The Need for the Full Picture  When we examine issues in isolation, we risk not getting the “full picture”  We must analyze issues from an interdisciplinary perspective in order to fully comprehend the issue, which is necessary for developing sustainable solutions  Geography’s Interdisciplinary Lenses * Social * Political * Economic * Environmental * Cultural

Overview  Syria is located in the Middle East  Diverse physical geography (plains, highlands, deserts)  Culturally diverse population of 20.8 million  Sunni Muslim majority (74%), Shia Muslim minority  Been under authoritarian rule of the Assad regime since 1970 – Baa’th Party  Bashir al-Assad is a member of the minority Alawite Shia sect  Political dissent is met with imprisonment, torture, disappearances etc.  Government corruption is rampant, horrendous human rights record, economic and political policies favour the elite minority  Allies include Russia and Iran

Current Conflict WHAT? Civil conflict between al-Assad supporters (Syrian Armed Forces) and the Free Syrian Army, rebel factions WHEN? March 2011, extension of the Arab Spring WHERE? Started in Deraa, now entire country embroiled WHY?  Years of repressive rule, social and economic hardship  Desire for democracy, pro-democracy movement in the region  Controversy over how the country should be governed  Factions within the anti-Assad fighters

Conflict Map  Mapping the conflict is extremely challenging! Mapping

Group Challenge  Access the Google doc that was shared with you entitled “Interdisciplinary Lenses. ”  Use the lens you have been assigned to identify the causes and implications of the Syrian crisis