Political Science Project Outline

Syrian Civil War

Radhika Das XII-F

Sr. Index

1. Objectives

2. Introduction

3. Understanding the Causes

4. Examining the Role of International Actors

5. Assessing the Impact on Society and Humanitarian Consequences

6. Exploring Post-Conflict Transition and Reconstruction

7. Timeline

8. Bibliography
Objectives
1. Investigating the underlying political, social, and economic factors that contributed to the
outbreak of the Syrian Civil War. This objective involves analyzing the historical context,
examining the grievances of various groups, and identifying key actors and their interests.

2. Exploring the involvement of international actors in the Syrian Civil War, such as regional
powers, global powers, and non-state actors.

3. Evaluating the societal impact of the Syrian Civil War, including the humanitarian crisis,
displacement of people, and the breakdown of social and economic structures.

4. Analyzing the political, social, and economic factors influencing the transition process,
including state-building, reconciliation, and justice mechanisms.

Introduction
Syria formerly known for its civil war has now become a geopolitical proxy war. A proxy war is
"an armed conflict between two or more states or non-state actors which act on the instigation or
on behalf of other parties that are not directly involved in the hostilities." Pro-democracy
protestors in Syria who wanted to end the authoritarian practices of the Assad regime sparked the
civil war. The protestors wanted to end the Assad regime, because of the unfulfilled promises by
the new president Bashar Al Assad, who came into the presidency in 2000, along with unfulfilled
promises Bashar Al Assad, the Syrian people protested oppression by the Assad regime,
inequalities in wealth, inequalities in privilege, pervasive censorship, surveillance, environmental
crisis, and finally brutal violence against suspected opponents of the Assad regime.

The civil war evolved into a proxy war, because the Syrian government which is backed by
Russia, and Iran are fighting against anti-government rebel groups who are backed by the United
States, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey. The civilians are impacted the most by the broken cease-fires,
aborted peace deals, and the death and suffering of the civilians. The following passage will go
in-depth about who and what is Syria, the Syrian civil war, and last but not least the crimes
committed in Syria,

Syria is located in Southwestern Asia or as we know it, the Middle East. Syria is located north of
the Arabian Peninsula, at the eastern end of the Mediterranean Sea. Turkey borders Syria to the
north, Lebanon, and Israel to the west and southwest, Iraq to the east, and Jordan to the south.
Syria is the Arab Republic compromised of two countries under one nation; the two countries are
Egypt and Syria. The capital of Syria is Damascus. The main language spoken in Syria is Arabic.
The civil war in Syria is a complex war to comprehend due to all the parties involved, and the
reasons why each party is involved. The reason for the United States, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey's
partnership to back up the anti-government rebels is because of a common enemy, and the hopes
to put an end to the civil war. The common enemy of the United States, Saudi Arabia, and
Turkey is ISIS. ISIS began taking control of Syria in 2013. ISIS was succeeding at taking over
large amounts of territory in Syria until the United States and its allies joined the fight. The
United States conducted over ten thousand air strikes against ISIS, and although the air strikes
helped reduce ISIS forces. ISIS remains a prominent force in Syria.

The proxy war does not seem to have any sign of coming to an end in the near future due to both
the government, and the anti-government rebel groups taking over great parts of Syria, and also
by not coming to a mutual agreement. Currently, the Syrian government seems to be winning the
civil war thanks to Russian, and Iranian help. The reason the Syrian government has the upper
hand in the civil war is due to the greater presence of the Syrian government throughout Syria.
Despite the war technically being between the Syrian government, and the anti-government
rebels, the proxy war is actually between Russia, and Iran versus the United States, Saudi Arabia,
and Turkey.

Crimes committed in the Syrian civil war include the use of chemical weapons, mass killing,
torture, war crimes, extrajudicial killings, recruiting child soldiers, bombing large areas, taking
hostages, and killing civilians because of their religion. (BCC, 2019) The Syrian government,
with the help of Russia, has committed countless unlawful attacks against civilians, and civilian
structures in Syria. The Syrian-Russian unlawful attacks have taken place in medical facilities,
schools, and mosques. (BCC, 2019)

