a month, Syrian troops, with unfettered Russian air support, were able to recapture 90 percent of the eastern part of Aleppo. On December 13, the Syrian army claimed that 98 percent of east Aleppo was in the hands of Syrian government forces. Besides Aleppo, the Syrian government currently controls the capital city of Damascus, parts of southern Syria and Deir Az Zor, much of the area near the Syrian-Lebanese border, and the northwestern coastal region. Rebel groups, the Islamic State and Kurdish forces control the rest of the country. Rebel groups continue to jockey against one another for power, and frequently fight each other. The Free Syrian Army has weakened as the war has progressed, while explicitly Islamist groups, such as the al-nusra Front, which has pledged allegiance to the terrorist organization al-qaeda, became empowered. Last July, al-nusra Front leader Abu Mohammed al-jolani announced his group's name has changed to Jabhat Fateh al Sham, or The Front for liberation of al Sham. Meanwhile, Kurds, an ethnic group in the Middle East, are seeking self-rule in areas under their control within Syria. Most Kurdish people are Sunni Muslims and live in parts of Turkey, Iran and Iraq, in addition to Syria. This has alarmed Turkey's government, which fears its large native Kurdish population may demand greater autonomy as a result of the Syrian conflict. This article is available at 5 reading levels at 3
4 Last August, Turkish troops and special forces backed by the Free Syria Army, launched operation "Euphrates Shield" against the Islamic State. Its goal was to liberate the Syrian city of Jarablus, which is strategically located on Syria's border with Turkey. The Euphrates Shield operation is considered to be the first Turkish ground intervention in Syria since the crisis started. Effects beyond Syria's borders The Syrian war is creating profound effects far beyond the country's borders. Lebanon, Turkey and Jordan are now housing large and growing numbers of Syrian refugees, many of whom have attempted to journey onwards to Europe in search of better conditions. Fighting has occasionally spilled over from Syria into Lebanon, contributing to the country's political polarization. Several rounds of peace talks have failed to stop the fighting. With much of the country in ruins, millions of Syrians having fled abroad, and a population deeply traumatized by war, one thing is certain: Rebuilding Syria after the conflict ends will be a lengthy and extremely difficult process. This article is available at 5 reading levels at 4
5 Quiz 1 Which of the following MOST influenced the uprisings that began Syria's civil war? harsh repression by the government severe drought that harmed crops poverty and social unrest in cities splits in religious groups 2 Which selection from the article BEST develops the CENTRAL idea that the civil war in Syria has caused profound and far-reaching consequences? Most Kurdish people are Sunni Muslims and live in parts of Turkey, Iran and Iraq, in addition to Syria. This has alarmed Turkey's government, which fears its large native Kurdish population may demand greater autonomy as a result of the Syrian conflict. Last August, Turkish troops and special forces backed by the Free Syria Army launched operation "Euphrates Shield" against the Islamic State. Its goal was to liberate the Syrian city of Jarablus, which is strategically located on Syria's border with Turkey. Lebanon, Turkey and Jordan are now housing large and growing numbers of Syrian refugees, many of whom have attempted to journey onward to Europe in search of better conditions. Fighting has occasionally spilled over from Syria into Lebanon, contributing to the country's political polarization. Several rounds of peace talks have failed to stop the fighting. 3 Which CENTRAL idea is BEST supported by the following selection? Rebel groups continue to jockey against one another for power, and frequently fight each other. The Free Syrian Army has weakened as the war has progressed, while explicitly Islamist groups, such as the al- Nusra Front, which has pledged allegiance to the terrorist organization al-qaeda, became empowered. The war began because the Free Syrian Army wanted to overthrow the government. The war has been complicated by the involvement of many different factions. The war has had results that have frequently spilled past Syria's borders. The war has caused devastating destruction of major Syrian cities. This article is available at 5 reading levels at 5
