1. Conflict in Syria A Continuance of the Arab Spring

2. Objectives  Students will be able to identify both pro and anti government sentiments pertaining to the situation in Syria through the use of:  news video segments  Readings  The students will also be able to draw connections through discussion

3. Warm Up  When is it justified for a people to overthrow their government?

4.  “One man’s terrorist, is another man’s freedom fighter” –Gerald Seymour

5. Syria History  Modern State created after WWI  By French mandate  military coups and coup attempts shook the country 1949–1971  Bashar al-Assad has been president since 2000 and was preceded by his father Hafez al-Assad, who was in office from 1971

6. Syria History  Muslim population  Current conflicts  Suspended from Arab League  Embroiled in civil war as extension of Arab Spring since 2011  Syrian Rebel Army vs Gov’t

7. Conflict  Causes  Displeased with government, want to remove Al-Assad  Effects  Human Rights violations  UN- Feb 2013 states ~70k killed thus far  Refugee problems in surrounding countries  Battles in both Damascus and Aleppo

8. T-Chart: The Current Situation?  As we watch and discuss the following video clips on the conflict in Syria, please fill out your t-chart!  Use your film analysis skills to aid you!  “Syria on the Brink” (-7:00)  http://www.aljazeera.com/programmes/empire/2012/03/201232212838378880.html http://www.aljazeera.com/programmes/empire/2012/03/201232212838378880.html  “Syria: Military gains and diplomatic pains?” (-2:00)  http://www.aljazeera.com/programmes/insidesyria/2013/03/201331074843354248.html http://www.aljazeera.com/programmes/insidesyria/2013/03/201331074843354248.html  “Syria’s Refugees”  http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/world/2013/03/06/pkg-walsh-syria-night-expo.cnn http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/world/2013/03/06/pkg-walsh-syria-night-expo.cnn

9. Activity: Text Based Discussion  You will read “Army Foils Terrorists’ Infiltration Attempts”  Pre-Reading predictions  While reading highlight pro government statements (What does this mean?)  Add these statements and main points to the t-chart  Share with your partner  Write on the board

10. Discussion Questions  What are the two perspectives of the Syrian Conflict? (Reference t-chart)  Are these Syrians justified in overthrowing the government? Why or why not?  What references to history can you make based on this particular conflict?  What if a group of people saw Obama and his government as corrupt and threatening and decided to attack? Is this justified? Why or Why not?  Why is it significant to understand this conflict?

11. Closure: Ticket to Exit Using the information from today’s PowerPoint, video clips, and reading, please reflect and relate the information to the following quote: “One man’s terrorist is another man’s freedom fighter.” - Gerald Seymour How does this relate?