Ryan Lindeman

POLS 1150

Topic Forum: Syrian Civil War

The Syrian Conflict is a civil war. The Syrian government led by President
Bashar al-Assad attempting to repress protest and attack from Syrian rebels. Syrian
rebels are unhappy with Assads rule and support a democratically elected
alternative. Many Syrians were unhappy with economic disparities in the country,
and the anti-government sentiment is believed to be highest in lower income areas of
the country. There are also religious extremist groups involved in the conflict. The
international response has been varied. Russia has been conducting airstrikes
against ISIS controlled targets in Syria but has also been accused of attacking more
moderate Syrian rebel groups. The United States has launched airstrikes against
ISIS but has also been aiding moderate syrian rebels. There has been uncertainty
regarding policy choices in Syria because of the complicating factor of islamic
extremists in Syria. The United States is trying to fight against Assad but Assad is
also fighting ISIS. The United States could work to sort out this confusion by coming
to an agreement with allies about the best way to defeat ISIS and not leave a power
vacuum for them to grow again. Allies such as NATO nations could assist Syrian
rebels in working out their demands with the Syrian government so they can ensure
enough unity to prevent ISIS and other religious extremist groups from seizing
control over the region.