Syrian Civil War: Key Events and Powers

Jul 22, 2024

Syrian Civil War

Main Themes

  • Government dictatorship and public opposition
  • Atrocities by the Syrian government and security forces
  • Intervention of external powers

Important Events and Causes

1970: Hafiz al-Assad's Rise to Power

  • Military support
  • Became president through a coup
  • Strengthened power to avoid opposition from the Sunni majority
  • Strict rules and changes in the constitution
  • Established spy systems in Sunni-majority areas

2000: Bashar al-Assad's Rise to Power

  • Initially continued Hafiz’s policies
  • Continued dictatorial policies after becoming president

2006-2010: Drought and Economic Hardships

  • Crops destroyed due to drought and low rainfall
  • Economic hardship and unemployment
  • Stirring of the Arab Spring

February 2011: The Dara Protests

  • Muawiya wrote "It's your turn, Doctor" on the school wall
  • About 15 children were arrested and severely tortured
  • Subsequently, widespread protests began

Events in 2011

  • On April 27, 2011, Syrian forces fired on a protesting crowd
  • Violence during the "Friday of Dignity" protest
  • Syrian government attacked a mosque
  • More than 1000 people killed

Post-2012 Situation

  • Syrian army soldiers rebelled
  • Formation of the Free Syrian Army
  • Fought with arms and technology
  • Support from foreign countries

Contribution of External Powers

  • Support from Sunni rich countries in the Middle East
  • Iran’s support for the Shia government
  • Intervention of Russia and the USA:
    • Russia: Supported Bashar al-Assad
    • USA: Supported the Free Syrian Army
    • Intervention of ISIS

Use of Chemical Weapons

  • Chemical attack on August 21, 2013
  • International opposition and intervention by world powers
  • Role of Russia and China’s veto

Consequences and Strategic Situation

  • 2016: Trump’s withdrawal of the USA from Syria
  • 2017: Bashar al-Assad's renewed use of chemical weapons
  • More than 400,000 people died
  • Exodus of the Syrian population

Conclusion

  • Emergence of social media war
  • Transitional conflict

Other Important Notes

  • Unacademy Summit: UPSC Preparation
  • Session by Nitin Gadkari
  • Unacademy UPSC Summit: 20th-21st July