6 4 Which of the following BEST represents the United States' approach to Syria's civil war? The United States has bombed Islamic State targets and stated its support for rebel groups. But it has not gotten deeply involved despite warning that it would do so. The United States has stated its opposition to the Assad government and support for rebel groups. But agreements with Russia prevented further actions. The United States has carried out a bombing campaign that targeted rebel groups and the Islamic State. But a controversial program caused it to back Assad. The United States has scrapped a program to train Syrian rebels and instead sent help to Assad. But it also continues to bomb Islamic State targets. This article is available at 5 reading levels at 6
Syria's Civil War Explained
Syria's Civil War Explained By Al Jazeera on 02.22.17 Word Count 1,002 A displaced Syrian child, fleeing from Deir Ezzor besieged by Islamic State (IS) group fighters, hangs on the back of a woman as she
More informationSyria's Civil War Explained
Syria's Civil War Explained By Al Jazeera, adapted by Newsela staff on 02.22.17 Word Count 1,055 Level 1000L A displaced Syrian child, fleeing from Deir Ezzor besieged by Islamic State (IS) group fighters,
More informationSyria's Civil War Explained
Syria's Civil War Explained By Al Jazeera, adapted by Newsela staff on 02.22.17 Word Count 1,055 Level 1000L A displaced Syrian child, fleeing from Deir Ezzor besieged by Islamic State (IS) group fighters,
More informationSyria's Civil War Explained
Syria's Civil War Explained By Al Jazeera, adapted by Newsela staff on 02.22.17 Word Count 675 Level 800L A displaced Syrian child, fleeing from Deir Ezzor besieged by Islamic State (IS) group fighters,
More informationII. From civil war to regional confrontation
II. From civil war to regional confrontation Following the initial legitimate demands of the Syrian people, the conflict took on the regional and international dimensions of a long term conflict. Are neighboring
More informationSyria's idealistic revolution becomes a symbol of 21st century catastrophe
Syria's idealistic revolution becomes a symbol of 21st century catastrophe By Washington Post, adapted by Newsela staff on 12.16.16 Word Count 993 Level 1220L Syrian children look at the damage following
More information2. How did President Bashar al-assad respond to the peaceful protests?
Background Essay Questions 1. Why did Syrian citizens rise up in protest in March 2011? 2. How did President Bashar al-assad respond to the peaceful protests? 3. Despite being opposed to President Assad,
More informationWar in Afghanistan War in Iraq Arab Spring War in Syria North Korea 1950-
War in Afghanistan 2001-2014 War in Iraq 2003-2010 Arab Spring 2010-2011 War in Syria 2011- North Korea 1950- Began as a result of 9/11 attacks September 11, 2001 Four hijacked planes in the U.S. Two crashed
More informationIn11965 the British writer and
Studii Israeliene The Syrian Civil War as a Global Crisis 1 ITAMAR RABINOVICH [Israel Institute, Washington and Jerusalem] Abstract The article explains the complexity of the Syrian crisis by analyzing
More informationWhy The U.S. Must Stop Supporting Kurdish Forces In Syria BY POLITICAL INSIGHTSApril 3, 2018
Why The U.S. Must Stop Supporting Kurdish Forces In Syria BY POLITICAL INSIGHTSApril 3, 2018 U.S. policy of over-reliance on Kurds in Syria has created resentment among the local Arab population as well
More informationUntangling the Overlapping Conflicts in the Syrian War
MIDDLE EAST SHARE Untangling the Overlapping Conflicts in the Syrian War By SERGIO PEÇANHA, SARAH ALMUKHTAR and K.K. REBECCA LAI OCT. 18, 2015 What started as a popular uprising against the Syrian government
More informationIssue Overview: Sunni-Shiite divide
Issue Overview: Sunni-Shiite divide By Bloomberg, adapted by Newsela staff on 10.06.16 Word Count 731 Level 1010L TOP: First Friday prayers of Ramadan at the East London Mosque in London, England. Photo
More informationIssue Overview: Sunni-Shiite divide
Issue Overview: Sunni-Shiite divide By Bloomberg, adapted by Newsela staff on 10.06.16 Word Count 731 Level 1010L TOP: First Friday prayers of Ramadan at the East London Mosque in London, England. Photo
More informationDivisions over the conflict vary along religious and ethnic lines Christianity in Syria Present since the first century Today comprise about 10% of the population: Orthodox, Catholic, Protestant; Arabs,
More informationOverview 1. On June 29, 2014, ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-baghdadi declared the establishment of the
The Collapse of the Islamic State: What Comes Next? November 18, 2017 Overview 1 On June 29, 2014, ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-baghdadi declared the establishment of the Islamic Caliphate by the Islamic State
More information2-Provide an example of an ethnic clash we have discussed in World Cultures: 3-Fill in the chart below, using the reading and the map.
