how did democracy change the course of events for syria

What happened to the Democratic and progressive forces in Syria?

The democratic and progressive forces have been repressed severely in Syria. With the exception of the PYD (Democratic Union Party – Kurdish democratic confederalist political party),which still remains in Syria, most of the groups and activists have been pushed into exile, if not killed and imprisoned.

Is the Syrian government a democracy?

However reprehensible the Syrian government may be in terms of democracy, it has not only given refugees and minorities protection but also maintained the part of Syria that it controls as a secular and religiously ecumenical state.

Did the Syrian regime change?

The Syrian regime had not changed, but there seemed to be no clear or consistent policy by the U.S. or the EU toward it. Four years of devastating drought beginning in 2006 caused at least 800,000 farmers to lose their entire livelihood and about 200,000 simply abandoned their lands, according to the Center for Climate & Security.

Is the goal of the war in Syria democracy and respect?

The goal of the war in Syria is not democracy and respect for human rights. Saudi Arabia and other Arab regimes that support the oppositions are themselves corrupt dictatorships. A civil war never achieves democracy and respect for human rights, because they are highly correlated with economic and social development.

What type of democracy does Syria have?

Officially, Syria is a republic. In reality, however, it is an authoritarian regime that exhibits only the forms of a democratic system. Although citizens ostensibly vote for the President and members of Parliament, they do not have the right to change their government.

What are some major events that happened in Syria?

20th centuryYearDateEvent19675 JuneSix-Day War: A war with Israel began.Six-Day War: The Golan Heights were occupied by Israel.197013 NovemberMinister of Defense Hafiz al-Assad effected a bloodless military coup and assumed the role of President.19736 OctoberYom Kippur War: Syria and Egypt fought against Israel.16 more rows

Is Syria a democracy?

Politics in the Syrian Arab Republic takes place in the framework of a semi-presidential republic with multiparty representation. President Bashar al-Assad, and his Arab Socialist Ba'ath Party have remained dominant forces in the country's politics since the 1970 coup d'état.

What events led up to the Syrian civil war?

The uprising against Syrian president Bashar al-Assad gradually turned into a full-scale civil war, with two significant milestones being the initial March 2011 Arab Spring protests and the 15 July 2012 declaration by the International Committee of the Red Cross that the fighting had gradually become so widespread that ...

Who controlled Syria?

British and Arab troops captured Damascus and Aleppo in 1918, and the French took control of modern-day Syria and Lebanon in 1920. These arrangements put an end to roughly 400 years of Ottoman rule in the region. The French reign led to uprisings and revolts among the people in Syria.

How did Syrian protests start?

Major unrest began on 15 March in Damascus, yet in the southern city of Daraa, sometimes called the "Cradle of the Revolution", protests had been triggered on 6 March by the incarceration and torture of 15 young students from prominent families who were arrested for writing anti-government graffiti in the city, reading ...

How much of Syria is under government control?

Bashar al-Assad's forces now control two-thirds of Syria's territory, including all six main cities (Damascus, Aleppo, Homs, Hama, Latakia, Tartus, Deraa, and Deir al-Zour), as well as 12 million people out of an estimated resident population of 17 million (another 7 million Syrians are still living abroad as refugees) ...

What human rights does Syria violate?

Significant human rights issues included: unlawful or arbitrary killings by the regime; forced disappearances by the regime; torture, including torture involving sexual violence; harsh and life-threatening prison conditions, including denial of medical care; prolonged arbitrary detention; political prisoners and ...

Is Syria still at war?

The war is currently being fought by several factions, including the Syrian Armed Forces and its domestic and international allies, a loose alliance of mostly Sunni opposition rebel groups (such as the Free Syrian Army), Salafi jihadist groups (including al-Nusra Front and Tahrir al-Sham), the mixed Kurdish-Arab Syrian ...

When did the Syrian protests start?

26 January 2011Protests began in Syria as early as 26 January 2011, and erupted on 15 March 2011 with a "Day of Rage" protest generally considered to mark the start of a nationwide uprising.

What happened in Syria in 1980s?

The siege of Aleppo refers to a military operation conducted by forces of the Syrian government led by Hafez al-Assad in 1980 during the armed conflict between the Sunni groups, including the Muslim Brotherhood, and the al-Assad government. Government forces committed several massacres in the course of the operation.

Why did the US intervene in Syria?