In retrospect, the civil war transformed into a mosh pit of almost a dozen individual parties
involved. Syria has become a battleground where parties from all different parts of the world
come to fight for different causes. An eight-year-old long civil war has been nothing short of
devastating for everyone involved, and an ending to the war seems to be very distant. The ISIS
involvement only worsens the idea of the war coming to an end, due to their empty promises,
and unwillingness to put an end to their terrorism. Air strikes have killed thousands of ISIS
members, along with diminishing chemical weapons; however, by the looks of it, it did not even
put a dent in the violence occurring. The death toll of civilians continues to climb drastically,
along with fleeing victims. Unless an agreement is brought and kept for all the parties involved,
then that is the only chance the war has of ending, if not then the war could eventually spark
world war three.
Understanding the Causes
Arab Uprising

Syria played a significant role in the Arab Spring, which was a series of uprisings and protests
that began in late 2010 across several countries in the Middle East and North Africa region. The
Arab Spring was fueled by various factors, including political repression, economic grievances,
and demands for social justice and democracy. In Syria, the Arab Spring initially started with
peaceful protests in March 2011, inspired by the successful uprisings in Tunisia and Egypt.
Demonstrations began in the city of Daraa, where people called for political reforms and an end
to corruption. However, the Syrian government, led by President Bashar al-Assad, responded
with a harsh crackdown on the protesters, leading to further escalation of the conflict.

As the protests spread to other parts of the country, the situation in Syria rapidly deteriorated into
a full-blown civil war. Opposition groups emerged, demanding the resignation of President
Assad and calling for democratic reforms. The conflict became increasingly complex and
multifaceted, with various factions, including rebel groups and Islamist extremists, joining the
fight against the government. The Syrian government's response to the uprising was brutal, using
excessive force, arbitrary detentions, torture, and other human rights abuses to suppress the
opposition. This led to widespread condemnation from the international community. As the
conflict intensified, it resulted in a humanitarian crisis, with millions of Syrians being displaced
internally or seeking refuge in neighboring countries.

The international response to the Syrian conflict varied. Some countries, such as the United
States and several European nations, condemned the Syrian government's actions and supported
the opposition forces. They provided limited military assistance and called for Assad's
resignation. On the other hand, countries like Russia and Iran backed the Syrian government and
provided military support, contributing to the prolongation of the conflict.

The Syrian civil war continues to have devastating consequences for the country and the region
as a whole. The conflict has caused immense loss of life, displacement of populations, and
destruction of infrastructure, and has allowed extremist groups like ISIS to gain a foothold in the
region. Efforts to find a political solution and end the conflict have been challenging, with
numerous rounds of negotiations and ceasefire agreements, but a comprehensive resolution has
remained elusive. Overall, Syria's experience with the Arab Spring highlights the complex and
multifaceted nature of the uprisings and the different outcomes they produced in different
countries. While the Arab Spring initially raised hopes for democratic change, in Syria, it
spiraled into a protracted and devastating civil war.
Civil War

The Syrian conflict evolved from a peaceful protest movement into a militarized rebellion by
September 2011. The Free Syrian Army emerged as a rebel umbrella group, but its leadership
was not widely recognized. International efforts to end the conflict through ceasefires and
negotiations proved unsuccessful, as violence escalated and rebel factions fought against
government troops. In 2012, an international conference produced the Geneva Communiqué,
outlining a roadmap for a transitional government in Syria, but the inclusion of President Bashar
al-Assad remained a contentious issue.

The Syrian National Council, the main opposition group, faced internal divisions and was
replaced by the National Coalition for Syrian Revolutionary and Opposition Forces. In 2012, the
rebels achieved tactical successes, gaining control of territories in the north and east, including
parts of Aleppo. However, by early 2013, the conflict reached a stalemate, with both sides
lacking significant gains. The international allies of the Syrian government and the rebels
increased their support, raising concerns about a regional proxy war.

In August 2013, suspected chemical weapons attacks near Damascus led to calls for international
military intervention. However, opposition to military action and a focus on diplomacy resulted
in an agreement between Russia, Syria, and the United States to place Syria's chemical weapons
under international control. In 2013, Islamist militant groups, such as the Nusrah Front and later
ISIS, gained prominence, further complicating the conflict.

Russia became actively involved in the conflict in 2015, supporting the Syrian government with
troops and airstrikes. The government, with Russian support, targeted rebel-held areas, including
the eastern part of Aleppo, leading to severe civilian casualties. In 2016, ISIS faced challenges
from Kurdish forces, pro-Assad Syrian forces, and Turkish-backed rebel groups. The U.S.-led air
campaign weakened ISIS's grip on key strongholds, and the Syrian Democratic Forces,
supported by the U.S., liberated Raqqa, the de facto capital of ISIS in Syria.