Name: Date: How the Middle East Got that Way Directions : Read each section carefully, taking notes and answering questions as directed. Part 1: Introduction Violence, ethnic clashes, political instability...have
More informationSyria: to end a never-ending war. Michel Duclos
Syria: to end a never-ending war Michel Duclos EXECUTIVE SUMMARY JUNE 2017 There is no desire more natural than the desire of knowledge ABOUT THE AUTHOR Michel Duclos was French Ambassador to Switzerland
More informationAssessing ISIS one Year Later
University of Central Lancashire From the SelectedWorks of Zenonas Tziarras June, 2015 Assessing ISIS one Year Later Zenonas Tziarras, University of Warwick Available at: https://works.bepress.com/zenonas_tziarras/42/
More informationThe Uncertain U.S. Game Changers in the ISIS, Iraq, and Syria War
The Uncertain U.S. Game Changers in the ISIS, Iraq, and Syria War Anthony H. Cordesman July 28, 2015 For all the current focus on Iran, the war we are actually fighting in the Middle East is a complex
More informationSIMULATION : The Middle East after the territorial elimination of the Islamic state in Iraq and Syria
SIMULATION : The Middle East after the territorial elimination of the Islamic state in Iraq and Syria Three foreign research institutions participate in the simulation: China Foreign Affairs University
More informationIssue Overview: Sunni-Shiite divide
Issue Overview: Sunni-Shiite divide By Bloomberg, adapted by Newsela staff on 10.06.16 Word Count 603 Level 800L TOP: First Friday prayers of Ramadan at the East London Mosque in London, England. Photo
More informationBashar al-asad's Moment of Truth
Volume 7, Number 17 September 10, 2013 Bashar al-asad's Moment of Truth Eyal Zisser The tide of the Syrian civil war had seemed to turn in favor of Bashar al-asad's regime during the past few months. Asad's
More informationTurkish Offensive on Islamic State in Syria Caught U.S. Off Gua...
This copy is for your personal, non-commercial use only. To order presentation-ready copies for distribution to your colleagues, clients or customers visit http://www.djreprints.com. http://www.wsj.com/articles/turkish-offensive-on-islamic-state-in-syria-caught-u-s-off-guard-1472517789
More informationA fragile alliance: how the crisis in Egypt caused a rift within the anti-syrian regime block
University of Iowa From the SelectedWorks of Ahmed E SOUAIAIA Summer August 25, 2013 A fragile alliance: how the crisis in Egypt caused a rift within the anti-syrian regime block Ahmed E SOUAIAIA, University
More informationU.S. Admits Airstrike in Syria, Meant to Hit ISIS, Killed Syrian Troops
http://nyti.ms/2cxkw1u MIDDLE EAST U.S. Admits Airstrike in Syria, Meant to Hit ISIS, Killed Syrian Troops By ANNE BARNARD and MARK MAZZETTI SEPT. 17, 2016 BEIRUT, Lebanon The United States acknowledged
More informationSYRIA KEY FINDINGS RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE U.S. GOVERNMENT TIER 1 USCIRF-RECOMMENDED COUNTRIES OF PARTICULAR CONCERN (CPC)
SYRIA TIER 1 USCIRF-RECOMMENDED COUNTRIES OF PARTICULAR CONCERN (CPC) KEY FINDINGS Religious freedom conditions in Syria continued to deteriorate throughout 2016 as internal conflict worsened and the fight
More informationNorth Syria Overview 17 th May to 14 th June 2018
1 North Syria Overview 17 th May to 14 th June 2018 ` Page Contents 1 Glossary 2 Conflict and Security 4 Activities elsewhere in Syria 5 2018 Syria Humanitarian Response Plan (HRP) Funding Overview (as
More informationThe impact of the withdrawal of the American troops from Syria on the campaign against ISIS (Initial Assessment) Overview
December 25, 2018 The impact of the withdrawal of the American troops from Syria on the campaign against ISIS (Initial Assessment) Overview On December 19, 2018, four years after the American campaign
More informationBarack Obama and the Middle East
Barack Obama and the Middle East Cairo Speech June 4, 2009 I have come here to seek a new beginning between the United States and Muslims around the world; one based upon mutual interest and mutual respect;
More informationWeekly Conflict Summary
Weekly Conflict Summary May 05-10, 2017 During the reporting period, elements of an Astana de-escalation plan were enacted while pro-government forces advanced in Hama and the Eastern Ghouta region of
More information"Military action will bring great costs for the region," Rouhani said, and "it is necessary to apply all efforts to prevent it."