In mid-January 2018, the Trump administration indicated its intention to maintain an open-ended military presence in Syria to counter Iran's influence and oust Syrian president Bashar al-Assad.

Why did the Gulf monarchies fear the establishment of a form of democracy in Syria?

The Gulf monarchies feared the establishment of a form of democracy in Syria, which would threaten their own interests if democratic ideas and activities expanded in the MENA region. From this perspective, they preferred a sectarian war and encouraged a sectarian narrative through their media and funding.

What was the policy of colonization in Syria?

Between 1972 -1977, a policy of colonization was implemented in predominantly Kurdish regions of Syria as part of the Arab Belt plan. Around 25,000 “Arab” peasants, whose lands were flooded by the construction of the Tabqa Dam, were sent to the High Jazirah, where the Syrian regime established “modern villages” adjacent to Kurdish villages.

What was the impact of the Kurdish Intifada on the Syrian people?

The Kurdish Intifada, as well as developments in Iraqi Kurdistan that saw increased autonomy and the raising of Kurdish flags and symbols, boosted Syrian Kurdish people’s morale and confidence in mobilizing for their rights and strengthened the nationalist consciousness of the youth and their will for change.

How many refugees are there in Syria?

After nine years, there are over 5 million refugees and 500,000 dead.

When did relations between Kurdish and Syrian governments worsen?

Relations between the Kurdish political parties and the Syrian regime increasingly worsened through the late 1990s and into the early 2000s. An improvement in Turkish/Syrian relations prompted Syrian security forces to launch several waves of repression against the remaining PKK elements in Syria.

What were the causes of the rise of the Islamic movement?

The rise of those Islamic movements had various causes, including the regime’s initial facilitation of their expansion, the repression of the protest movement leading to radicalization among some elements, better organization and discipline, and finally support from foreign countries.

What was the aim of the regime's high officials?

The aim of the regime’s high officials was nevertheless consistent: to suppress the protests, divide people according to primordial identities, and instil fear and distrust among them to break the inclusive spirit of the movement.

About the Event

Despite perceptions of Syria as an entrenched authoritarian state, the country has had experience with democratic rule and its history has been punctuated by periods of political and social liberalization. Between 1949 and 1958, the country was governed by liberal democratic institutions, despite four military coups.

About the Speakers

Dr. Radwan Ziadeh is founding director of the Damascus Center for Human Rights Studies and executive director of the Syrian Center for Political and Strategic Studies.

What happened after Syria declared independence?

The years immediately following Syria’s declared independence were marked by instability and repeated government coups. Syria joined with Egypt and became the United Arab Republic in 1958, but the union split a few short years later in 1961. The 1960s brought more military coups, revolts and riots.

Who ruled Syria?

Throughout ancient times, Syria was occupied and ruled by several empires, including the Egyptians, Hittites, Sumerians, Mitanni, Assyrians, Babylonians, Canaanites, Phoenicians, Arameans, Amorites, Persians, Greeks and Romans. Ancient Syria was a region referred to often in the Bible.

What is the Syrian Civil War?

Syrian Civil War. Syrian Refugees. Sources: Syria is home to one of the oldest civilizations in the world, with a rich artistic and cultural heritage. From its ancient roots to its recent political instability and the Syrian Civil War, the country has a complex and, at times, tumultuous history.

How long was Hafez al-Assad in power?

He remained in power as president for 30 years, until his death in 2000. Hafez al-Assad was part of the Islam Alawite, which is a minority Shiite sect. During his presidency, Hafez was credited with strengthening the Syrian military with the help of the Soviets. Syria and Egypt went to war with Israel in 1973.

How many people died in Syria in 2012?

But by 2012, Syria was engulfed in a full-blown civil war. Estimates vary, but according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, at least 321,000 people have been killed since the start of the war or are missing. Hundreds of people were killed outside of Damascus in 2013 during a chemical weapons attack.

What was the name of the war between France and Syria?

In 1936, France and Syria negotiated a treaty of independence, which allowed Syria to remain independent but gave France military and economic power.

What is the name of the city in the Bible that Paul referred to as Damascus?

Ancient Syria was a region referred to often in the Bible. In one well-known account, the apostle Paul cited the “road to Damascus”—the largest city in Syria —as the place where he had visions that led to his Christian conversion. When the Roman Empire fell, Syria became part of the Eastern or Byzantine Empire.

What is the significance of the Damascus Declaration?

