Page 12 - Zenith2024

Zenith 2024

The Syrian Civil War, which has raged on for 14 years, has had profound effects on modern society,
particularly on the economy, and has created a massive refugee crisis. To understand the relationship
between the Syrian Civil War and the European economy, we must revisit the origins and progression of
this conflict.

The war began in 2011 as part of the Arab Spring, a series of anti-government protests, uprisings, and
armed rebellions across the Arab world. In Syria, these protests were against the government of Bashar
al-Assad, who had been in power since inheriting the presidency from his father, Hafez al-Assad, in
2000. The Assad family's rule extends over 40 years. The government's brutal military crackdown on
protesters led to the division of the conflict into four main factions: the Syrian National Army, the Kurds,
the Syrian Opposition, and ISIS. Each group has distinct goals, such as the Syrian National Army’s aim
to build a democratic society, the Syrian Opposition’s desire to create an Islamic state, and the Kurds’
pursuit of autonomy.
The war's complexity increased as various countries began supporting different factions to further their
own interests. Russia and Iran have backed the Assad government with weapons, military aid, and
strategic support, aiming to maintain their influence in the region. Meanwhile, Turkey has supported the
Syrian Opposition, aligning with its regional goals against Kurdish autonomy and influence. The United
States has provided support to the Kurds, viewing them as a crucial ally against ISIS, despite Turkey, a
U.S. ally, considering the Kurds a terrorist group and targeting them. Additionally, Saudi Arabia and Gulf
countries have supported the Syrian Opposition against Iran, reflecting the broader Sunni-Shia regional
rivalry.

The civilian toll has been devastating. According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR), the
death toll stands at 570,000, and over 6.5 million Syrians have become refugees, the highest number
in the world. These refugees have sought asylum in neighboring countries like Turkey, Lebanon, and
Jordan, and in Europe, leading to significant demographic and socio-economic impacts.

Before Brexit, the United Kingdom was obligated to share the burden of global crises, which included
accepting refugees, as part of the European Union. The influx of Syrian refugees into Europe, and

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