3b- Global Governace + Case Study Of Conflict - Syria Flashcards
What triggered the Syrian civil war
Violent reaction of President Assad’s government to pro-democracy protest
Eg: opened fire on protesters
When did war break out in Syria
2012
Who was the war initially between and who has joined the fight
Initially between Assad’s government + The Free Syria army (rebels)
- Kurds (ethnic group)
- terrorists = ISIS
Why is the Syrian conflict described as a proxy war
Different sides backed by various global powers = one of the reasons war has gone on for so long + been so bad
- Russia backing Government
- USA backing rebels
What political response has the UN taken towards to Syrian war
Multiple peace talks between all parties toward + ceasefire and governmental transformation attempted - Geneva Communique 2012
- UN strongly believes in a political (instead of military) outcome for success = focused on plans to stop violence + engage in political transition
UNs humanitarian response to Syrian conflict
Works with agencies and NGOs to provide food, water and shelter to civilians
eg: UNICEF
What interventions have taken place on a national government level- Syria
EU + USA sanctions against Syria = Includes Oil embargo + freezing of bank of Syria in EU = significant as 95% oil previously bought by Europe
Funding of weaponry to various groups backed by governments
What interventions have NGOs done to respond to Syrian war
16 NGOs in Syria
Provide humanitarian aid in unsafe areas = Hand in Hand international
Emergency response unit to rescue civilians in warzone = White helmets
Amnesty international = publish Human rights abuses to raise awareness
What are the Positive impacts of interventions on local communities - Syria
Chemical weapons destroyed by UN inspectors in 2014
supplies distributed to millions of civilians
UN estimated 2.2 million ppl reached for humanitarian aid / by their Projects
Negative impacts of interventions on local communities - Syria
Despite peace talks conflict continues with no ceasefire in near sight
- No new government formed + Assad’s regime is even Harsher than before to try to keep order
- 400,000 dead , 5 million international refugees
- war crimes on all sides
- funding of war no matter what side has furthered the conflict which asks the question is the fighting worth the negatives associated
- Death of aid workers - 80 , 200 white helmets
Why is global governance during conflict complex
Intervention in Syria is particularly complex due to different international powers motives eg: USA desire to combat ISIS
Difficulty in finding line between respecting a nations boundary’s on how to control its people + being a bystander to Human rights violations
Name a specific Peace talk example for Syria
2012 Geneva Communique
Attended by a Syrian representative
How many NGOS operate in Syria
16
describe the roles of the 2 main roles of NGOs
1-Hand in Hand
2- The White Helmets
Hand in Hand = provide aid in places too unsafe to access
White helmets = emergency response unit which rescues civilians in war zones
number of deaths in Syria - 2016
400,000