Significance of the Damascus Declaration (October 2005) Signed by a broad spectrum of oppositionists, the statement does not mince words. "The authorities' monopoly of everything for more than thirty years has established an authoritarian, totalitarian, and cliquish (fi’awi in Arabic) regime," the signatories declare bluntly , accusing the regime of isolating the country through its "destructive, adventurous, and short-sighted policies on the Arab and regional levels, and especially in Lebanon."

What is the dissent among the Alawite?

Several senior Alawite power brokers—including Bahjat Suleiman (intelligence), Hassan Khalil (military intelligence), and Adnan Badr Hassan (political security)—were recently "retired." Second, the suicide/assassination of leading regime figure Ghazi Kenaan—under questionable circumstances—signaled concern within the ruling elite. There is some speculation that he was in touch with former Syrian vice president Abdel Halim Khaddam and former military chief of staff Hikmat Shihabi in Paris, possibly planning a coup. Members of the Alawite establishment are reportedly worried about President Bashar Assad's judgment and repeated miscalculations. Rifts within the ruling elite are also being exacerbated by the increasing concentration of wealth and power in the hands of the Assad and Makhlouf families. Conversely, the Alawite elite has seen their "piece of the pie" shrink over the last five years.

What is the reality of internal repression?

The reality of internal repression shifts much of the weight onto oppositionists outside the country. Another conference bringing together all opposition forces to present an alternative to the Assad regime could be an important next step. The last such meeting took place in Paris two months ago. Two previous meetings were held in Europe over the past two years. Although the Paris meeting was successful in bringing together a diverse group of Syrian opposition figures, it is not clear whether the momentum will be maintained.

Is there a shift in power in Syria?

Shifts in Power? There has been a major shift in the Syrian economy, with capital formation increasingly in the hands of non-state actors. Even though proximity to the state remains the best guarantee for capital preservation, these new concentrations of capital are "flexible" and can easily be withdrawn from the state. This may already have begun, although the process is still far from a tipping point.

How many refugees are there in Syria?

Europe's migrant crisis is dwarfed by the wave of displacement that has washed into Syria's neighbors. Turkey, Lebanon, and Jordan alone host around 4.4 million refugees from Syria; in Lebanon, they make up more than one-fifth of the population.

What was the Arab Spring?

BEIRUT - It began as an expression of outrage at a long-running familial dictatorship, fueled by the hope that the Arab Spring protests spread across the Mideast and North Africa in March 2011. Now, almost five years later and at least 250,000 deaths later, a shaky cease-fire is the only small hope of beginning to resolve the Syrian conflict.

What happened in Syria in 1936?

1936 - France agrees to work towards Syrian independence and dissolves the autonomous regions , but maintains military and economic dominance and keeps Lebanon as a separate state. 1941 - British and Free French troops occupy Syria. General De Gaulle promises to end the French mandate.

When will Turkey send troops to Syria?

2020 March - Turkey sends thousands of troops across the border to stop a Syrian offensive to retake Idlib, the last province still in opposition hands. 2020 June - Protests in southern Syria at growing economic hardship prompt President Assad to dismiss Prime Minister Imad Khamis.

When did Shukri al-Kuwatli return to power?

1955 - Shukri al-Kuwatli returns to power, seeks closer ties with Egypt. 1958 February - Syria and Egypt form the United Arab Republic. Egyptian president Gamal Abdel Nasser heads the new state. He orders the dissolution of Syrian political parties, to the dismay of the Baath party, which had campaigned for union.

Who was the first Syrian leader to visit Turkey?

Undersecretary for State John Bolton says Damascus is acquiring weapons of mass destruction. 2004 January - President Assad visits Turkey, the first Syrian leader to do so. The trip marks the end of decades of frosty relations, although ties sour again after the popular uprising in 2011.

When did Syria retake Palmyra?

2015 December - Syrian Army allows rebels to evacuate remaining area of Homs, returning Syria's third-largest city to government control after four years. 2016 March - Syrian government forces retake Palmyra from Islamic State with Russian air assistance, only to be driven out again in December.

Who was the Ottoman governor of Syria in 1917?

image caption. The Ottoman governor of Syria, Jamal Pasha, rides through Damascus in 1917. 1919 - Emir Feisal backs Arab self-rule at the Versailles peace conference, following the defeat of Germany and the Ottoman Empire in World War I.

When did President Assad meet Nicolas Sarkozy?

