SyriaA country in Conflict

Syria is a country located in the Middle East

It’s borders: Turkey, Iraq, Jordan, Israel and Lebanon

Capital: Damascus

Official Language: Arabic

Most prominent religion: Islam

Demographics Population is about 23

million

Approx. 75% Sunni Muslim

Shia, Druze and Alawite Muslims make up approx. 18% of population

Small percentage of other Christian Denominations

History Syria has extremely diverse

beginnings. It’s lands have been conquered by: Egyptians, Hittites, Sumerians, Mitanni, Assyrians, Babylonians,Canaanites, Phoenicians, Arameans, Amorites, Persians, Greeks and Romans.

Became apart of Byzantine Empire, and conquered by Muslim Arabs, and eventually the Ottomans.

After WWI, came under French control.

Becomes independent on April 17, 1946.

Minister of Defense, an Alawite Muslim, Hafez al-Assad, seizes power in bloodless military coup in 1970.

Assad died in 2000, his son Bashar al-Assad became his successor at age 34.

Economic sanctions renewed on Syria by U.S & U.N in 2002/3 accusing them of supporting terrorist groups such as Hezbollah and Al Qaeda.

Alawite MuslimsAlawi is a mystical sect of Shia

Islam.

Generally a secret sect, refuse knowledge to outsiders.

Small minority of Syria, however is sect of President Assad.

Oppressed by Ottoman Turks/Sunni Muslims.

Not considered Muslims by Sunni Muslims.

Came to power by joining military.

Sufism Influence in SyriaNaqshbandi Sufi order prominent in Syria.Within the Alawi government, Sufi Muslims hold positions of power.Sufi orders have been important in influencing Shia religious authorities to declare Alawis “bonafide” Shia MuslimsSufi orders have provided backing against Sunni fundamentalist’s challenges to the Alawi regime.

The Muslim Brotherhood Muslim Brotherhood is

made up of Sunni Muslims.

Believes that religion and politics are inseparable.

Believes Sharia is ONLY law, enforceable by any means.

Largest foreign branch established in Syria in 1937.

Brotherhood blamed for terrorist acts during throughout Hefez al-Assad’s rule. Made scapegoat by Alawiteregime.

•Membership of the Muslim Brotherhood made Capital offense in 1982. Government troops slaughtered up to 25,000 civilians (mostly Sunni) in Hama, to prove this point.

The Syrian Conflict

Key Points Inspired by “Arab-Spring” revolts.

Protesters initially demanded economic reforms.

Armed rebel groups now consist of many different kinds of protestors, including ex soldiers, and terrorist group links such as Muslim Brotherhood and Al Qaeda

No unifying ideology other than hate for Assad

Over 60,000 dead in first 18 months of conflict

Iran helping Assad

Even if Assad is ousted, struggle for power could lead to more conflict.

Before and After