Jordan+Brownstein

Name: Jordan Brownstein County: Anne Arundel Country: Belarus

The Syrian rebellion, which began in March 2011, has resulted in horrible crimes against humanity. There have been countless innocent lives lost, and this is something Belarus will not stand for. Although the Assad regime may seem harsh, its methods are necessary for the wellbeing of the country. The Syrian Free Army must sit down with government officials to establish a peaceful resolution. Syria has a strong economic and political relationship with Belarus. Peaceful coercion, as opposed to violent and militaristic intervention, is the only way to restore order to the country while maintaining its strong relationship with Belarus. Bashar Al Assad assumed presidency of Syria after his father, Hassef Al Assad, left office. The Alawite religious sect, whom Assad is a part of, has been in control of Syria since 1971, even though they make up only 10% of the Syrian population. This has been a cause of serious unrest in the country for some time, because the people feel as if they aren’t being represented fairly. Protests began in March 2011 as a result of the Arab Spring. The Syrian government proceeded to arrest thousands of protesters, and over 5,000 civilians have been killed. Many crimes against humanity have been committed, such as missile and chemical attacks, raping women and children, and the torturing of prisoners. Many countries around the world are dependent on Syria for trade. Due to the conflict in the country, the global economy has sustained a drastic blow. The Arab League suspended Syria’s membership and placed economic sanctions on the country. Their efforts have proved fruitless, as Syria has blatantly ignored the League’s requests. Countries in the West have called for al Assad to be tried in the International Criminal Court. The Assad regime has resorted to air attacks on the general public in an effort to stomp out the rebel forces. Although it has been reported by the United Nations Human Council Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Syria that the Syrian Free Army has committed crimes against humanity, it is also stated that their violations have not reached the scale or intensity of those committed by the Assad regime. It is clear that an escalation in violence will not solve the conflict in Syria. A peaceful agreement must be reached between the government forces and the Syrian Free Army. In order to maintain peace and stability in the country, a strong government force must be kept in place. It is important that Assad remains in power. An organized effort by the UN to create a safe environment for peace negotiations would progress the talks. It is clear that some of Assad’s policies are unacceptable. A collaborative effort to draft a Syrian Constitution can help to do away with these intolerable actions made by the regime. It is important to send aid to the victims of the senseless violence committed by both sides. Global support for these people is necessary. International organizations and the Syrian government itself must be held responsible in restoring the lives of the people of this country. In order to get Syria’s economy started again, economic sanctions must be lifted. There is no way that the country can get back on its feet without being able to trade. Belarus, being a close partner of the Syrian government, will extend a helping hand in jump starting Syria’s economy again. The only way to fully resolve the Syrian conflict is through peaceful aid, support, and organization from the global community.