Last week president Obama concluded with “high confidence” that the government of Bashar Al Assad in Syria was responsible for the use of chemical weapons, killing more than 1,400 people. Obama announced that Assad’s chemical attacks were in clear violation of international law, and crossed what his administration had termed “the red line,” expressing intentions to take military action against the Syrian regime.
Obama sought congressional approval before launching any such intervention, and a vote is set to take place next week.
Meanwhile, Syria has denied using chemical weapons on its citizens, claiming that the accusations are untrue, and are desperate attempts to justify military action by the West.
HOW IT All BEGAN
The Arab Spring was sparked in early 2011 when a fruit vendor in Tunisia set himself on fire protesting against corruption and the economic conditions rampant in the country. This ignited a series of protests in the whole region. Algeria, Morocco, Libya, Egypt, Yemen and Syria all saw protests against the ruling parties—with each incumbent government dealing with the protests with different approaches.While Egypt, Yemen, and Tunisia had their ruling powers overthrown, the conflicts in Libya and Syria erupted into civil wars, with both governments opting to use violence and force against protesters.
There are many contrasting concerns between nations regarding the conflict in Syria. Many countries, including Canada, are opting not to take military action, instead choosing the diplomatic route.Peaceful demonstrations were organized against Assad, who was succeeding his deceased father as president.
The Syrian government responded to protests with extreme force, killing hundreds of protesters. This prompted civilians to begin mobilizing as rebel armies, defending themselves against Assad’s regime.
The rebels then divided into several factions. This has resulted in the West becoming even more reluctant to support the diversified rebel segments.
It would be careless on the part of Western nations to support the rebels, given Al-Nusra purportedly is the most influential rebel faction and is directly associated with Al Qaeda.
Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar have supported the Syrian rebels, while Iran and the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah have been allies to Assad’s regime.
There is a possibility of an intervention aiming to punish Assad’s regime for allegedly using toxic gas, which would damage the regime’s military capabilities and protect civilians from further attacks.
However, a military strike could also bear substantial risks, prolonging the civil war, initiating further attacks, and causing more casualties.
ROLE OF THE U.N.
The United Nations has been very critical of the violence in Syria but have yet to come into an agreement on how to act.
Russia, Iran, and China are Assad’s three most important allies, providing financial and military support to his regime. These countries have affirmed they will make efforts to prevent an attack against the Syrian government. Additionally, Russia and China have presented substantial opposition to any resolution authorizing military intervention in Syria, and both are among two of the five veto-wielding permanent members in the United Nations Security Council.
CANADA’S INVOLVEMENT
Prime Minister Stephen Harper has declared Canada has no plans for a military intervention in Syria, but stood behind allies who considering action against Assad’s regime.
He told the Toronto Star the conflict was “overwhelmingly sectarian in nature” and was devoid of any “clear outcomes for a solution at present.”
Since the beginning of the uprising, Canada has given Syria $316.8 million in funds to address threats related to chemical weapons, and providing humanitarian aid, security, and development assistance.
Mishaal Sinha
Contributor