In response to chemical weapons attacks, the U.S., UK, and France conducted strikes against
Syrian government facilities. Israel also targeted Iranian military positions in Syria. The Syrian
government, with Russian support, regained control over rebel-held territories, making
significant advances in 2018 and 2019. In 2019, Turkey launched an offensive into northeastern
Syria against Kurdish forces, while the Syrian government re-entered the region with Kurdish
support.

The situation in Idlib, the last rebel-held region, became a major concern. Russia and Turkey
negotiated a buffer zone agreement, but radical groups like HTS posed challenges to the
implementation. Syrian forces launched offensives in Idlib, leading to counteroffensives and
further clashes. In 2020, Turkey and Syria experienced a brief escalation of hostilities, but a
general ceasefire was brokered by Turkey and Russia.
The Syrian conflict has been marked by shifting alliances, international involvement, and
devastating humanitarian consequences. Despite attempts at peace and territorial changes, the
conflict remains unresolved, with ongoing challenges posed by various armed groups and
regional dynamics.

Key events in Syria 1946–2010

● 1946- Syria concludes a treaty with France ending French rule in Syria. French troops are
withdrawn.
● 1948- Israel proclaims its independence and is attacked by the surrounding Arab states,
including Syria. The large and disorganized Arab armies are defeated, shocking the
Syrian public, which had expected a quick victory.
● 1951- Shishakli launches a second coup, deposing Syria’s civilian government and
establishing a military dictatorship.
● 1958- Syria and Egypt merge politically to form the United Arab Republic, with Cairo as
the capital and Gamal Abdel Nasser as president. The union, which leads to the economic
and political domination of Syria by Egypt, quickly becomes unpopular in Syria.
● 1967- Egypt, Jordan, and Syria are defeated in the Six-Day War with Israel. Israel seizes
the Golan Heights from Syria.
● 1970- Assad takes power in a coup.
● 1973- Syria and Egypt launch attacks against Israeli forces in the Golan Heights and the
Sinai, respectively. Syria fails to retake the Golan Heights. Hostilities end with a
cease-fire agreement.
● 1976- Syria intervenes in the Lebanese civil war, sending a force of 25,000 soldiers to
Lebanon to prevent the defeat of right-wing Christian militias. Syria’s military presence
in Lebanon continues for nearly three decades, enabling Syria to exert significant
influence on Lebanese politics.
● 1979- The U.S. State Department designates Syria as a state sponsor of terrorism, citing
its alleged support for Palestinian militant groups. The designation carries economic
sanctions.
● 1980- Islamist resistance to the Assad regime grows. Islamist and secular opposition
groups organize demonstrations and riots around the country. A member of the Muslim
Brotherhood attempts to assassinate Assad.
● 1982- Islamist forces briefly take over the city of Ḥamāh. The Syrian military launches a
full-scale assault to put down the rebellion, destroying large areas of the city and killing
thousands of civilians.
● 1990- Syria joins in the U.S.-led coalition against Iraq following the Iraqi invasion of
Kuwait.
● 2004- The United Nations (UN) passes Resolution 1559, calling for the removal of all
non-Lebanese military forces from Lebanon. The resolution is aimed at Syria, which still
has thousands of troops stationed in Lebanon.
 ● 2008- Syria and Lebanon agree to formally establish diplomatic relations for the first
time since the two countries became independent.
● 2010- The Syrian government prohibits teachers from wearing the niqāb, a veil that
covers all of the face except the eyes while teaching.

Conclusion

The outbreak of the Syrian Civil War in 2011 was influenced by a combination of political,
social, and economic factors. Here are some key factors that contributed to the conflict:

Authoritarian Rule and Political Repression: Decades of authoritarian rule under the Assad
family created a climate of political repression, lack of freedom of expression, and limited
political participation. The absence of political reforms and meaningful democratic institutions
led to widespread grievances among the population.

Socioeconomic Inequalities and Marginalization: Economic disparities and inequalities played a

significant role in fueling the conflict. Widespread poverty, unemployment, corruption, and
limited economic opportunities created frustration and resentment, particularly among
marginalized communities in rural areas and informal settlements.

Drought and Agricultural Crisis: A severe drought from 2006 to 2011 led to widespread crop
failures and displacement of rural populations, exacerbating socioeconomic grievances. This
environmental crisis contributed to increased rural-urban migration, competition for scarce
resources, and heightened social tensions.