USA TODAY, 29 Aug 2013. Syrian allies Iran and Russia are working together to prevent a Western military attack on Syria, the Iranian president said, as Russia said it is sending warships to the Mediterranean,
More informationIsland Model United Nations Military Staff Committee. Military Staff Committee Background Guide ISLAND MODEL UNITED NATIONS
Background Guide ISLAND MODEL UNITED NATIONS Dear Delegates, I would like to formally welcome you to the at IMUN 2014. My name is Tyler Pickford and I will be your Director for the duration of the conference.
More informationIs Enforced Displacement the New Reality in Syria? Radwan Ziadeh
Is Enforced Displacement the New Reality in Syria? Radwan Ziadeh April 28, 2017 The situation in Syria continues to defy an observer s understanding of reality. Indeed, no Syrian in 2011 imagined that
More informationHow to Prevent al-qaeda from Seizing a Safe Zone in Northwestern Syria
Copyright 2019 The Washington Institute - printed with permission PolicyWatch 2579 How to Prevent al-qaeda from Seizing a Safe Zone in Northwestern Syria Fabrice Balanche March 7, 2016 Strong ground support
More informationThe Proxy War for and Against ISIS
The Proxy War for and Against ISIS Dr Andrew Mumford University of Nottingham @apmumford Summary of talk Assessment of proxy wars Brief history of proxy wars Current trends The proxy war FOR Islamic State
More informationFORUM: United Nations Security Council ISSUE: Situation in Syria STUDEN OFFICER: Lara Cin INTRODUCTION
FORUM: United Nations Security Council ISSUE: Situation in Syria STUDEN OFFICER: Lara Cin 1 INTRODUCTION The civil war in Syria was described from many as the greatest humanitarian crisis that has hit
More informationWith friends like these... Is Syria seeing a spill over from Iraq?
With friends like these... Is Syria seeing a spill over from Iraq? Team On 24 April 2012, Abdel-Ghani Jawhar, head of Fatah-al-Islam, Lebanon's most wanted militant Islamist terrorist, was reportedly killed
More informationSyria: A Look At One of the Most Fragile States in the World
Syria: A Look At One of the Most Fragile States in the World Foundations of Colonialism to Independence: 19241946 French presence in Syria can be traced back before the collapse of the ottoman empire The
More informationSyrian Civil War: From Popular Uprising to War by Proxy John Reimann "Arab Spring" and Popular Uprising in Syria
Syrian Civil War: From Popular Uprising to War by Proxy by John Reimann The world powers are playing out a drama in Syria. In this drama, the human beings are but bits of scenery on the stage of history.
More informationSupporting the Syrian Opposition
ASSOCIATED PRESS /MANU BRABO Supporting the Syrian Opposition Lessons from the Field in the Fight Against ISIS and Assad By Hardin Lang, Mokhtar Awad, Ken Sofer, Peter Juul, and Brian Katulis September
More informationRegional Issues. Conflicts in the Middle East. Importance of Oil. Growth of Islamism. Oil as source of conflict in Middle East
Main Idea Reading Focus Conflicts in the Middle East Regional issues in the Middle East have led to conflicts between Israel and its neighbors and to conflicts in and between Iran and Iraq. How have regional
More informationThe exchange between Hillary Clinton, and top aide John Podesta, is breathtaking full of hubris and stupidity.
