Culture and Ethnic Studies;Middle East-Syria

After having listened to Prof. Ellsworth's presentation on the background of the conflict in Syria, read reports from the ground, and considered various approaches to ending the conflict, take this moment to make your recommendation for ending the Civil War in Syria. The War in Syria is about more than just the government versus the rebels. As the readings point out, many major world players have taken sides in this conflict. After video showed scores of people--including children--dead from the government's use of chemical warfare, U.S. President Barack Obama supported American intervention in Syria and, in an address to the American people, called upon Congress to issue a declaration for war. Before Congress could act, Russia President Vladimir Putin intervened. Putin purchased a full-page ad in the New York Times calling upon American and our politicians to think carefully before striking Syria for its use of chemical weapons. Putin, making a play for a Nobel Peace Prize, signed an agreement with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad to destroy Syria's remaining chemical weapons. The move deescalated tensions but proved that both American and Russia and invested in the outcome of the Syrian War. To complicate this issue even more, at a national level, Syria is heavily Sunni Muslim. However, nearby Iraq and Iran are heavily Shi-ite Muslim. Tensions between the two Muslim sects dates back hundreds of years--long before the establishment of modern border or nations. Furthermore, ISIS identified Syria as a area in which it could easily gain traction, increase its numbers, and spread terror. My point is that there are many groups with a vested interest in the outcome of this conflict. This isn't just a Civil War. It is a Civil War wrapped in a New Cold War, deep-fried in religious tensions, and then coated in powdered terrorism. How should this conflict be resolved? Give me your best attempt at bringing peace to this country? Explain your justification and rationale? What are the weaknesses in your proposed resolution? (500 words)