Political and Sectarian Fragmentation: Syria has a complex sectarian and ethnic landscape, with
various religious and ethnic groups. The Assad regime's manipulation of sectarian divisions and
favoritism towards certain groups further exacerbated social divisions and fueled sectarian
tensions, particularly between the majority Sunni population and the Alawite-dominated regime.

Arab Spring and Regional Dynamics: The wave of popular uprisings known as the Arab Spring,
which began in late 2010, catalyzed the Syrian uprising. The success of protests in other
countries, coupled with regional dynamics and the spread of revolutionary fervor, inspired
Syrians to demand political change and challenge the Assad regime.

Security Crackdown and Escalation: The Assad regime's response to peaceful protests with a
violent crackdown further escalated the conflict. The use of excessive force, arbitrary arrests,
torture, and killings by security forces contributed to the radicalization of opposition groups and
the militarization of the uprising.

Foreign Involvement and Proxy Warfare: The Syrian conflict attracted involvement from various
regional and global actors. This included support for both the regime and opposition groups,
leading to the escalation of the conflict into a proxy war. Regional powers such as Iran, Saudi
Arabia, Turkey, and Qatar, as well as global powers like the United States and Russia, backed
different factions, exacerbating the violence and prolonging the war.

It is important to note that the factors mentioned above are interconnected and often reinforce
each other, creating a complex web of causes that contributed to the outbreak and continuation of
the Syrian Civil War.

Examining the Role of International Actors

Regional Powers

The Syrian Civil War, which began in 2011, has involved numerous international actors,
including regional powers. These actors have played a significant role in shaping the course of
the conflict and have often pursued their geopolitical interests in the region. Here are some of the
key international actors involved in the Syrian Civil War:

● Iran: Iran has been another major supporter of the Syrian government. It has provided
significant financial, military, and advisory support to the Assad regime. Iran's
involvement is driven by its desire to protect its strategic interests in the region and
maintain its influence over Syria. Additionally, Iran has utilized Syrian territory as a
conduit for supplying arms and support to its Lebanese proxy, Hezbollah.
● Turkey: Turkey has been actively involved in the Syrian Civil War, but its primary focus
has been countering the influence of Kurdish groups along its border. Turkey has
supported various Syrian opposition groups and launched military operations to target
Kurdish forces, particularly the People's Protection Units (YPG) and its political wing,
the Democratic Union Party (PYD). Turkey has also assisted Syrian refugees and
established military observation posts in certain areas of Syria.
● Gulf States: Countries such as Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE)
have been involved in the Syrian conflict by supporting various opposition groups. They
have provided financial and military aid to rebel factions to weaken the Assad regime and
counter Iran's influence. However, their support has been fragmented and at times led to
rivalries among different opposition factions.
● Israel: Israel has primarily focused on countering the influence of Iran and its proxies in
Syria. Israeli forces have carried out multiple airstrikes on Iranians in Syria. Israel's
involvement is driven by concerns about the transfer of advanced weapons to Hezbollah
and the potential threat to its security.
Global Powers

1. United States: The United States, as a global superpower, has had a significant impact on the
Syrian Civil War. Initially, the U.S. provided support to certain rebel groups and conducted
airstrikes against ISIS targets in Syria. However, the focus gradually shifted to the fight against
ISIS, and the U.S. reduced its direct support to the opposition. The U.S. has maintained a
military presence in northeastern Syria to support Kurdish-led forces in the fight against ISIS.
Overall, the U.S. involvement has been aimed at countering terrorism and preventing the
resurgence of ISIS rather than directly challenging the Assad regime.

2. European Union: The European Union (EU) has been involved in the Syrian conflict primarily
through its member states. Some EU countries, such as France and the United Kingdom, have
provided military support to certain rebel factions, including airstrikes against ISIS. The EU has
also been involved in humanitarian efforts and providing aid to Syrian refugees. However, the
EU's involvement has been relatively limited compared to regional and global powers.

3. United Kingdom and France: These two countries have been involved in the Syrian conflict
both individually and as part of broader coalitions. They have conducted airstrikes against ISIS
targets and provided limited support to certain rebel groups. The involvement of the UK and
France has been largely aligned with the United States and has aimed to counter terrorism and
prevent the spread of extremism.