Wikileaks bombshell. Hillary s 8 point plan to destroy ISIS and Syria: Qatar and Saudi Arabia providing financial support to ISIL By Alex Christoforou The Duran A new Wikileaks email dump released yesterday
More informationDIA Alumni Association. The Mess in the Middle East August 19, 2014 Presented by: John Moore
DIA Alumni Association The Mess in the Middle East August 19, 2014 Presented by: John Moore The Mess in the Middle East Middle East Turmoil Trends since Arab Spring started Iraq s civil war; rise of the
More informationPolitical: The Question of the Conflict in Syria Cambridge Model United Nations 2018
Study Guide Committee: Political Topic: The Question of the Conflict in Syria Introduction: The Syrian conflict has been a continuous presence in the news since 2011, and is rapidly evolving. The conflict
More informationSyria in Crisis Outlook and Implications for Middle East Regional Security
Syria in Crisis Outlook and Implications for Middle East Regional Security 21 August 2012 Copyright 2012 IHS Inc. All Rights Reserved. 1 Syria in Crisis Outlook and Implications for Middle East Regional
More informationCongressional Testimony
Congressional Testimony Crisis in Syria: Implications for Homeland Security Thomas Joscelyn Senior Fellow, Foundation for Defense of Democracies Senior Editor, The Long War Journal Hearing before House
More informationSyrian Civil War. Study Guide. Chair: Pietro Giacomin Co-Chair: Maria Fernanda Alvarez Co-Chair: Mariela Troyo
Syrian Civil War Study Guide Chair: Pietro Giacomin Co-Chair: Maria Fernanda Alvarez Co-Chair: Mariela Troyo Introduction to the committee: The (UNHRC) is an intergovernmental body within the system of
More informationEvent A: The Decline of the Ottoman Empire
Event A: The Decline of the Ottoman Empire Beginning in the late 13 th century, the Ottoman sultan, or ruler, governed a diverse empire that covered much of the modern Middle East, including Southeastern
More informationTurkey s Hard Choices in Syria and Iraq. Mustafa Gurbuz
Turkey s Hard Choices in Syria and Iraq Mustafa Gurbuz July 19, 2017 Mustafa Gurbuz In the past few weeks, Turkish officials repeatedly affirmed their readiness for an armed invasion of Afrin, a small
More information... Connecting the Dots...
... Connecting the Dots... The Syrian Arab Army guarding the Road into Banias Everywhere we went, people said they were voting for Security. And Democracy And the Future Syrian Refugee Camp with people
More informationGLOBAL EXPOSURE AUGUST 2012
GLOBAL EXPOSURE AUGUST 2012 Arab Spring Leads to Islamic Autumn One year after the Arab Spring revolutions, has it turned into a nightmare? By Charles Krauthammer GLOBAL EXPOSURE P ost-revolutionary Libya
More informationCUFI BRIEFING HISTORY - IDEOLOGY - TERROR
CUFI BRIEFING HEZBOLLAH - THE PARTY OF ALLAH HISTORY - IDEOLOGY - TERROR Who is Hezbollah Hezbollah, an Arabic name that means Party of Allah (AKA: Hizbullah, Hezbullah, Hizbollah), is a large transnational
More informationNATO DEFENSE COLLEGE FOUNDATION MASHREQ STRATEGIC TRENDS
NATO DEFENSE COLLEGE FOUNDATION MASHREQ STRATEGIC TRENDS June 2013 1 Executive summary The 24 th of June, the most serious sectarian incident since the conflict in the neighbouring Syria erupted in April
More informationISIS-ISIL 4th Hour Group Project
ISIS-ISIL 4th Hour Group Project The Kurds By: Autumn Tomasko, Katrina Gensterblum, Claire Destrampe, Kelsey Hall, Danielle Stowell and Justine Lindquist Who are the Kurds? -The Kurds are an ethnic group
More informationAnalysis on the Trends of the Middle East Turmoil
Analysis on the Trends of the Middle East Turmoil AN Huihou 1 (China Foundation of International Studies) Abstract: The extremist organization IS brought additional chaos to the Middle East. It is expected
More informationCan the Syrian war be ended?
