Syria's fractured opposition a long way from victory

Syria's Free Army gathered together opposing the Assad Regime

For article click here

For background information click here

For map of Syria click here

ARTICLE ANALYSIS

- U.S and Europe are onboard over the removal of Assad from power however Russia and China are allies with Syria and fear their relationship will be jeopardized if a regime change occurs.

- Opposing citizens wish for president Assad and his regime to step down from government.

- It is estimated that more than 5,400 people have been killed since March 2011 against people who are opposing the regime.

- There are many different divisions against each other (i.e. There's the Islamists versus the secularists)

- Syrian national council is the largest opposing group against the regime.

- National Coordination Body for Democratic Change is a less opposing group of the regime and also opposes the views of the Syrian national council.

- Free Syrian Army is comprised of roughly 15,000 soldiers all of whom are defectors of the Syrian army who are opposing the Assad regime, combating anyone in the way.

- It is believed that foreign powers are funding the opposing groups.

COMPLEX

INTERRELATED

 

Political	Social/Cultural
·    Assad regime is not stepping down. ·    Regime fighting and killing opposing groups. ·    Many opposing groups are engaging in combat with Syrian army ·    International countries asking for Assad to step down.	·    Danger filled streets, as fighting continues between opposing groups. ·    5,400 deaths are believed to have occurred

CONTROVERSIAL

How did this issue start?	How should it be resolved
- Citizens wanting Assad and his regime to step down. - Assad ignoring the wishes of the citizens. - Opposing groups are formed and use violence as a means of change.	- Assad must step down to insure the stop of violence. - Foreign military involvement will be necessary unless opposing groups can over through the regime.

My View

  Currently the country of Syria is undergoing some major conflicts between the current regime and it's opposing members. Some say it is a crisis, as I believe. I would compare the current issue going on to the issue that had been going on in Lybia when Muammar Gaddafi refused to step down and violence took to the streets throughout the country. In my opinion if Assad does not step down, he will end up being killed, in the future. It may take time, but if the people are desperate for change and feel strongly about their stance,they will follow through.

     I believe there are few options for ressolving this issue. Due to current nature of violence going on, it will be difficult for peaceful change to occur. The best case scenerio would be that Assad step down. As I mentioned in my previous comment, I think it will take the death of Assad to put the country in the right direction in terms of change in the government. Another option of coarse, is foreign military aid, although that could be risky and isnt neccessary due to the violence being local and no international attacks have been threatened.

Unease hangs in the air on anniversary of Libyan revolution

For this article and video go to http://www.cnn.com/2012/02/17/world/africa/libya-anniversary/index.html?hpt=hp_bn2
For information on Libya go to http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/5425.htm
For map of Libya http://maps.google.ca/maps?hl=en&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.r_qf.,cf.osb&biw=1280&bih=637&wrapid=tlif132969861324710&q=libya&um=1&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=0x13a892d98ece010d:0xfa076041c7f9c22a,Libya&gl=ca&ei=OJdBT9O6H4a80QHbiv3iBw&sa=X&oi=geocode_result&ct=image&resnum=10&ved=0CIoBEPIBMAk

Article Summary

·         One year ago the Libyan revolution began

·         Lawless militias committing crimes and threaten to destabilize the country by hindering efforts to rebuild.

·         Libyans anger began with the arrest of human rights lawyer Fathi Terbil.

·         Protest began against Moammar Gadhafi and called for a "Day of Rage" on February 17.

·         Protest continued for eight months after until the death of Gadhafi.

·         Citizens are still unease as to what the future holds.

·         Celebration is underway, however revolutionary fighter are on high alert against former regime loyalists.

·         The country is in need of a strong government and defences.

·         Voters are going to the polls at the end of June to pick a national assembly that will draft a new constitution.

COMPLEX



INTERRELATED

Political	Social/Cultural	Economic
-Death of leader Gadhafi -Current govn’t struggling -Election for new govn’t -New constitution is needed	-Militia groups causing war crimes -People still uneasy of what the future holds. -Fears of former regime loyalists, causing disruptions to celebrations.	-No real government structure.

CONTROVERSIAL

How did this issue start?	How should it be resolved?
-Arrest of a human’s rights lawyer. -Protests, lead to death of Gadhafi. -Militia groups causing violence throughout the country -Lack of authority	-New, strong government -Rebuild the countries defences -Take down the militia groups.

MY OPINION

     This is an issue in which has been going on for a year now. I remember hearing the stories of it's progress as it unfolded. The country has undergone an incredible revolution however is far from being a paradise. Libya is in a great need of a new government, one who will lead the people for the better. The militia groups must be controlled and taken down otherwise, the future will remain uneasy. The people need some security and should be able to walk the streets without fear of a man with a gun. The country will not have successfully revolutionized until a new government is formed and peace is restored to the people.

     Something must be done to ressolve Libya issue. A start would be a new government, who will protect the rights of the citizens, rebuild its forces and rid the country of militia groups. This is not possible over night however must be done to rebuild the country and instill confidence within the people.