uprising in syria ( Archived) (150)

I am aware of the history and the pre-history.

Who was it that divided up the region into Syria and Iraq and Lebanon? Hint - it wasn't the Arabs who lived there.

Iraq–Syria relationsFrom Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Iraqi-Syrian relations have been marked by their long shared border as well as historical, social, political, cultural and economic links.

The land known as Mesopotamia is Iraq and eastern Syria and is called such by its inhabitants. Political relations between Iraq and Syria have in the past seen difficulties, however, new diplomatic relations described by both sides as "Historic" were established in November 2006, which they heralded as the beginning of an era of close cooperation between Iraq and Syria.

Ancient history

Mesopotamia

Kingdom of Iraq

Ever since King Faisal took the Iraqi throne in the early 1920s, Iraqi leaders have dreamed of unifying the two countries. Unity dreams only led to bad relations between other Arab countries. Even during the thaw in Iraqi-Syrian relations during the last years of Saddam Hussein, relations between the two countries were not good. Distrust between the rival Baathist regimes, built up over three decades, could not be dispelled in a few short years. With an entirely new leadership in Iraq, the situation is now promising, as new possibilities are arising. Syria is developing good relations with almost every segment and political faction in Iraq.

Proposed Unification of Syria and IraqMain articles:

Fertile Crescent Plan and Syrian Social Nationalist Party
Efforts by Syrians and Iraqis to unite Iraq and Syria into one country have existed since the creation of the modern states.

Baath in Syria and Iraq

Efforts by Syrians and Iraqis to unite Iraq and Syria into one country have existed since the creation of the modern states. Hostility between Syria and Iraq started in the 1960s when both were ruled by the Baath Party. Syria closed its embassy in Baghdad after Saddam Hussein took power in 1979. Later, Syria joined the anti-Saddam coalition that liberated Kuwait from Iraqi occupation in the 1991 Gulf War. Up until the renewal of diplomatic ties in 2006, Iraqi leaders often accused Syria of trying to destabilize their country by allowing Sunni Arab foreign fighters to cross the border Iraq shares with Syria.

Relations with Syria have been marred by traditional rivalry for pre-eminence in Arab affairs, allegations of involvement in each other’s internal politics, and disputes over the waters of Euphrates River, oil transit fees, and stances toward Israel. Syria broke relations after Iraq invaded Kuwait in 1990 and joined other Arab countries in sending military forces to the coalition that forced Iraq out of Kuwait. Relations remained cool until Bashar al-Asad became President of Syria in 2000.

Recent developments

Although the official relations between the two countries were suspended in the past, Syrian-Iraqi relations experienced remarkable developments in recent years and the reciprocal visits between the two countries have led to a number of agreements on economic cooperation including an agreement for resuming pumping of oil through the Syrian territories which was suspended in 1982.

Syria strongly opposed the occupation of Iraq in 2003, stressing the necessity to maintain the independence of Iraq and support its political process, demanding a time table for the withdrawal of the foreign troops from Iraq. Syria has also played the host for more than 2 million Iraqis, providing refuge for them.

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Yes, I seek grattitude.

All the Arabs need to unite - like they were back in the stone age.

On the plus side they get fewer votes in the UN.

If I was having a punt, I'd say the Syrian regime may stay.

Everytime i've been to Syria there just hasn't been the same atmosphere of unhappiness and resentment towards the regime that there was in Egypt and other parts of the ME. Needless to say, I wouldn't be surprised if the protestor's don't really capture the hearts and minds of the Syrian people.

It is only 6 years since the Lebanese kicked the Syrians out and you want to unite them.....Shows a real lack of thought Fred....Try being serious for once the Lebanese would not play....I think you should try standing on a corner in Beirut and shot it out....You would be as popular as a pig at at Bar Mitzvah.....

Syria unrest has wide ramifications in Lebanon: analysts
By Rita Daou (AFP) – 11 hours ago

BEIRUT — Lebanon, which for nearly 30 years endured Syria's military and political hegemony, is closely eyeing developments in Damascus which will undoubtedly have ramifications on the local scene, analysts say.

"Any change in Syria will have a huge impact on the balance of power in Lebanon," said political analyst Raghid al-Solh, an expert on the Arab world.

Syria has historically viewed Lebanon as part of its territory and for 29 years had a troop presence there until it was forced to end its military domination in April 2005.

The pullout was spurred by massive international pressure over the killing two months earlier of Lebanese ex-premier Rafiq Hariri who died in a massive bomb attack that many blamed on Syria, which has denied involvement.

But while its soldiers have pulled out, Damascus today still exerts great political influence in Lebanon where rival camp are divided on the issue.

Lebanon is too small to be a state. It needs Syria. more....