5: Syrian Solutions Flashcards
Proposed Solution/ Response 1:
Geneva Peace Talks
Argument (Geneva):
The UN-backed Geneva conferences were mainly designed to resolve the Syrian Civil War through diplomacy and negotiation.
(Positive) Russia and the US reached:
September 2016 - Russia and USA established a ceasefire between Assad government and ‘mainstream rebel groups. This ceasefire was over 7 days later.
(Negative) During Geneva III talks:
2016 - Syria government and opposition refused to sit in the same room together
The Economist:
Assad “made it clear … he was not interested in establishing a credible, inclusive and non-sectarian governance”
Syria’s National Reconiclliation Minister Ali Haidar:
“Don’t expect anything from Geneva II. Geneva X will not solve the Syrian crisis”
Proposed Solution/ Response 2:
Resolution 2139
Resolution 2139:
Called for an urgent increase in access to humanitarian aid in Syria and demanded all parties cease attacks against citizens
Ban Ki Moon:
“ending the killing and reversing the fragmentation of Syria requires a political process, based on the full implementation of Resolution 2139.”
… Syrian deaths:
2016 - 470,000 Syrian deaths
UNHCR:
Syria is now “the biggest humanitarian emergency of our era”
Proposed Solution 3:
Sept 2014 - US ‘Train and Equip’ Program
Argument (Train and Equip):
U.S government set up a program designed to train and arm 15,000 moderate Syrian Rebels to fight the Assad government
It is estimated:
Only 4 to 5 rebels have returned to Syria to fight
President Obama:
Outlined his “frustration” at the program’s failure
