Revolution+in+Syria+II



The Syrian Revolution-- A humanitarian crisis that threatens to affect the entire globe, if left to it's own accord The History, Current Situation, Help, and How to Help

History

 * Before the current president, Bashar al-Assad, was elected, his father, Hafiz al-Assad was the president. They were/are both Alawite muslims, a minority in Syria that makes up most of the powerful positions in the country. Both the father and son was and is members of the Ba'th Party, a socialist group that is greatly opposed by the majority of people in Syria. Sadam Hussein was also a member of the Ba'th Party, in Iraq [[image:http://www.cflit.net/images/Dr.%20Bashar%20Al-Assad.jpg width="190" height="161" caption="Bashar al-Assad"]][[image:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/58/Hafez_al-Assad.jpg width="141" height="197" caption="Hafiz al-Assad"]]
 * The majority of people in Syria are Sunni Muslims, and about 10% are Christian.
 * In 2010, the first of a series of Revolutions began in the Middle East, including in Tunisia, Egypt, Yemen, Libya, Iran and Bahrain. This phenomenon was named the Arab Spring.
 * Protests in Dara'a ignited a series across the country, effectively starting the Syrian Revolution

Current Situation

 * The Annan Peace plan, which was developed specifically for ending of the Syrian Revolution, was put in place a few weeks ago
 * So far, it has failed miserably, with no ceasefire actually happening
 * UN observers have gone in to try to make sure that the Annan plan is followed.
 * More people have died since the start of the "ceasefire", both because of the rebels and because of the government
 * There is a NATO meeting planned in Chicago for this weekend. We will see if any progress is made.[[image:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/d3/NATO_flag.svg/200px-NATO_flag.svg.png width="205" height="152"]]

How It Is Being Addressed

 * ====The Annan plan tried to enforce a cease-fire and allow govermental protests, but so far it has failed====
 * Many European and Middle Eastern countries have stated their sides in the Revolution and have stated that they might possibly send money/help
 * The UN observers came in to try to enforce the Annan plan
 * The Arab League has stated that they will send money in aid of the rebels, but they have not sent anything yet

Resources

 * ====Becasue it is so current, basically every/any global newspaper or news station covers the current happenings in the country====
 * I recommend the New York Times, CNN, and, for minute to minute coverage, Twitter

Steps

 * ====In order for the conflict to end, outside countries will have to step in, even if that threatens to pull the entire world in====
 * ====The government will have to be replaced, will non-corrupt individuals====

What You Can Do To Help
By Lucia Adami
 * ====You can keep updated on the circumstances in Syria====
 * Tell other people about what is going on, and if the time comes to pick a side, choose your's with research and consience