No. 82 - Syrian stage of the 'Arab Spring'

Institute for Western Affairs' Bulletin (No. 82/2012):  dr Janusz Jartyś, dr Fuad Jomma - Syrian stage of the 'Arab Spring'

Syria is ruled by the Assad family of the Alawi minority. It is one of the most brutal and repressive regimes in the Middle East. Tens of thousands of people have already been killed and current events indicate, that this ruthless force may be directed against the Syrian citizens. After over a year of suppressing demonstrations, the regime finally agreed to a cease-fire under the pressure of international public opinion. In this multiethnic and multireligious country, standing on the verge of a civil war, the creation of foundations for democracy, with the support of the Western countries, seems rather unlikely in the near future. The lingering conflict reduces the possibility of finding a political solution.