Syria: The Story of the Conflict
Directions: Read the on-line article Syria: The Story of the Conflict which can be found at http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-26116868. Once you have finished reading the article answer the corresponding questions below.
I. Uprising Turns Violent
a. Who is the current president of Syria?
b. What event sparked widespread protests in Syria?
c. How did those protests escalate into a full-blown conflict?
II. Descent into Civil War
a. How did the conflict come to include so many different factions?
b. In which month was the greatest death toll?
III. War Crimes
a. According to the UN Commission of Inquiry which types of war crimes were committed by both sides?
b. How did the warring factions begin to punish non-combatants?
IV. Chemical Weapons
a. Which event occurred in August 2013?
b. What was the international response to that event?
V. Humanitarian Crisis
a. How many people have fled Syria since the start of the conflict?
b. How many total Syrians have been displaced by the violence? Approximately what percentage of the population does this number constitute?
c. What are the top three Middle Eastern countries where refugees have fled to?
VI. Rebels and the Rise of the Jihadists
a. What brought about the creation of radical groups like Islamic State?
b. What was the goal of the US-led air strikes?
c. What has emerged as the most prominent moderate force in the region?
i. Why does this group encounter difficulties in gathering support?
VII. Peace Efforts
a. Why is it believed that only a political solution can bring about peace in the conflict?
b. What did the 2012 Geneva Communique call for?
c. Why have peace efforts continued to break down?
VIII. Proxy War
a. Which two countries have been the major supporters of Assad?
b. Who has the US backed in this conflict?
i. Why has western support in the conflict cooled in recent months?
Analysis Questions:
1. What are your predictions for the outcome of this conflict?
2. What possible solutions would you propose to end hostilities and provide aid to those affected by the violence in Syria?
3. Do you support US involvement in the region? If so, to what extent should that involvement look like? If not, why do you feel that way?