With too many International and Regional interest groups involved in the Syrian war, this paper analyses why the Syrian conflict is so complex, why the international effort to peace negotiations failed. At the end it tries to find options for a peaceful settlement.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. Research Question
3. Hypothesis
4. Part one: Analyzing the Syrian conflict
4.1 Syria – Country profile
4.2 How and why the Syrian conflict began
4.3 Opposition rebel groups
4.4 The Regional Actors and their interests
4.5 Global actors and their interests
4.6 Who is supplying weapons in Syrian Conflict?
5. Part two: Why is the Syrian conflict taking too long to resolve?
5.1 The R2P: the complexity and challenges in Intervention
5.2 A common unified opposition is required
5.3 Spoilers
5.4 Fear of Peace
5.5 G8 leaders with no joint declaration
5.6 Obama administration’s new move
6. Part three - Recommendations: How a peaceful conflict settlement can be achieved?
6.1 Managing Syrian conflict
6.2 Why United Nations Mediation attempt towards Syrian Conflict failed?
6.3 United Nations Actions in Syria as mediator
6.4 A peaceful settlement approach offered by the International Peace Initiative for Syria
6.5 Declaring Syria as a threat for peace
7. In Conclusion: No conclusion - The Cost of Syrian conflict
Research Objectives and Themes
This paper aims to investigate the factors contributing to the prolonged Syrian conflict by analyzing the complex interactions between international and regional stakeholders. The primary research question addresses why international actors have struggled to intervene effectively and how a pathway to a peaceful settlement might be identified.
- The influence of conflicting interests among regional and global powers.
- The fragmentation and lack of legitimacy within the Syrian opposition.
- The role of international norms and failures in diplomatic mediation efforts.
- Evaluation of potential conflict management and resolution strategies.
Excerpt from the Book
4.2 How and why the Syrian conflict began
It began in March 15, 2011 in Syria’s southwestern city of Deraa, where some 15 school students scrawled anti-government slogans on the walls. Students were arrested by local police and jailed for a month. (France24 2012) Upon their release, locals discovered that the students were tortured in prison; their fingernails had been ripped off and private parts shocked. Locals took to the streets, shouted “the people want the downfall of [Deraa’s] governor!”(First video 2011); people carefully avoided mention of Assad regime.
The government responded exasperatingly, the army opened fire on protesters, killing four people. The following day, they shot at mourners during the victims' funerals, killing another person; soon the unrest spread to other parts of the country.
Some view the Syrian conflict as a consequence of the Arab Spring and the fall of Tunisian and Egyptian regimes in early 2011,thus encouraging Syrians to take up arms against the Assad regime. (CNN 2013)
A family hegemony of the regime from 1970 in a State of Emergency that prohibits rallies and organizing campaigns; authorities have the right to cross-examine any person and monitor private communications and review media. State of Emergency has officially lifted lately but civil liberties remain restricted. All these set the stage for this uprising.
Summary of Chapters
1. Introduction: Provides an overview of the human cost of the conflict and outlines the author's focus on the complexities preventing effective international intervention.
2. Research Question: Defines the core inquiry into the delay of international intervention and the search for peaceful settlement options.
3. Hypothesis: Proposes that the lack of unity among actors, fear of peace, and illegitimate opposition platforms are the primary drivers of the ongoing deadlock.
4. Part one: Analyzing the Syrian conflict: Examines the country profile, the origins of the uprising, the structure of rebel groups, and the competing interests of regional and global powers.
5. Part two: Why is the Syrian conflict taking too long to resolve?: Discusses challenges such as the R2P doctrine, the necessity of a unified opposition, spoiler actors, and the 'fear of peace' phenomenon.
6. Part three - Recommendations: How a peaceful conflict settlement can be achieved?: Evaluates strategies including conflict management, UN mediation limitations, and specific policy proposals for transition.
7. In Conclusion: No conclusion - The Cost of Syrian conflict: Reflects on the intractable nature of the war and reiterates the necessity for coordinated international pressure.
Keywords
Syrian Conflict, Assad Regime, International Relations, Peace Process, Mediation, UN Security Council, Regional Actors, Free Syrian Army, R2P, Conflict Management, Geopolitics, Arms Supply, Humanitarian Crisis, Political Transition, Diplomacy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this research paper?
The paper focuses on the structural and geopolitical complexities of the Syrian civil war, specifically examining why international intervention has been ineffective and analyzing barriers to a peaceful settlement.
What are the central themes discussed in the text?
Central themes include the conflicting interests of regional and global powers, the internal division of the Syrian opposition, the failure of international diplomatic frameworks, and the impact of the humanitarian crisis.
What is the primary research question?
The research seeks to answer why international actors have taken so long to intervene in the Syrian conflict and what potential options exist for achieving a peaceful resolution.
Which scientific methodology is employed?
The paper utilizes qualitative analysis, reviewing geopolitical interests, political theory regarding conflict resolution, and case-study evidence from official reports and international news sources.
What topics are covered in the main body of the work?
The main body covers the origins of the conflict, the proliferation of armed groups, the influence of regional powers like Iran and Saudi Arabia, the role of global powers like Russia and the USA, and an evaluation of various peace-building recommendations.
What are the defining keywords of the study?
Key terms include Syrian Conflict, International Relations, R2P (Responsibility to Protect), Diplomacy, Mediation, and Geopolitical Interests.
How does the author characterize the role of external actors?
The author argues that external actors often prioritize their own geopolitical or economic agendas over the resolution of the conflict, which complicates the peace process and turns the war into a proxy competition.
What is the significance of the "Fear of Peace" concept mentioned?
The "Fear of Peace" refers to the concern among conflicting parties that negotiations might result in a loss of their current political or military gains, leading them to prefer the continuation of the conflict over an uncertain peace agreement.
- Quote paper
- Meah Mostafiz (Author), 2013, Syrian Conflict. Dilemmas and Challenges in Peaceful Settlement, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.hausarbeiten.de/document/276392
