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Geopolitics

Geopolitics. The world is a complicated place. Here is the plan…. Students will be able to define the term Geopolitics. Students will read and comprehend a current events article. Students will analyze and relate current events in Syria to the term Geopolitics. Geopolitics.

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Geopolitics

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  1. Geopolitics The world is a complicated place

  2. Here is the plan… Students will be able to define the term Geopolitics. Students will read and comprehend a current events article. Students will analyze and relate current events in Syria to the term Geopolitics

  3. Geopolitics From Merriam Webster : a study of the influence of such factors as geography, economics, and demography on the politics and especially the foreign policy of a state.

  4. SYRIA Syria is a country that has been controlled by the Assad family for most of the past 50 years. The Assad’s are part of an Alawite (Shia Muslim) elite that controls a majority Sunni Muslim population.

  5. SYRIAN CIVIL WAR • The Syrian Civil war is a part of a chain of events that began in December of 2010 known as the Arab Spring. • A collection of groups is fighting to oust the government of “President” Bashar Al Assad. • Many people feel that Assad’s government crossed a “red line” in using chemical weapons against its own people.

  6. USA - Position • The USA has publically advocated for the ouster of Bashar Al Assad. • The USA (CIA) has begun to send aid and weapons to the coalition of groups fighting the Assad government. • The USA felt that Syria had crossed a “red line” in using chemical weapons and postured military action as a result. • Thus far NO “boots on the ground”

  7. USA – WHY??? Super Power Status – is it our responsibility to lead on world affairs? Humanitarian – use of chemical weapons did cross a “red line” Strategic – isolate Iran, our enemy and a pro Assad country. Strategic – Install a more pro western, democratically elected government friendly to our regional interests (Israel).

  8. RUSSIA = Pro Assad

  9. RUSSIA-WHY??? Military – use of Syrian port city of Tartus to gain access to Mediterranean Sea. Military – most of Assad’s weapons come from Russia. Trade – tourism / energy / infrastructure History – Russian pride as a former world superpower (Soviet Union). Rivalry with the USA. Personality – Putin ego?

  10. Israel Really, really, really interested in events but trying to keep a low profile. Israel has fought 3 major wars with Syria in the past 1948, 1967, 1973. Hezbollah a Shi ite terrorist group with ties to the Syrian government is devoted to the destruction of Israel. Iran an ally of Assad has at times advocated for the destruction of Israel.

  11. Iran • Form of Government Religious Theocracy. • Majority of population is Shiite Muslim. • Regional Rivalry – Saudi Arabia • Sworn Enemies – State of Israel & USA

  12. Iran Iran is a Shia Muslim country Influence - Iran supports Assad because his downfall would probably turn Syria into a country controlled by Sunni Muslims. Iran’s helps to fund /arm Hezbollah because they both want to eliminate Israel.

  13. Decisions, Decisions…

  14. Here is the plan… Students will be able to define the term Geopolitics. Students will read and comprehend a current events article. Students will analyze and relate a current events article to the term Geopolitics

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