Syria+6

=__SYRIA__ = Group Members: Ricky Birnbaum, Aynslie D'Avanzo, Krithi Nathan, Kevin Zhang

** Once the centre of the Islamic Empire, the region now known as The Syrian Arab Republic, has seen the endurance of many cultures and ethnicities. Kurds, Assyrians, Armenians, Christians, Pruze, Alawite, Shias, and Arab Sunnis are a few who have influenced the modern culture and society of Syria. ** **After the fall of the Ottoman Empire in World War I, Syria became a French colony until 1946, when a bloodless military coup brought the Baath Party political power. It is still in power today. Until 2005, with the United Nation’s urging after the assassination of Lebanese Premier Rafik Hariri, Syria had political and military power in Lebanon. Tension with Turkey arose due to accusations of Syria hosting terrorist groups, and military action from the former was threatened. The Baath Party’s anti-Israeli policy has caused difficulties in modern relations, but the two countries are currently working on peace, with Turkey mediating. Joining forces such as defense ties have kept Iran-Syria relations positive. The country also agreed to return diplomatic relations with Iraq. ** ** The United States has restricted trade with Syria, considering it a pro-terrorist country. Furthering the poor relations were Syria’s interference in Lebanon and possibly supplying Iraq with weapons during the war. Syria did, however, vote for the war in the United Nations meetings, despite criticizing US war plans and the economic benefit it gains from Iraq. Syria also claims the US to be “one-sided in favor of Israel”. **

Summary~Aynslie media type="custom" key="12406832" width="216" height="216"

National Flag of The Syrian Arab Republic





Flag, national anthem, and 4 maps~Krithi

=**__Timeline__** =
 * **In 1918, the 400 years of Ottoman rule of Syria came to an end. This was due to the Arab troops that fought against the Ottomans, and the Arab troops also got help from the British.**
 * **In 1920 (June), by putting Syria-Lebanon under a French mandate, and by placing British in control over Palestine, the San Remo conference lead to the spliting up of Feisal's newly-created Arab kingdom.**
 * **In 1925-1926,**
 * **Damascas, the Capital of Syria, was under attack from the French. The reason behind this bombardment on Damascas was that Syrian nationalism was strongly against the French rule**
 * **In 1928, A French High Commissioner rejects proposals made for a Constitution of Syria. This angers the citizens of Syria because the Constitution was made by the constituent assembly, which had been elected upon by the citizens. the citizens soon start nationalist protests.**
 * **In 1958 (February), Syria joins the United Arab Republic.**
 * **In 1961, In Damascus the Syrian Army Officer's siege power, because of all the discontent with Egyptian domination over the United Arab Republic.**
 * **In 1967 during the Six Day War, Israel gains control of the Golan heights, and also end up destroying much of the Syrian air force.**
 * **In 1991 in the city of Madrid, the Middle East peace conference is held. Syria participates in this, and talks with Israel were held in this conference.**
 * **In 2001 (November), many claim that the number of political prisoners were in the hundreds.**
 * **In 2011, Syrian President Assad is asked to step down by President Obama and allies. Also, uprisings are exceeding a death toll of 5,000 lives.**

Timeline~Ricky =__<span style="color: #ff7500; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">Videos of the protests going on in Syria __= media type="youtube" key="6TWgbT6LKgo" height="315" width="560" media type="custom" key="12407686" width="80" height="80"


 * <span style="color: #ff7500; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">Joe Biden, the United States Vice President, visits Turkey while many Syrians are protesting against President Assad of Syria in a civil war. Turkey **
 * <span style="color: #ff7500; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">is a United States ally, and is in the Middle East. Some army vehicles were even destroyed in the violence from the civil war. The death toll had already reached 1,000 when this video was taken, and in 2011 it had reached 5,000 lives. **

__1st video and summary ~Ricky__ <span style="color: #000000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">__2nd video~Krithi__

=__<span style="color: #00ffff; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">Political Cartoons __=