> > P O L I C Y B R I E F I S S N : 1 9 8 9-2 6 6 7 Nº 167 - NOVEMBER 2013 Can the Syrian war be ended? Barah Mikail >> Almost three years after the beginning of the Arab spring, there are no signs of
More informationComment - The Damascus December 2009 Bus Explosion December 7, 2009 Alessandro Bacci reports from Damascus, Syria
Comment - The Damascus December 2009 Bus Explosion December 7, 2009 Alessandro Bacci reports from Damascus, Syria On the morning of December 3, 2009 an explosion occurred to a bus parked at a gas station
More informationWidespread Middle East Fears that Syrian Violence Will Spread
May, 03 Widespread Middle East Fears that Syrian Violence Will Spread No Love for Assad, Yet No Support for Arming the Rebels Andrew Kohut, Founding Director, Pew Research Center Pew Global Attitudes Project:
More informationOverview. and representatives from about 100 countries, including the Deputy Secretary
Spotlight on Iran November 18 December 2, 2018 Author: Dr. Raz Zimmt Overview The 32 nd annual Islamic Unity Conference was held in Tehran and attended by Iranian senior officials and representatives from
More informationTo get a printable electronic copy of this of this report, please visit the website of SEF:
All rights reserved for the Syrian Economic Forum 2017 To get a printable electronic copy of this of this report, please visit the website of SEF: www.syrianef.org Publisher: SURIYE EKONOMI FORUMU DERNEGI,
More informationJohannesburg Model United Nations 2016 Security Council
JOMUN XIV Forum: Issue: Situation in Syria Student Officer: Inhoo Lee Position: Deputy Chair INTRODUCTION Syria fallen into and has stayed in a state of factional chaos for 5 years, with numerous human
More informationThe Islamic State's Fallback
The Islamic State's Fallback June 8, 2017 Its strategy is changing, and our model must change with it. By Jacob L. Shapiro The Islamic State was the world s first jihadist group to make control of territory
More informationDISEC BACKGROUND GUIDE: WAR IN SYRIA SARA JEONG KAROLINE HERMAN
DISEC BACKGROUND GUIDE: WAR IN SYRIA SARA JEONG KAROLINE HERMAN LETTER FROM THE CHAIRS Dear Delegates, My name is Sara Jeong and I am currently a sophomore in Saint Paul Preparatory Seoul. I will be one
More informationMiddle East Nuclear Arms Control Regime Simulation Conference
Middle East Nuclear Arms Control Regime Simulation Conference ** Participant Backgrounder ** Directions: This gives an overview of nuclear arms control and other prominent issues in the Middle East as
More informationOPINION jordan palestine ksa uae iraq. rkey iran egypt lebanon jordan palstine
aq turkey iran egypt lebanon jordan lestine ksa uae iraq turkey iran egyp banon jordan palestine ksa uae iraq rkey iran egypt lebanon jordan palstine ksa uae iraq turkey iran egypt banon jordan palestine
More informationWill It. Arab. The. city, in. invasion and of. International Marxist Humanist. Organization
Tragedy in Iraq and Syria: Will It Swalloww Up the Arab Revolutions? The International Marxist-H Humanist Organization Date: June 22, 2014 The sudden collapse of Mosul, Iraq s second largest city, in the
More informationOverview. While Iran continues to downplay its involvement in the ongoing campaign in eastern
Spotlight on Iran February 18 March 4, 2018 Author: Dr. Raz Zimmt Overview While Iran continues to downplay its involvement in the ongoing campaign in eastern Ghouta on the outskirts of Damascus, the Chief
More informationWeekly Conflict Summary
Weekly Conflict Summary April 20-26, 2017 During this reporting period, conflict in northern Syria escalated with Turkish airstrikes against Kurdish positions, the opposition expanded operations in southeast
More informationNov. 8, 2016 Tough talk on a new offensive to take back the Islamic State s de facto capital.
Retaking Raqqa? Nov. 8, 2016 Tough talk on a new offensive to take back the Islamic State s de facto capital. By Jacob L. Shapiro The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) declared on Sunday that it had launched
More informationThe Countries of Southwest Asia. Chapter 23
The Countries of Southwest Asia Chapter 23 The Countries of Southwest Asia (Middle East) Creation of Israel After WWII, Jews had no where to go. In 1948, The United Nations decided to split Palestine between
More informationMax Security Special Report Middle East & North Africa: Regional stability outlook for 2013 January 2, 2013
Max Security Special Report Middle East & North Africa: Regional stability outlook for 2013 January 2, 2013 General Entering into 2013, regional stability remains threatened by political strife, sectarian
More informationConference Report. Shockwaves of the. war in Syria
Shockwaves of the war in Syria Shockwaves of the war in Syria This is a report of a closed session titled Shockwaves of the war in Syria, held as part of the TRT World Forum 2017. Being an off the record
More informationSyria Alert. Issue II, 24 October How can a war be prevented? The gates of hell are wide open and the fire is approaching. 1
Syria Alert Issue II, 24 October 2011 How can a war be prevented? The gates of hell are wide open and the fire is approaching. 1 The Syrian uprising started 7 months ago as a fully nonviolent uprising.
