Crisis, massacre in Syria
Syria, one of several nations from the Middle East region to become involved in the “Arab Spring” uprisings, has been experiencing ongoing civil unrest which has been met by increasingly severe government repression.
These series of events began in March of 2011, with civilian populations turning out to protest in events dubbed “Day of Dignity” and “Day of Rage.” Immediately the government responded by first arresting dozens of people, then quickly implementing more lethal tactics. This only served to further incense the already angered citizens, leading to several days of violent clashing with government forces and more deaths.
At this time similar cycles of protest and severe government retaliation are seen playing out in other “Arab Spring” nations. In several, including Libya, the UN and NATO took military steps to prevent what would have been a bloody onslaught on the civilian population. In Syria, however, the citizens rising up against Assad and cohorts had less luck, with Western powers like the US and European Union moving to implement paltry economic sanctions. Undeterred, the Syrian military continued repressive tactics, leading to the occupation of several towns and the besieging of Jisr al-Shughor in June. As the number of civilian deaths continued to increase, US President Obama and allies called for Assad to step down. In December the UN declared the toll had passed 5,000 deaths. Regardless, Russia and China have both vetoed two important UN resolutions concerning Syria. The Arab League has taken its own steps, voting to suspend Syria and impose its own sanctions. The League also sent observers, who were withdrawn in a matter of weeks due to increasing violence.
Even with the obvious nature of repression being imposed on Syrian civilians, the world has chosen to not aid these people and end Assad's violence. The violence continues, and the Syrian people continue to plead for help, their cries tragically falling on ears who choose to remain deaf.
These series of events began in March of 2011, with civilian populations turning out to protest in events dubbed “Day of Dignity” and “Day of Rage.” Immediately the government responded by first arresting dozens of people, then quickly implementing more lethal tactics. This only served to further incense the already angered citizens, leading to several days of violent clashing with government forces and more deaths.
At this time similar cycles of protest and severe government retaliation are seen playing out in other “Arab Spring” nations. In several, including Libya, the UN and NATO took military steps to prevent what would have been a bloody onslaught on the civilian population. In Syria, however, the citizens rising up against Assad and cohorts had less luck, with Western powers like the US and European Union moving to implement paltry economic sanctions. Undeterred, the Syrian military continued repressive tactics, leading to the occupation of several towns and the besieging of Jisr al-Shughor in June. As the number of civilian deaths continued to increase, US President Obama and allies called for Assad to step down. In December the UN declared the toll had passed 5,000 deaths. Regardless, Russia and China have both vetoed two important UN resolutions concerning Syria. The Arab League has taken its own steps, voting to suspend Syria and impose its own sanctions. The League also sent observers, who were withdrawn in a matter of weeks due to increasing violence.
Even with the obvious nature of repression being imposed on Syrian civilians, the world has chosen to not aid these people and end Assad's violence. The violence continues, and the Syrian people continue to plead for help, their cries tragically falling on ears who choose to remain deaf.
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