4. China: China has played a more indirect role in the Syrian conflict, primarily focusing on
political and diplomatic efforts. China has been supportive of the Syrian government and has
used its influence in international forums like the United Nations Security Council to protect
Syrian interests. China has emphasized a political solution to the conflict and has opposed
foreign intervention. Its involvement has largely been driven by its broader foreign policy
principles, such as non-interference and sovereignty.

5. Russia: Although Russia is a regional power in terms of geography, it has a global presence
and has played a crucial role in the Syrian conflict. Russia's involvement in support of the Syrian
government has had a significant impact on the course of the war. Its military intervention in
2015, including airstrikes and the deployment of troops, helped turn the tide in favor of the
Assad regime. Russia's involvement has been aimed at preserving its strategic interests in the
region, maintaining a foothold in the Mediterranean, and countering what it perceives as Western
influence.

These global powers have pursued their interests in the Syrian Civil War, whether it is countering
terrorism, protecting strategic alliances, or advancing geopolitical objectives. Their involvement
has complicated the dynamics of the conflict and further exacerbated its complexity.
Non-State Actors

The Syrian Civil War has also witnessed the involvement of various non-state actors that have
had a significant impact on the conflict. These non-state actors include both armed groups and
extremist organizations. Here are some of the key non-state actors involved in the Syrian Civil
War:

1. Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS): ISIS emerged as a powerful extremist organization
during the Syrian conflict, initially capitalizing on the power vacuum created by the war. It
seized large swathes of territory in Syria and Iraq, proclaiming a self-proclaimed "caliphate."
ISIS engaged in brutal tactics, including mass killings, enslavement, and the destruction of
cultural heritage sites. Its extremist ideology and territorial ambitions posed a significant
challenge to both the Syrian government and other opposition groups

2. Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS): Formerly known as Jabhat al-Nusra, HTS is an Islamist militant
group that emerged as an offshoot of Al-Qaeda in Syria. It aims to establish an Islamic state in
Syria and has played a significant role in the conflict. HTS has been involved in battles against
both the Syrian government forces and other opposition groups.

3. Kurdish Forces: Kurdish groups have played a crucial role in the Syrian Civil War, primarily
in the northern regions of the country. The People's Protection Units (YPG) and its political
wing, the Democratic Union Party (PYD), have been the most prominent Kurdish forces.
Kurdish forces have been at the forefront of the fight against ISIS and have received support
from the United States.

4. Free Syrian Army (FSA): The Free Syrian Army is a coalition of various opposition groups
and defected Syrian military personnel. It initially emerged as a major opposition force aiming to
overthrow the Assad regime. The FSA received support from several international actors,
including the United States, Gulf states, and Turkey.

5. Hezbollah: Hezbollah, a Lebanese militant group, has been actively involved in the Syrian
Civil War on the side of the Syrian government. It has provided significant military support to
the Assad regime, including thousands of fighters. The group's intervention has played a crucial
role in bolstering the Syrian government's position.

The involvement of non-state actors in the Syrian Civil War has further complicated the conflict
and contributed to its protracted nature. These groups have shaped the course of the war,
influenced the political dynamics on the ground, and caused significant humanitarian
consequences for the civilian population.
Assessing the Impact on Society and Humanitarian Consequences
The Syrian Civil War has had a profound and devastating societal impact on Syria and its people.
The conflict has resulted in immense human suffering, displacement, loss of life, and destruction
of infrastructure. Here are some key aspects of the societal impact of the Syrian Civil War:

1. Displacement and Refugees: The conflict has forced millions of Syrians to flee their homes,
leading to one of the largest refugee crises in recent history. According to the UNHCR, over 6
million Syrians are internally displaced, and more than 5.6 million have sought refuge in
neighboring countries, such as Turkey, Lebanon, Jordan, Iraq, and Egypt. The displacement has
disrupted families, and fractured communities, and created significant social and economic
challenges.

2. Loss of Life and Casualties: The war has caused a staggering loss of life. According to various
estimates, the death toll ranges from hundreds of thousands to over half a million people,
including civilians, combatants, and members of armed groups. The conflict has also resulted in
numerous injuries, physical disabilities, and psychological trauma among survivors.

3. Humanitarian Crisis: The Syrian Civil War has created a severe humanitarian crisis within the
country. The fighting has hindered access to necessities such as food, clean water, healthcare, and
education for millions of Syrians. The destruction of critical infrastructure, including hospitals,
schools, and water treatment facilities, has further exacerbated the crisis, leaving many
vulnerable to disease, malnutrition, and inadequate living conditions.

