Background Information
Syria is an Asian state entity that borders countries such as turkey, Jordan, Iraq, Israel, and Lebanon. Damascus, it’s capital and major city suffices as one of the oldest and strategic locations in contemporary society. Syria is renowned for fertile and arable land that bolsters its stature as an agricultural territory (Sharp 12). However, it is important to note that some regions within Syria experience extremely dry conditions that do not support agriculture. The country harbours diverse cultural, ethnic, and religious orientations.
The most prevalent ethnic identities include Alawites, Kurds, Turks, Armenians, and Assyrians (Sharp 12). However, Sunni Arabs constitute the largest segment of the overall population.
This ethnic, racial, and cultural diversity makes it prone to tension and strife that usually emanates from political, social, and economic considerations. Countries such as Syria require political leadership that promotes equity and justice about the distribution of natural resources. In the absence of such arrangements, it is difficult to guarantee inclusive social, political, and cultural leadership (Sharp 12).
The historical dynamics of Syria’s existence make it necessary for authorities to uphold fairness in executing policies that relate to its citizenry. Cultural and ethnic realities often contribute to Syria’s disposition as a political hotbed. The realities mentioned above necessitate constant surveillance by various faculties within the international community (Sharp 12). This research undertaking seeks to evaluate various facets of Syria’s existence as a state entity.
It shall institute holistic foray into past and present circumstances that continue to define Syria’s position within the community of nations. Indeed, Syria is a strategic state that offers many opportunities for other nations around the world. Its stability, or lack of it, affects neighboring states and the international community.
Discussion
As earlier mentioned, Syria is an integral component of regional economic and political wellbeing. Its geographical location makes it a strategic partner to countries such as Iraq and Israel. On the other hand, recurrent geopolitical realities within western Asia put Syria in the league of partners that determine regional stability (Sharp 15). Its political history and ethnic composition also play an important role in defining relations with countries such as the United States, Russia, and Britain.
Due to dictatorial leadership and ideological differences, Syria has had frosty relations with the international community. They often differ on pertinent international affairs such as regional wars and terrorism (Sharp 15). Western powers believe that Syria is a key resource about sustenance and propagation of terror rings around the world. Such beliefs and opinions make Syria an easy target for international anti-terror crusaders (Sharp 15).
The leadership in Syria constantly fails to cooperate with other nations in pursuing justice and upholding the rule of law. Since the onset of the Arab Spring, Syria does not enjoy good relations with countries within the Arab League. Many observers consider Syria, a pariah among regional and international state entities (Sharp 18).
Syria is currently experiencing civil strife that commenced on 15th March 2011. During that period, citizens began protests that sought to oust their leadership over claims of corruption, favouritism, and political misappropriation. The protestors viewed such acts as an affront to democracy and other facets that characterize fairness in social contexts. According to them, the leadership had failed to ameliorate various existential parameters that characterized operations within their state entity.
The Syrian uprising spread to major cities across the country. During the initial stages of the upheaval, protestors pressured the government to streamline operations to improve the lives of ordinary citizens (Sharp 22). According to organizers, the Syrian authority had overall responsibility for a myriad of challenges that occurred, ordinary citizens.
After a period of protests, citizens demanded Assad’s resignation from the government. According to observers, the progression of the Syrian uprising was similar to the Arab Spring that swept across Arab states within that period. After months of protests, the crisis degenerated into an armed rebellion (Sharp 24).
The Syrian crisis is complex because it involves a struggle between the government and citizens. The Syrian army continues to propagate atrocities against citizens despite international outcry and intervention. The crisis has deepened due to its ethnic orientation and realities that revolve around sectarian clamour for dominance and political leadership. Various sectarian factions engage in a perpetual struggle for political leadership and control over resources (Sharp 29). Hezbollah and Russian support for government forces aggravate an already desperate situation.
On the other hand, rebels enjoy support from countries such as Qatar and the United States of America. Foreign involvement and interference turn the crisis into an axis of confrontation that ultimately jeopardizes Syria’s wellbeing. Although foreign involvement is critical in such situations, it is important for such countries to temper their steps to facilitate quick and appropriate resolution about the current impasse (Sharp 33).
The armed conflict in Syria continues to attract condemnation from the international community. Human rights entities view the crisis as among the worst in recent past. It is difficult for humanitarian agencies to deliver aid to victims due to hostility and lack of cooperation about Syrian authorities (Ajami 45). The current situation in Syria is detrimental to the preservation and propagation of human rights. The international community should take steps that gear towards the restoration of normal operations.
This should suffice through economic and political sanctions that will ultimately force authorities to reconsider their hardline positions. More specifically, the United States should deploy military resources to ensure the realization of the objectives mentioned above (Ajami 45). America should mobilize its allies towards a lasting solution to the current crisis in Syria.
It is inappropriate for the international community to watch As Syria plunges deeper into anarchy and indiscriminate lawlessness. As earlier mentioned, Syria’s instability could spill over to neighbouring countries such as Iraq and Lebanon. Although Iraq has experienced turmoil for many years, the Syrian crisis could affect its road to recovery (Ajami 47).
International reaction to the Syrian crisis has been constant and equivocal. Some countries seem undecided about allegiance and desire for normalcy. However, most nations and humanitarian agencies are committed to peace and harmony within Syria. For instance, there has been condemnation from regional and international blocs such as the Arab League and Organization of Islamic Cooperation (Ajami 49). Such sentiments are crucial because they precipitate political goodwill towards harmonious coexistence in Syria.
Western governments have also played an important role in containing the situation in Syria (Ajami 51). Countries that support the government are seemingly sending messages of defiance against western powers such as the United States and Britain. It is immoral for state entities to support human rights violations to leverage on countries that harbour contrarian positions about policy formulation and implementation. It is important for all countries to learn from the Syrian uprising (Ajami 53).
It offers valuable lessons on the importance of proper governance and humane considerations about political leadership. The situation in Syria demonstrates the role of citizens in formulating appropriate governance structures. Whenever governments fail to fulfill their mandate in office, they risk facing rebellious citizens who desire inclusive leadership (Ajami 55).
The current situation in Syria is worse than the period preceding its onset. Citizens are suffering due to hunger and lack of proper health care. Most citizens lack access to basic needs. This undermines overall sustenance and ability to undertake normal operations within societal contexts (Ajami 56).
Conclusion
The historical dynamics of Syria’s makes it necessary for the government to uphold equity in executing policies that relate to its subjects. Cultural and ethnic realities play an important role in propagating the current armed conflict in Syria. The international community should put more effort towards diffusing the Syrian crisis because its escalation could predispose other countries to strife (Ajami 62). They should move to forestall all forms of contagion that could arise about countries in the Asian region.
The United States should use its influence to impose stringent sanctions that will ultimately force the Syrian government to cease hostilities against innocent citizens (Ajami 63). This is only possible through collaborative efforts between America and other western powers.
They should involve neutral entities such as the United Nations and financial institutions such as the World Bank and International Monetary Fund (Ajami 63). The Syrian government should demonstrate commitment towards the realization of a lasting solution to the current armed conflict. Devoid of such commitment, the conflict could degenerate into a humanitarian tragedy (Ajami 65).
Works Cited
Ajami, Fouad. The Syrian Rebellion. London: Hoover Press, 2013. Print.
Sharp, Jeremy. Syria: Background and U. S. Relations. Newyork: DIANE Publishing, 2013. Print.