2 Cartoons and captions~Krithi

=<span style="color: #008000; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">__Major Political Figures:__ = <span style="color: #008000; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">** President Bashar al-Assad is the current leader of Syria, although unpopular. Revolts against his rule, lead by groups such as the Free Syrian Army, have caused at least 6,000 deaths in the past 11 months. Bashar al-Assad was not the original successor to his father, Hafez al-Assad, but his brother Basil, who died in an accident in 1994, was. He is said to be much less autocratic than his father and brother **
 * <span style="color: #008000; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">**Bashar al-Assad**

<span style="color: #008000; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;"> <span style="color: #008000; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">**Sharaa served as the minister of foreign affairs from 1984 until 2006, when he assumed the Vice Presidency. He is regarded as one of the "old guards" of the Assad regime, actively attempting to reconcile with Israel. Despite no longer being the foreign minister he still regularly engages in high-profile international travel.**
 * <span style="color: #008000; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">**Farouk al-Sharaa**



=<span style="color: #800000; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">**__20th Century Issues in Syria (pre 1945 and post-1945)__** =

<span style="color: #800000; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;"> **Syria fell to the Ottoman Empire in 1516 when the British in Egypt promised the Arabs independence if they aided them in World War I. The Arabs revolted in 1916 with the help of the British and entered Damascus, the capital of Syria. On May 6, 1916, many Syrian nationals were hanged in Damascus and Beirut by the Ottomans. These men are remembered to this day by National holidays known as Martyrs' Day. In 1918, Syria becomes an independent kingdom under King Faisal I, son of Sharif Hussein (famous for the Hussein-McMahon Letters) of Mecca.** <span style="color: #800000; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;"> **Under the Sykes-Picot Agreement(1916) which was signed between France and Britain, the Middle East after the decline of the Ottoman Empire would be divided into "Spheres of Influence." Syria's independence was short-lived as in 1920, French troops invaded and fought the newly-formed vulnerable Syrian army and disposed of King Faisal I. In 1923, the League of Nations formed after World War I recognized Syria as a French Mandate without consultation from the Syrians. In return, Syrians fought many bloody battles with the French, often resulting in French air-raids over Jabab-el-Arab and Damascus. In 1936, the French-Syrian Treaty was signed which gave Syria partial independence and withdrawal of French troops which was a promise the French didn't follow.** <span style="color: #800000; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">**During World War II, Syria became a major battle arena between the French troops loyal to the Vichy government(French gov't from 1940-44) allied to Nazi Germany and the French free troops allied with Britain.Syria sided with the Free French as independence was promised to them. French disobeyed their promise and dominated Syrian national politics. This resulted in violent Syrian protests and on May 29, 1945, French troops attack Syrian parliament in Damascus and United Nations demand French withdrawal. On April 17, 1946, the last French soldier leaves Syria and that day is celebrated as Independence Day in Syria.** <span style="color: #800000; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;"> **From 1948-70, Syria was struggling under constant political instability. Hussni-al-Zaim led a military coup overthrowing the democratic national government of president Shukrail-Quwathi.Zaim was the president of the coup and slowly evolved to the absolute ruler of Syria.He lost support because of his secret deals with the U.S. oil companies on building the Trans-Arabian Pipeline giving up Syria's main oil revenue. His reign lasted 5 years. From 1946-70, Syria had 14 presidents.** <span style="color: #800000; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">**In the 1950s, Syria's world relations deteriorated as its relation with the Soviet Union improved during the Cold War. In 1957, Turkey threatened to invade as Syria was planning to join in union with Egypt. In 1958, Syria and Egypt united becoming the United Arab Republic but later broke in 1961 as Egypt's President Nasser dissolved all Syrian political parties.** <span style="color: #800000; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;"> **On March 8, 1963, the Baath Arab Socialist Party succeeded in the March Revolution. In 1967, Israeli forces take Golan Heights, a rocky plateau in Syria, and destroy Syria's military. In 1971, Hafez-al- Assad overthrows president Nur al-Din al-Atasi and becomes president for a 7 year term. In 1973, Syria and Egypt go to war against Israel wanting back the Golan Heights. In 1975, Syria and Israel sign a disengagement agreement and make peace. ** <span style="color: #800000; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">** In 1980, Muslim groups riot in Homs, Aleppo, and Hama and try to assassinate Assad. In 1981, Israel annexes Golan Heights to Syria.In 1983, Assad suffers from a heart attack and his brother Rifaat is moved to post of Vice- President in 1984. In 1990, Syria joins troops with the U.S against Iraq, improving relations. In 1991, Syria takes part in the Middle East peace conference and holds talks with Israel. In 1994, Assad's son Basil,the likely successor, is killed in a car accident. In June 2000, Assad dies and his son Bashar becomes president and is still ruling up to this day. **

