Syria is a Middle Eastern country located between Turkey, Iraq, Jordan, Israel and Lebanon. It has a population of about 23 million people who are predominantly Sunni Muslim, along with religious minority groups like Shia, Druze and Alawite Muslims. Syria has a diverse history of being conquered by various empires and gained independence from France in 1946. The current regime is led by President Bashar al-Assad, whose family has ruled the country since 1970. In 2011, protests erupted against Assad's rule but escalated into an ongoing civil war between government forces and various rebel groups composed of dissidents, with over 60,000 deaths in the first 18 months of conflict.

1. Syria
A country in Conflict

2. Syria is a country located
in the Middle East
It’s borders: Turkey, Iraq,
Jordan, Israel and Lebanon
Capital: Damascus
Official Language: Arabic
Most prominent religion:
Islam

3. Demographics
 Population is about 23
million
 Approx. 75% Sunni
Muslim
 Shia, Druze and
Alawite Muslims make
up approx. 18% of
population
 Small percentage of
other Christian
Denominations

4. History
 Syria has extremely diverse
beginnings. It’s lands have
been conquered by:
Egyptians, Hittites,
Sumerians, Mitanni,
Assyrians, Babylonians,
Canaanites, Phoenicians,
Arameans, Amorites,
Persians, Greeks and
Romans.
 Became apart of Byzantine
Empire, and conquered by
Muslim Arabs, and
eventually the Ottomans.
 After WWI, came under
French control.
 Becomes independent on
April 17, 1946.
 Minister of Defense, an
Alawite Muslim, Hafez al-
Assad, seizes power in
bloodless military coup in
1970.
 Assad died in 2000, his son
Bashar al-Assad became his
successor at age 34.
 Economic sanctions renewed
on Syria by U.S & U.N in
2002/3 accusing them of
supporting terrorist groups
such as Hezbollah and Al
Qaeda.

5. Alawite Muslims
Alawi is a mystical sect of Shia
Islam.
Generally a secret sect, refuse
knowledge to outsiders.
Small minority of Syria, however
is sect of President Assad.
Oppressed by Ottoman
Turks/Sunni Muslims.
Not considered Muslims by
Sunni Muslims.
Came to power by joining
military.

6. Sufism Influence in Syria
Naqshbandi Sufi order
prominent in Syria.
Within the Alawi
government, Sufi Muslims
hold positions of power.
Sufi orders have been
important in influencing
Shia religious authorities to
declare Alawis “bonafide”
Shia Muslims
Sufi orders have provided
backing against Sunni
fundamentalist’s challenges
to the Alawi regime.

7. The Muslim Brotherhood
 Muslim Brotherhood is
made up of Sunni Muslims.
 Believes that religion and
politics are inseparable.
 Believes Sharia is ONLY
law, enforceable by any
means.
 Largest foreign branch
established in Syria in 1937.
 Brotherhood blamed for
terrorist acts during
throughout Hefez al-
Assad’s rule. Made
scapegoat by Alawite
regime.
•Membership of the Muslim
Brotherhood made Capital
offense in 1982. Government
troops slaughtered up to
25,000 civilians (mostly Sunni)
in Hama, to prove this point.

8. The Syrian Conflict

9. Key Points
 Inspired by “Arab-Spring” revolts.
 Protesters initially demanded economic reforms.
 Armed rebel groups now consist of many different kinds
of protestors, including ex soldiers, and terrorist group
links such as Muslim Brotherhood and Al Qaeda
 No unifying ideology other than hate for Assad
 Over 60,000 dead in first 18 months of conflict
 Iran helping Assad
 Even if Assad is ousted, struggle for power could lead to
more conflict.

10. Before and After