Syria Unrest
By: Gina C.
Background
While the war in Syria continues, the numbers of deaths in the country continues to rise. According to the UN, more than 60,000 people have died in Syria’s 22-month long civil war, which is roughly the population of Cheyenne, Wyoming. The trouble began in March 2011 in a Syrian city called Deraa. Locals took to the streets to protest after 15 schoolchildren had been arrested - and allegedly tortured - for writing anti-government graffiti on a wall. The protests were peaceful to begin with, calling for the kids' release, democracy and greater freedom for people in the country. The government responded angrily to the protests and on March 18th, the army opened fire on protesters, killing four people. The following day, they shot at mourners at the victims' funerals, killing another person. Civilians were shocked and angry at what had happened and soon the unrest had spread to other parts of the country
Current Conditions
At first the protesters just wanted democracy and more freedom. But once security forces opened fire on peaceful demonstrations, people demanded that the President, Bashar al-Assad, resign, but he has refused to step down. As the violence worsened he has offered to change some things about the way the country is run, but the protesters don't believe that he will go through with it.
Currently, it doesn't look like the warfare is going to end any time soon. Nevertheless, the Rebels are growing in strength and experience. Therefore, it seems unlikely that the Syrian government will ever be able to regain full control of the country. Many experts believe that it's now a question of when, not if, President Bashar al-Assad will be forced out of presidency - and then who will replace him.
Currently, it doesn't look like the warfare is going to end any time soon. Nevertheless, the Rebels are growing in strength and experience. Therefore, it seems unlikely that the Syrian government will ever be able to regain full control of the country. Many experts believe that it's now a question of when, not if, President Bashar al-Assad will be forced out of presidency - and then who will replace him.
What's Being Done
"It is the right time for countries such as Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa to step in and support to help to defeat the rebels. Once the rebels are defeated, they can force to introduce democracy as well as political reforms in Syria," Wimcorbijn, a CNN commenter, states. Some of those countries have stepped in to try to help resolve the ongoing conflict.
Since both Russia and China have significant economic and military relations with Syria, the countries have prohibited three resolutions aimed at isolating the Assad regime. In early July, Russia authorized a Syria "Action Group" plan that called for a transitional government in Damascus, but Moscow was dedicated to have the proposal skip over any explicit demands for Bashar al-Assad to leave power. In addition, China unveiled an unclear four-point plan for Syria that called for a cease-fire and a political transition to try to end the conflict. The plan lacked crucial specific details, like what role President Bashar al-Assad of Syria would play in any transition.
Since both Russia and China have significant economic and military relations with Syria, the countries have prohibited three resolutions aimed at isolating the Assad regime. In early July, Russia authorized a Syria "Action Group" plan that called for a transitional government in Damascus, but Moscow was dedicated to have the proposal skip over any explicit demands for Bashar al-Assad to leave power. In addition, China unveiled an unclear four-point plan for Syria that called for a cease-fire and a political transition to try to end the conflict. The plan lacked crucial specific details, like what role President Bashar al-Assad of Syria would play in any transition.
Links to What’s Being Done
The UN warned that up to 4 million Syrians will need aid by the start of 2013. The United States is deeply concerned by the crisis caused by violence in Syria and has provided aid to help relocated persons within Syria and refugees fleeing the dangerous country. For more information, please visit: http://www.usaid.gov/crisis/syria |
Sources |