Geopolitics

The world is a complicated place

Here is the plan… Students will be able to define the

term Geopolitics. Students will read and comprehend a

current events article. Students will analyze and relate

current events in Syria to the term Geopolitics

Geopolitics From Merriam Webster : a study of the influence of such

factors as geography, economics, and demography on the politics and especially the foreign policy of a state.

SYRIA

Syria is a country that has been controlled by the Assad family for most of the past 50 years. The

Assad’s are part of an Alawite (Shia Muslim) elite that controls a majority Sunni Muslim population.

SYRIAN CIVIL WAR The Syrian Civil war is a part of

a chain of events that began in December of 2010 known as the Arab Spring.

A collection of groups is fighting to oust the government of “President” Bashar Al Assad.

Many people feel that Assad’s government crossed a “red line” in using chemical weapons against its own people.

USA - Position The USA has publically advocated

for the ouster of Bashar Al Assad. The USA (CIA) has begun to send

aid and weapons to the coalition of groups fighting the Assad government.

The USA felt that Syria had crossed a “red line” in using chemical weapons and postured military action as a result.

Thus far NO “boots on the ground”

USA – WHY??? Super Power Status – is it our

responsibility to lead on world affairs? Humanitarian – use of chemical

weapons did cross a “red line” Strategic – isolate Iran, our enemy

and a pro Assad country. Strategic – Install a more pro

western, democratically elected government friendly to our regional interests (Israel).

RUSSIA = Pro Assad

RUSSIA-WHY??? Military – use of Syrian port city of

Tartus to gain access to Mediterranean Sea.

Military – most of Assad’s weapons come from Russia.

Trade – tourism / energy / infrastructure

History – Russian pride as a former world superpower (Soviet Union). Rivalry with the USA.

Personality – Putin ego?

Israel Really, really, really interested in

events but trying to keep a low profile.

Israel has fought 3 major wars with Syria in the past 1948, 1967, 1973.

Hezbollah a Shi ite terrorist group with ties to the Syrian government is devoted to the destruction of Israel.

Iran an ally of Assad has at times advocated for the destruction of Israel.

Iran Form of Government

Religious Theocracy. Majority of

population is Shiite Muslim.

Regional Rivalry – Saudi Arabia

Sworn Enemies – State of Israel & USA

Iran Iran is a Shia Muslim country Influence - Iran supports Assad

because his downfall would probably turn Syria into a country controlled by Sunni Muslims.

Iran’s helps to fund /arm Hezbollah because they both want to eliminate Israel.

Decisions, Decisions…

Here is the plan… Students will be able to define the

term Geopolitics. Students will read and comprehend a

current events article. Students will analyze and relate a

current events article to the term Geopolitics