<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">

20 century issues and picture with caption~Krithi

=__<span style="color: #008000; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">21st Century issues( pre-9/11 and post 9/11) __=

=<span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #008000; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 14px;"> Hafez al-Assad died in 2000, allowing his son, Bashar al-Assad, to assume the position. During this time Syria saw the birth of the "Damascus Spring", a period of time characterized by numerous emerging political forums and salons. in 2004, the Al-Qameshii riots occur, mostly consisting of Kurds, to protest violence in north-east Syria that had killed 19. In 2008, Syria again attempts to resolve the issue of the Golan Heights with Israel, with turkey acting as intermediary. =


 * <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #008000; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 14px;"> Starting in 2011, there have been many protests by the Syrian people that quickly progressed into full fledged-revolts demanding that Bashar be forced to step down and the government overthrown. These still go on today. The government responded quickly, cutting off electricity and water to revolting areas, confiscating food, executing soldiers who refused to shoot their own countrymen, etc. The Syrian government had many chances to peacefully end the revolts but summarily chose not to take them. The violence nature of the government's response has sparked disapproval from several multi-national organizations. As of right now, the government is shelling the "rebel capitol" of Homs. **

21 century issues~Kevin =<span style="color: #bc1a1a; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">__ News Articles __ = ** This article describes the Syrian government's role in the revolts, and how it's impacting the rest of the world. As the unpopular president’s remaining loyalists continue their violent defense, giving negative impressions on the nation's leader himself, global leaders count down the time until President Bashar al-Assad's reign ends. ** **<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">This article describes the explosive and angry reaction the Western countries and those opposed to Bashar al-Assad in the United Nations had to Russia and China's veto on the resolution that had been created for Syria, so that the country in question could be looked at further and prevent any irreversable decisions that would hurt in the long term. **
 * ====<span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #bc1a1a; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">[] ====
 * <span style="color: #bc1a1a; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">[]

News Articles~Aynslie =<span style="color: #008000; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">__Primary Sources__ =

<span style="color: #008000; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">[]
 * <span style="color: #008000; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">**This is the speech delivered by Bashar-al-Assad on his inauguration as President of Syria in 2000.**

<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">[|http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2011/05/18/executive-order-blocking-property-senior-offici] [|als-government-syria]
 * <span style="color: #008000; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">**This 2nd source is the executive order created by Obama in 2011 regarding the Syrian government**

Primary sources and summary~Krithi

=__<span style="color: #bc1a1a; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">Interview __=

<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">This is the transcript of the interview between Barbara Walters from ABC and Syrian president Bashar al-Assad. It is his first American interview and it  <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">discusses Syria's role in the Arab League, the recent condition of the protesters in Syria, and America's role in international politics.

