Why Syria is Syri-ous

   It's in our newspapers. It's on our TV's. It's on the radio. And it's been on all of our current event quizzes. But why is such a small nation so focused upon? Why do we care what  is going on in Syria?

    First off, the reason we care so much is that it's in our nature as Americans to care about what goes on everywhere at all times. We're the world's mediator, which is a heavy burden to place upon ourselves. However, Syria is something we must keep our eye on.

    Syria or the Syrian Arab Republic is a country located in Southwest Asia, specifically the Middle East. It's bordered by Turkey, Lebanon, Israel, Iraq, and Jordan, this is significant because of a chain reaction known as, The Arab Spring. Originating in Tunisia, it set off series of events throughout the Middle East shaking it nation to nation. Finally it reached its way to Syria, whose people have had enough.

   Currently in control is Bashar al-Assad. He is a socialist dictator who oppresses his people, who are dying every day. The Assad family's cruel reign began in 1971, however people have gained the courage to stand up recently, because of other countries' reactions. Assad along with the rest of the government are harsh and unwavering. The attacks include the use of chemical weapons which have been in the news recently because of the agreement to not use them. Sarin gas is the weapon of choice. It can kill  you in minutes with the use of just one drop. It disrupts your nervous system, destroying organs and muscles. It is used as a mass suffocant, because when inhaled it paralyzes the muscles around your lungs. And while supposedly chemical weapons are off the table, the torture and killing will continue. 

   Recently in the New York Times, Nicholas Kristof wrote a story about a boy, only 11, who stood up to injustice. He protested against the violent torture of students who scrawled anti-government graffiti upon buildings. He, along with the rest of the child protestors, was arrested. Then what else? Tortured. Beaten and whipped. His knees were beaten with the butt of a rifle, until they were shattered. This boy's father finally had to pay to have him released before the family went into hiding. (For length's sake I saved some of the more maleficent details out.)
    
   One of the reasons Syria's government is so powerful right now is because of its allies. The main 3 being China, Russia, and Iran. This is something that could be further extended upon in class. But it has a lot to do with geographic location, military, and similar styles of oppression.

   But I think we should all be informed about this issue so that we can form our own opinions. Public opinion goes hand in hand with democracy. What our nation, America wants, not only as a whole, but also what politicians and your average Joe wants.

  Syria is the cause of tension world-wide, and that's why we should be informed about it, and discuss.