More informationUS and Turkey: The Balkanization of the Middle East. James Petras. For the past 20 years Washington has aggressively pursued the age-old imperial
US and Turkey: The Balkanization of the Middle East James Petras Introduction For the past 20 years Washington has aggressively pursued the age-old imperial strategy of divide and conquer throughout the
More informationElection against a background of violence in Syria
Election against a background of violence in Syria Standard Note: SNIA 6910 Last updated: 12 June 2014 Author: Section Ben Smith International Affairs and Defence Section Bashar al-assad has claimed an
More informationThe Gaza Strip: A key point in the Israeli- Palestinian conflict
The Gaza Strip: A key point in the Israeli- Palestinian conflict By Al Jazeera, adapted by Newsela staff on 07.05.17 Word Count 1,490 Level 1050L Palestinian children fasten a flag near fishing boats as
More informationWill Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Pakistan Form a Coalition Against Iran?
12 17 March 2015 Will Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Pakistan Form a Coalition Against Iran? Lindsay Hughes FDI Research Analyst Indian Ocean Research Programme Key Points Iran has troops and allied militias
More informationOverview. Against the backdrop of European efforts to place limitations on Iran s ballistic missile
Spotlight on Iran March 4 March 18, 2018 Author: Dr. Raz Zimmt Overview Against the backdrop of European efforts to place limitations on Iran s ballistic missile program and curtail its regional influence
More informationMEMORANDUM. President Obama. Michael Doran and Salman Sheikh. DATE: January 17, BIG BET: The Road Beyond Damascus
MEMORANDUM To: From: President Obama Michael Doran and Salman Sheikh DATE: January 17, 2013 BIG BET: The Road Beyond Damascus Syria is standing on a precipice reminiscent of Iraq in early 2006. The regime
More informationCONFERENCE CALL: OBAMA CALLS ON ASSAD TO STEP DOWN IN SYRIA
CONFERENCE CALL: OBAMA CALLS ON ASSAD TO STEP DOWN IN SYRIA THURSDAY, AUGUST 18, 2011 2:30 P.M. EDT MODERATOR: Tom Carver Vice President for Communications and Strategy Carnegie Endowment for International
More informationOverview. As tensions mount between Iran and the United States, the Commander of the Qods
Spotlight on Iran July 22 August 5, 2018 Author: Dr. Raz Zimmt Overview As tensions mount between Iran and the United States, the Commander of the Qods Force of the Iranian Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC),
More informationAccepting Al Qaeda. The Enemy of the United States' Enemy. By Barak Mendelsohn
HAMID MIR-AUSAF NEWSPAPER FOR DAILY DAWN / COURTESY REUTERS Osama bin SNAPSHOT March 9, 2015 Accepting Al Qaeda The Enemy of the United States' Enemy By Barak Mendelsohn Purchase Audio 29 S ince 9/11,
More informationProfessor Shibley Telhami,, Principal Investigator
2008 Annual Arab Public Opinion Poll Survey of the Anwar Sadat Chair for Peace and Development at the University of Maryland (with Zogby International) Professor Shibley Telhami,, Principal Investigator
More informationTo: Date: :15 Subject: Congrats!
1 of 10 10/13/2016 10:35 AM Return to search (/podesta-emails/) View email View source From:john.podesta@gmail.com To: hrod17@clintonemail.com Date: 2014-09-27 15:15 Subject: Congrats! Send our love to
More informationRecently, the group released videos showing the killing of two American journalists in Syria.
Instructions: COMPLETE ALL QUESTIONS AND MARGIN NOTES using the CLOSE reading strategies practiced in class. This requires reading of the article three times. Step 1: Skim the article using these symbols
More informationIslamic State s Destruction: Thanks to Russia or the USA?