2008 July - President Assad meets French President Nicolas Sarkozy in Paris. The visit signals the end of the diplomatic isolation by the West that followed the assassination of former Lebanese PM Rafik Hariri in 2005. 2008 October - Syria establishes diplomatic relations with Lebanon for first time since both countries established independence in ...

What happened to Syria after the coup?

A military coup reestablishes Syria as an independent country, and a new civilian government is formed. A coalition of military officers, including Baʿthist and Nasserist officers, seizes power in March. Soon after the coup, the Baʿthist faction takes control, purging Nasserists in government and suppressing uprisings.

When did Syria withdraw from Lebanon?

Syria withdraws its forces in April. 2008. Syria and Lebanon agree to formally establish diplomatic relations for the first time since the two countries became independent.

How many soldiers did Syria send to Lebanon?

Syria intervenes in the Lebanese civil war, sending a force of 25,000 soldiers to Lebanon to prevent the defeat of right-wing Christian militias. Syria’s military presence in Lebanon continues for nearly three decades, enabling Syria to exert significant influence on Lebanese politics. 1979.

What was the resolution of 2004 that urged the removal of all non-Lebanese military forces from Lebanon

2004. The United Nations (UN) passes Resolution 1559 , calling for the removal of all non-Lebanese military forces from Lebanon.

What happened in 1948?

1948. Israel proclaims its independence and is attacked by the surrounding Arab states, including Syria. The large and disorganized Arab armies are defeated, shocking the Syrian public, which had expected a quick victory. Discontent with the government of Pres. Shukri al-Quwatli spreads within the Syrian military.

When did Egypt and Syria merge?

1958. Syria and Egypt merge politically to form the United Arab Republic, with Cairo as the capital and Gamal Abdel Nasser as president. The union, which leads to the economic and political domination of Syria by Egypt, quickly becomes unpopular in Syria. 1961.

How old is Bashar al-Assad?

The following day, the People’s Assembly amends the constitution to lower the minimum age of the president to 34, allowing Bashar al-Assad, then 34 years old, to succeed his father in office. He is elected president in a referendum in July.

What was the focus of Syria's statehood?

That is, single-state nationalism (Arabic: wataniyah) was the focus of Syria’s statehood. Their program, however, did not lead to success; its failure opened the way for a redefinition of nationalism as pan-Arab or folk nationalism (Arabic: qawmiyah ).

What was the Bush administration's anti-Syrian policy?

The Bush administration signaled a new anti-Syrian policy in 2002 when the president included it in what he proclaimed to be the “Axis of Evil.” Covert activities were stepped up and, the following year, Bush threatened to impose sanctions (which he did impose two years later). In 2003, Israel used American aircraft in a strike on a Palestinian refugee camp just outside of Damascus. It was the first of a sequence of humiliating attacks that the Syrian armed forces were unable to prevent. The American Congress rubbed salt into that wound by passing the Syria Accountability Act, which charged the Syrians with supporting terrorism and occupying much of Lebanon as well as seeking chemical weapons.

How many dust storms were there in Syria in 2010?

That drought was said to have been the worst ever recorded, but it was one in a long sequence: Just in the period from 2001 to 2010, Syria had 60 “significant” dust storms. The most important physical aspect of these storms, as was the experience in America in the 1930s, was the removal of the topsoil.

When was the first Assad regime?

It was in answer to the perceived weakness of Syrian statehood and the disorder of Syrian political life that the first Assad regime was established in 1970 by Hafez al-Assad, the father of the current leader.

How many Palestinians fled Syria?

Syria was already a refuge for a quarter of a million Palestinians and about 100,000 Iraqis who had fled the war and occupation. Formerly prosperous farmers were lucky to get jobs as hawkers or street sweepers. And in the desperation of the times, hostilities erupted among groups that were competing just to survive.

What is the book about the Fate of Regime Change?

The first, Humpty Dumpty: The Fate of Regime Change, deals with the history and current affairs of Kashmir, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iran, Syria, Libya, and Mali. The second is an espionage novel called Blind Man's Buff and carries the tale of the Great Game for control of Central Asia into the present.

Is Syria a piece of land?

Syria is not just a piece of land; it is densely populated. When I first visited Syria in 1946, the total population was less than 3 million. In 2010, it reached nearly 24 million. Thus, the country offered less than 0.25 hectares (just over a third of an acre) of agricultural land per person.