4. Sectarian and Ethnic Divisions: The conflict has deepened sectarian and ethnic divisions
within Syrian society. The country is characterized by a diverse population comprising various
ethnic and religious groups, including Arab Sunnis, Alawites, Christians, Kurds, and Druze,
among others. The war has exacerbated existing tensions and, in some cases, led to targeted
violence and displacement based on sectarian or ethnic identity. Rebuilding social cohesion and
trust among different groups will be a significant challenge in the post-conflict period.

5. Destruction of Cultural Heritage: Syria is home to rich cultural heritage, including ancient
cities, archaeological sites, and religious monuments. The war has caused extensive damage to
these cultural treasures, including the UNESCO World Heritage sites such as Aleppo, Palmyra,
and the Old City of Damascus. The loss of cultural heritage not only robs future generations of
their historical legacy but also affects the potential for tourism and economic recovery.

6. Long-term Trauma and Psychological Impact: The protracted nature of the conflict, exposure
to violence, displacement, and loss of loved ones have resulted in significant psychological
trauma among Syrians, particularly children. The war has left an entire generation of children
and youth with deep emotional scars, impacting their well-being, education, and prospects.

7. Economic Devastation: The Syrian economy has been severely impacted by the war, with the
destruction of infrastructure, disruption of industries, and the loss of productive capacity. The
conflict has led to widespread unemployment, poverty, and economic instability. The loss of
livelihoods and economic opportunities has further exacerbated the suffering of the population.

The societal impact of the Syrian Civil War is extensive and will have long-term consequences
for Syria and its people. Rebuilding and addressing the various challenges will require
comprehensive efforts in humanitarian assistance, post-conflict reconstruction, reconciliation,
and support for sustainable development.

Analysis Of Internal Displacement In The Syrian Crisis

The Syrian crisis has resulted in one of the most severe internal displacement situations in recent
history. The conflict has caused widespread destruction, violence, and displacement of people
within Syria's borders. The analysis of internal displacement in the Syrian crisis reveals several
key aspects:

1. Scale of Displacement: The scale of internal displacement in Syria has been staggering.
According to the United Nations, by the end of 2020, an estimated 6.7 million Syrians were
internally displaced within the country. This represents a significant portion of the population
that has been forced to flee their homes due to conflict-related violence.

2. Multiple Waves of Displacement: The Syrian crisis has witnessed multiple waves of
displacement since the conflict began in 2011. As the conflict escalated and different areas came
under the control of various armed groups, civilians were frequently uprooted and compelled to
seek safety in other regions or neighboring countries. Displacement has been both protracted,
with people living in displacement for extended periods, and cyclical, with people being
displaced multiple times.

3. Urban Displacement: Unlike previous conflicts in the region, the Syrian crisis has seen a
significant shift in displacement patterns, with a large number of internally displaced persons
(IDPs) seeking refuge in urban areas rather than traditional camps. This has put immense
pressure on urban infrastructure and resources, leading to overcrowding, inadequate housing
conditions, and limited access to basic services such as healthcare, education, and employment
opportunities.

4. Protection and Humanitarian Challenges: Internal displacement in Syria has presented

immense challenges in terms of protection and humanitarian assistance. Displaced populations
often face risks such as arbitrary detention, forced conscription, gender-based violence, and
limited access to essential services. Humanitarian organizations have struggled to reach all
affected areas due to ongoing hostilities, bureaucratic obstacles, and resource constraints,
resulting in significant gaps in assistance.

5. Sectarian and Ethnic Dynamics: The Syrian conflict has been marked by sectarian and ethnic
divisions, and internal displacement has further exacerbated these dynamics. Displaced
populations, particularly minority groups such as Kurds, Christians, and Yazidis, have faced
specific challenges related to their identity, including discrimination, marginalization, and the
destruction of their communities. These dynamics have contributed to the fragmentation of
Syrian society and pose challenges to reconciliation and long-term stability.

6. Return and Reintegration Challenges: As the conflict evolves and certain areas experience
relative stability, some IDPs have attempted to return to their places of origin. However, the
return process is complex, influenced by factors such as security conditions, the presence of
explosive remnants of war, destruction of infrastructure, lack of basic services, and property
disputes. Reintegration of returnees into their communities also poses challenges, including the
need for livelihood opportunities, psychosocial support, and reconciliation efforts.

