Syrian Democracy Essay - 2226 Words

The Arab Spring has been a life changing phenomena, not only for the people who are attempting to overthrow their governments but for political scientists everywhere. The events originating in the North African country of Tunisia have led to the snowballing of several other Middle Eastern, predominantly Muslim, nation states. The figurative breaking point might have finally been reached as the oppressed peoples of the Middle East have risen up to overthrow long-standing dictatorial governments in hopes of revolutionary change; change that is subject to the will of the people. As I have stated, the events in Tunisia have spread to many other nearby countries such as Libya and Egypt which have received arguably the most media coverage.†¦show more content†¦President Assad was given an outstanding western education, receiving a degree for ophthalmology from a London-based medical school. Naturally there was hope that since Assad had spent time in one of the most consolidated democracies, he might have been more willing to implement democratic measures in Syria than his father. Assad’s rise to power was actually through a series of rather lucky events for him. Originally his older brother was selected as his father’s heir but an unexpected car accident thrust Bashar into the spotlight. Upon the death of his father, Bashar then proceeded to be appointed leader of the major political party and the army after which he was elected president. Assad had promised his people time and again that political reforms were coming however as his presidency continued, the people’s hopes waned as serious reforms never came. In addition to the lies of reform, Assad has also made claims that his military were not responsible for the brutal crackdowns happening across the country. In an interview with ABC’s Barbara Walters, Assad also denied that Syria held war prisoners which has been vehemently proven wrong. Walter’s went on to say that it felt as though Assad was extremely out of touch with his people and that she felt as if he didn’t accept the reality of what was happening at his own hands. No matter whatShow MoreRelatedShould Our Democracy Let Syrian Immigrants Into The United States?1654 Words   |  7 PagesShould our democracy let Syrian Immigrants into the United States? Four years ago, a civil war erupted in Syria after President Assad’s security forces fired into a group of peaceful protester, killing several of them (Syria), and starting a conflict that has rocked the stability of the world today. 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