<span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #333333; display: block; font-family: georgia,'times new roman',serif; font-size: 15px; text-align: left;"> Mr. President, you have invited us to Damascus and you have not given an interview to the American media since this crisis began. What is it you want us to know? <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #333333; display: block; font-family: georgia,'times new roman',serif; font-size: 15px; text-align: left;"> I would like to reiterate what I used to say after 11th of September, to every American delegation I met, first of all I think the American people, people should know more about what's happening beyond the ocean, second the American media I would like them to tell only the truth about what's happening in the world, and for the American administration. Don't look for puppets in the world. <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #333333; display: block; font-family: georgia,'times new roman',serif; font-size: 15px; text-align: left;"> Don't look for puppets? <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #333333; display: block; font-family: georgia,'times new roman',serif; font-size: 15px; text-align: left;"> Only deal with administration that, on people that can tell you know about the truth, because what's happening in the world now is taking the world toward chaos, what we need now is we need to deal with the reality. So the message now is about the reality. <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #333333; display: block; font-family: georgia,'times new roman',serif; font-size: 15px; text-align: left;"> Tell me what the reality here is your country is. What is the reality? <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #333333; display: block; font-family: georgia,'times new roman',serif; font-size: 15px; text-align: left;"> It's too complicated, it takes hours to talk about... so let's be specific. <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #333333; display: block; font-family: georgia,'times new roman',serif; font-size: 15px; text-align: left;">Not long ago you were widely seen as a fresh pragmatic leader, a doctor whose life was in healing people, now sir, much of the world regards you as a dictator and a tyrant. What do you say to that? <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #333333; display: block; font-family: georgia,'times new roman',serif; font-size: 15px; text-align: left;"> What's important how the Syrian people look at you, not how you look at yourself. So I don't have to look at myself. This is... second, it's about the system. You have a dictator and you have dictatorship, there's a big difference between the two, dictatorship is about the system, we never said we are democratic country, but we're not the same, we-- we are moving forward in, in reforms, especially during the last nine month, so I think we are moving forward, it takes a long time, it takes a lot of maturity to be full fledge democratic country, but we are moving that, that direction, for me as a person, whatever I do should be based on the will of the people, because you need popular legitimacy and this is against dictatorship for person. <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #333333; display: block; font-family: georgia,'times new roman',serif; font-size: 15px; text-align: left;"> But you talk about the support of your people. You did have the support of your people, and then began these demonstrations, which I will discuss in more detail and crackdowns, and you have people now who don't want you to lead. You don't have the support of your people. <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #333333; display: block; font-family: georgia,'times new roman',serif; font-size: 15px; text-align: left;"> (CONTINUED INTERVIEW IN THE FOLLOWING LINK) > > <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #333333; font-family: georgia,'times new roman',serif; font-size: 15px;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">interview+link+summary~Krithi >
 * <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #333333; font-family: georgia,'times new roman',serif; font-size: 15px; text-align: left;">ABC's Barbara Walters: **
 * <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #333333; font-family: georgia,'times new roman',serif; font-size: 15px; text-align: left;">Syrian President Bashar al-Assad: **
 * <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #333333; font-family: georgia,'times new roman',serif; font-size: 15px; text-align: left;">Walters: **
 * <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #333333; font-family: georgia,'times new roman',serif; font-size: 15px; text-align: left;">Assad: **
 * <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #333333; font-family: georgia,'times new roman',serif; font-size: 15px; text-align: left;">Walters: **
 * <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #333333; font-family: georgia,'times new roman',serif; font-size: 15px; text-align: left;">Assad: **
 * <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #333333; font-family: georgia,'times new roman',serif; font-size: 15px; text-align: left;">Walters: **
 * <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #333333; font-family: georgia,'times new roman',serif; font-size: 15px; text-align: left;">Assad: **
 * <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #333333; font-family: georgia,'times new roman',serif; font-size: 15px; text-align: left;">Walters: **
 * <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #333333; font-family: georgia,'times new roman',serif; font-size: 15px; text-align: left;">[|http://abcnews.go.com/International/transcript-abcs-barbara-walters-interview-syrian-president-bashar/story?id=15099152#.TzQEPLEV1uh]

=__<span style="color: #800080; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; text-align: left;">Protests __=





Photos and captions~Krithi