Dear aspirants, if you are going for SSB interview, you might face some questions from this particular topic in your personal interview. We have tried to prepare a simple article on this international issue so that you can get some knowledge on what are the issues related to Syria and its neighbouring countries.
History at a Glance
The Syrian uprising started as a reaction to the Arab Spring a series of anti-government protests across the Arab world inspired by the fall of the Tunisian regime in early 2011. But at the root of the conflict was anger over unemployment, decades of dictatorship, corruption and state violence under of the Middle East’s most repressive regimes. It started in March 2011. Protestors demanded resignation of president Bashar al-Assad. Assad’s family is holding presidency since 1971. He belongs to Ba’ath party. President deployed army to quell the demonstrators, soldiers fired on protesters across the country. After few months the protests turned into armed rebellion between rebels and Assad govt. clashes spread into many towns and cities across the country. In late 2011 influence of jabhat al-nusra (an Islamist group) was increasing to support rebels. In 2013 Hezbollah also entered in favor of government. Russia and Iran are supporters of Assad’s govt. and as a result of this war many citizens fled to other countries, many have been displaced and near 1, 00,000 have been killed and toll is increasing day by day. Thousands of the protesters have been imprisoned.
International Viewpoint
Use of chemical weapons is the reason for the international leaders to worry. Allegations are there on Syrian govt. to use poisonous gas in December 2012, March 2013 and recently in August 2013 to attack civilians and rebels. Use of these banned weapons as it is a weapon of mass destruction. International organizations have accused both rebels and government of severe human right violations. Arab league also suspended Syria’s membership because of its response to the crisis.
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Recent Developments
- A united nation inspection team was in Syria to collect data and evidence for use of chemical weapons in past.
- Syrian opposition blamed government of using chemical weapon in suburb of Damascus. The govt. denied the charges. Opposition demanded the international intervention to protect innocent civilians.
- Iran says Syrian govt. could not use these weapons as Assad had the upper hand in fighting.
- Barrack Obama mentioned a year ago that use of chemical weapons will be a “red line” for Syria. So US asked its defense secretary to prepare military options for Syria. Navy also sent a fourth armed warship armed with ballistic missiles into eastern Mediterranean Sea.
- Syria warned US against any military action saying it will create a ball of fire that will inflame the Middle East. And Iran (Syrian ally) suggested US should not cross “red lines” on Syria. Russia (Syria’s main ally and its supporter in UN) urged the Syrian leader to cooperate with UN inspectors to pursue earlier allegations.
- Israel P.M. Benjamin Netanyahu said this situation can’t continue and we expect it to end. It also urged for global efforts to take out chemical weapons from Syria.
- Syria said it will defend itself from all means.
- UN envoy to Syria said evidence suggests that chemical substances were used in Syria. That killed more than 1000 people.
- France president Francois Hollande expressed readiness to go ahead with plans to strike Syria. While Russia evacuated its citizens from Syria.
- British parliament rejects the military action, Italy, Germany have said they won’t take part in any military action. Russia and China (Security Council permanent members) are opposed to military action against Syria.
- Obama delayed imminent strike by deciding to consult the congress and after that France said it would not act alone against Syria. While Russia said evidence which US consider as proof is unconvincing and US is not providing details.
- Syria also asked UN to prevent US military attack on Syria.
Source: http://middleeast.about.com
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Gaurav Vaishnav, Editorial TeamGaurav is a defence aspirant and appeared for SSB interview 8 times, he is here to share his experience of different selection centres across India. Mail us to join our editorial team now.