Research & Reviews: Journal of Social Sciences www.rroij.com Islamic State s Destruction: Thanks to Russia or the USA? Vladimir Liparteliani * Department of Political Science, Faculty of Journalism, Ivane
More informationBefore the Terrorism, Nonproliferation, and Trade Subcommittee of the Committee on Foreign Affairs
December 2, 2015 How to Defeat ISIS Prepared statement by Max Boot Jeane J. Kirkpatrick Senior Fellow for National Security Studies Council on Foreign Relations Before the Terrorism, Nonproliferation,
More informationColumbia Preparatory School
Columbia Preparatory School SYRIAN NATIONAL COALITION Head of Delegation: Hannah Taubenfeld Introduction: Hannah Taubenfeld Committee of Governance: Hannah Taubenfeld Committee on Strategic Security: Alex
More informationIslam and Religion in the Middle East
Islam and Religion in the Middle East The Life of Young Muhammad Born in 570 CE to moderately influential Meccan family Early signs that Muhammad would be Prophet Muhammad s mother (Amina) hears a voice
More informationInterview with Lebanese historian Habib Malik about the future of Christian Minorities in the Middle East
Interview with Lebanese historian Habib Malik about the future of Christian Minorities in the Middle East Jihadis not to blame for all Middle East Christians woes Habib C. Malik, Associate Professor of
More informationA US-Iran Race to Control the Damascus-Baghdad Highway. Joe Macaron
A US-Iran Race to Control the Damascus-Baghdad Highway May 31, 2017 A US-Iran Race to Control the Damascus-Baghdad Highway The Syrian war has recently taken a new and decisive turn. The military focus
More informationPolicy Brief. A Strategic Shift: Possible Outcomes of the US strike on the Assad regime. AlJazeera Centre for Studies. April 2017
Policy Brief A Strategic Shift: Possible Outcomes of the US strike on the Assad regime AlJazeera Centre for Studies 17 April 2017 Al Jazeera Centre for Studies Tel: +974 40158384 jcforstudies@aljazeera.net
More informationWeekly Conflict Summary September 28 October 4, 2017
Weekly Conflict Summary September 28 October 4, 2017 A large-scale ISIS counterattack saw it gain territory against Syrian government forces on most fronts throughout the country, including well behind
More informationSyria Seen as Most Dire Refugee Crisis in a Generation By NORIMITSU ONISHI
November 23, 2013 Syria Seen as Most Dire Refugee Crisis in a Generation By NORIMITSU ONISHI KILIS, Turkey As the boom of shelling resounded along Turkey s border with Syria here on a recent afternoon,
More informationThe Democratic Society Movement (TEV-DEM) A Weekly Bulletin From Rojava October
The Democratic Society Movement (TEV-DEM) A Weekly Bulletin From Rojava 21-26 October TEV-DEM Diplomatic Relations Centre Email address: tevdeminfo@gmail.com 1 Al-Raqqa Civil Council ready to receive city
More informationAddressing Terrorism. Iraq Syria. And Beyond
Addressing Terrorism In Iraq Syria And Beyond 1 TABLE OF CONTENTS Introduction of the Committee 2 Statement of the Problem 2 Key Players and Bloc Positions 5 Questions to Consider 9 Suggestions for Further
More informationLebanon... Perils of the Syrian Quake Aftershocks
Lebanon... Perils of the Syrian Quake Aftershocks Al Jazeera Centre for Studies* Al Jazeera Centre for Studies Tel: +974-44930181 Fax: +974-44831346 jcforstudies@aljazeera.net www.aljazeera.net/studies
More informationThe Islamic State Strikes Back
The Islamic State Strikes Back Dec. 14, 2016 IS capture of Palmyra has pulled the cloak back on Russia s vulnerability. By Jacob L. Shapiro The small Syrian city of Palmyra, well-known for its ancient
More informationWeekly Conflict Summary August 31-September 06, 2017
Weekly Conflict Summary August 31-September 06, 2017 During this reporting period, pro-government forces made major advances eastward from their foothold south of Raqqa city. These gains led to the end
More informationI- Introduction. II- Parties Involved. Saudi Arabia: Iran: Qatar: Coornhert Model United Nations 2017
Committee: Your committee Issue: The question of preventing the armament of extremist and fundamentalist groups in the Middle East. Student Officer: Guus Huurman Position: President I- Introduction. The
More information