the world is a complicated place. students will be able to define the term geopolitics. students...
TRANSCRIPT
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