The analysis of internal displacement in the Syrian crisis underscores the urgent need for
comprehensive and coordinated humanitarian responses, the protection of displaced populations,
and efforts to address the root causes of the conflict. It also highlights the long-term challenges
associated with displacement, including the need for sustainable solutions that address the
complex social, economic, and political dimensions of the crisis.

Exploring Post-Conflict Transition and Reconstruction

The Syrian Civil War is a complex conflict with numerous socio-economic factors that have
influenced the transition process, state-building, and justice mechanisms. Here are some key
factors to consider:

1. Economic Inequality: Socio-economic disparities and inequalities were significant

contributors to the initial protests that sparked the conflict. Widespread poverty, unemployment,
and corruption created a sense of marginalization and frustration among large segments of the
Syrian population. Addressing these underlying socio-economic issues is crucial for a sustainable
transition and effective state-building.

2. Displacement and Refugees: The war has led to massive internal displacement and created one
of the world's largest refugee crises. The displacement of millions of Syrians has put enormous
strain on neighboring countries and strained their resources, impacting the socio-economic
stability of the region. The return and reintegration of displaced populations pose significant
challenges for rebuilding communities and providing essential services.

3. Destruction of Infrastructure: The war has caused extensive damage to Syria's infrastructure,
including schools, hospitals, and basic utilities. The destruction of these vital socio-economic
structures hampers the state-building process and negatively affects the delivery of essential
services, leading to economic stagnation and hindering prospects for post-war recovery.

4. Economic Interests of External Actors: Regional and international powers involved in the
conflict have pursued their economic interests, exacerbating the socio-economic challenges.
They have exploited Syria's resources, including oil and gas reserves, leading to the loss of
national wealth and hindering economic recovery. The competition for control over economic
resources has further complicated the state-building process and justice mechanisms.

5. War Economy and Profiteering: The war has given rise to a war economy characterized by
illicit activities such as smuggling, looting, and black market trade. This informal economy
provides opportunities for certain individuals and groups to accumulate wealth and power, often
at the expense of the wider population. Such profiteering undermines the justice mechanisms and
perpetuates socio-economic disparities.

6. Reconciliation and Transitional Justice: The process of achieving justice and reconciliation is
vital for long-term stability. However, socio-economic factors can impact the effectiveness of
these mechanisms. Unequal access to resources, economic opportunities, and reparations can
impede reconciliation efforts and perpetuate grievances, potentially leading to future cycles of
violence.

Addressing these socio-economic factors requires a comprehensive approach that includes

economic reforms, investments in infrastructure, job creation, and inclusive governance
structures. It is crucial to prioritize the needs and aspirations of the Syrian people and ensure that
justice mechanisms and state-building processes are guided by principles of inclusivity,
transparency, and equitable distribution of resources.
Timeline
Here are some important events leading up to the present day of the Syrian crisis:

● May 2010: The United States (US) renewed sanctions against Syria after accusing Syria
of supplying Hezbollah “with increasingly sophisticated rockets and missiles” and for
their “continuing support for terrorist organizations and pursuit of weapons of mass
destruction and missile programs.”
● March 2011: Protestors in Dara’a and several other cities are attacked and shot by Syrian
government forces.
● November 2011: The Arab League suspended Syria’s membership and imposed sanctions
after Syria failed to implement the Arab Peace Plan.
● November 2012: The National Coalition for Syrian Revolutionary and Opposition
Forces, a coalition of anti-Assad militant groups excluding Islamist militias, formed in
Qatar.
● September 27, 2013: UN Security Council threatened to use force against Syria if it does
not destroy its chemical weapons.
● Mid-October 2013: Syria signed the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC), which
prohibits the production, stockpiling, and use of chemical weapons.
● September 16, 2014: The US launched airstrikes on ISIL’s headquarters in Raqqa and
along the Iraqi border, joined by Bahrain, Jordan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United
Arab Emirates.
● June 23, 2014: The Organization for Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW)
announced it had removed all of the Syrian government’s chemical weapons stockpiles.
September 30, 2015: Russia launched airstrikes on Assad’s opponents, shifting the civil
war in favor of Assad.
● April 6, 2017: The US Syrian military base in al-Tanf, the suspected source of the April
4th chemical weapons attacks by Syrian forces against civilians in the city of Khan
Sheikhoun in rebel-held Idlib province.
● May 9, 2017*: The US armed Kurdish People’s Protection Unit (YPG) in order to retake
Raqqa
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