Tiffany Taylor
Professor Calabrese
November 1st 2016
Secretary Of State,
I have just come across urgent information on the Civil War in Syria. Before I inform you of this information I have decided to give you some background information on the Region. The region Syria is located in Southwestern Aisa. The border of Syria consists of Turkey on the Northern end and Israel and Lebanon on the Western border. The name Syria most likely comes from the name Neo-Assyrian Empire which was founded in the 10th Century BC. Although the Syria we know today got its Independence from the French in 1946. In 1958 Syria became part of the United Arab Republic but four years later in 1961, withdrew from the Republic. Syria is mostly a desert. They have a mixed climate, the summers are very hot and dry but in the winter they have a lot snow and sleet. As of today, Syria consists of many rival forces, and is currently involved in the Syrian Civil War. This civil war affects many of Syrias ancient cities with populations over a million. Some of these cities include Appello, Homs and its Capital Damascus. More than Ninety Percent of the Syrian population is classified as Muslim, followed by Ten Percent of Christians and others. This creates a dangerous imbalance of religion and culture.
First I would like to give you some information on how this war started. According to the article “Syria: The story of the conflict” written by Lucy Rodgers, there were many reasons why this civil war started. One of the first causes of the war was the corrupt government system in the city of Deraa. The citizens felt they had no rights and were treated unfairly. There were many pro-democracy protests, but soon after they started they turned violent. These protests resulted in the arrest of many citizens. Soon after the arrests teenagers at a local school painted revolutionary ideas on a wall were arrested and later tortured by the officers. This caused nation-wide protests to stop their president Assad and their corrupt government system. This is what truly started the decent into the civil war. Violence throughout the country spread quickly. Groups from different IS ( Islamic States) started to form to battle the government and takeover towns and cities. Within months over 90,000 people were killed, within a year that number raised to 250,000. The conflict wasn’t just a fight against the president anymore, they wanted to takeover the entire Region. After the war started turning violent, war crimes from all parties became more and more common. Some of these crimes included murder, rape, torture, and even planned disappearances. They blocked the civilians access to food, water and hospital’s, they thought this was an efficient method of war. The UN Security counsel heard about these events and tried to eliminate the use of weapons in populated areas but this only made it worse. Different Islamic States were even more determined to take over this region. They started to make executions and violent crimes public to instill fear into civilian’s. If that isnt bad enough, they soon upgraded to “chemical weapons” which consisted of rockets filled with a nerve gas that was able to kill hundreds at a time. Terrorist Groups are now formed and citizens begin to flee Syria. This war has had many effects on different Syrian families and Syrian cities.
The great city of Aleppo is one of Syria’s many affected cities. Although there are many cities throughout Syria, Syrians believe this city was the most affected. There is a constant battle over the control of this city. In the Article ” Inside Aleppo, Syria’s Most War-Torn City” written by James Harkin explains the devastating events occurring throughout Aleppo. As recent as June 15th , Dozens of Metal Gas Containers filled with nails, deadly gas, and explosives fell from the sky. One of the most hit cities Salaheddine, was hit most by these Canisters falling from the sky. The civilians were extremely injured, and many children passed away. Data recorded shows that 34 Civilians passed away as well as 12 children. This just gives an idea of the dangerous events that take place in Apeelo on a daily basis.
The Fatalities throughout Aleppo keep increasing as this horrible war continues, many believe that there isn’t an escape route for families to get into a safer ground, The Article “Battle for Aleppo” written by Karen DeYoung and Hugh Naylor proves otherwise. There is a road to Turkey that citizens can travel with their families. This is the only path with provided humanitarian aid and an escape route for the millions of civilians tapped inside of this war-torn city. The civilians trapped inside of Aleppo have no food, health supplies or running water. They are encouraged to take this route to find somewhat of a safe haven. This is so crucial Russia’s U.N. ambassador, Vitaly Churkin, got involved and held a meeting discussing problems that they could face following this path. His major concern is that weapons will be taken along this path. He wants to set up check points to make sure all citizens traveling to safety are not Islamic terrorists. I agree with this method and feel he is making the right choice. He does not want Turkey to suffer because of this war that is taking place.
Although many Civilians have chosen to leave Aleppo, many have choose to stay and fight for what they believe in. An interview between an Aleppo citizen named Amr al-Jabali and Reporter Adam Lucente explains how dedicated this Civilian is to his city. He lives in the Ashar neighborhood of rebel-controlled East Aleppo. He is a 54 year old painter and builder who has lived in this city his entire life. He claims that the bombs scared him at first but he has learned to live with them, he believes that his religious values will protect him from the evil in this city. Jabli explains “I’ve never left Aleppo in my life, and by the grace of God I won’t ever leave”. He would rather risk his life living in this city then leave his childhood home, job and family. He does further explain that he is aware of the route to turkey but heard from others who traveled and came back that there is no work there. Jabli will not travel on it unless he has a life threatening condition that forces him to leave. He continues and says “We will pick ourselves up and make Aleppo one again, not east, not west,” he said. “For that, I stay in Syria.”. He has hope like the other 275,000 documented families remain in Aleppo. They refuse to abandon their homes, they truly do have hope for the future and believe the terrorism they are going through will not last forever.
Furthermore as I conclude my letter I thought it was important to inform you of the most recent situation in Aleppo, and how the war is progressing. The Article “Why Aleppo Matters” written by Al Jazeera explains the importance of Aleppo. He discusses this situation with two Syrian analysts, Kheder Khaddour and Ammar Waqqaf. They explain that the latest battle isn’t just over the fate of Aleppo, its decides the entire outcome of Syria. Aleppo’s safety is extremely important to Syria. It is the largest city in Syria, and is the Economic Capital. If the government wins Aleppo, this would mean that rebel forces would stand down and be discouraged. They would feel that there is no goal anymore. They would question themselves, if they cant take over Syria’s biggest city what’s the point of fighting? The government needs to take back Aleppo. If the government does this the rebels will feel very disconnected from one another and have a sense of weakness. Along with that, the governments military forces would feel a sense of power. There would be a phycological difference in fighting.
I have many concerns over the Syrian War and the city of Aleppo. I feel that they need the help of the United States. This is a major issue and would effect the entire Country of Syria. Helping the Government gain control of Aleppo will help end the civil war. Please look over this letter and come to a final decision, but I encourage you to send troops and help. Many innocents civilians are dying, and historic cities are getting destroyed.
Thank you,
Tiffany Taylor