Syria Uprising Falls Victim to Power Plays

November 16, 2011 by Ramzy Baroud

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. Image via SANA

Syrians continue to be victimized, not only in violent clashes with the Syrian military, but also by regional and international players with various agendas.  Protests in Syria began on January 26, and a more inclusive uprising was set in motion on March 15. The initial demand was for serious political reforms, but this was eventually raised to a demand for full regime change, encompassing the unconditional departure of President Bashar al-Assad and his Ba’ath Party, which has ruled Syria for decades.

Soon, there was a deadlock. The uprising failed to weaken the links between the regime, army and other security agencies. It also remained confined to areas outside the two most populated cities, Damascus, in the southwest, and Aleppo in the north.

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