After Syria became an independent republic in 1946, it saw many, many upheavals. There was a coup in March 1949, followed by two more coups that year. A popular uprising in 1954 against the military rule saw the army transfer power to civilians.
From 1958 to 1961 – a new change from the parliamentary system to a centralized presidential regime took place. In 1966, General Hafez Al-Assad, the Minister of Defense seized power.
By March 1971, Hafez Al-Assad declared himself President and ruled with an iron fist until his death in 2000. His son, Bashar al-Assad, the present President of Syria, initially inspired hopes for state reforms, but it seems he has failed to deliver on the promised reforms since 2000.
The Syrian civil war is an armed conflict in Syria between forces loyal to the President, versus, people demanding reforms from the President, Bashar al-Assad.
Who is suffering – the most?
Innocent men, women and children.
Starting in March 2011, the Syrian civil war has left more than 140,000 people dead. Millions more have been injured, displaced, or, left in very poor living conditions with shortage of food and drinking water.
Chemical weapons have also been used in the warfare – and though all this is triggering strong international hue and cry – Sweet Syria continues to burn.
Sweet Syria Is Burning….
Geeta Chhabra
The diarist's content is based on the year 2013.