The Facts
Syria and Civil Wars
Whilst the United States, Britain, and France ponders the most effective military punishment to dish to the Syrian government for purported use of chemical weapon against its people in the suburb of Muadhamiya the historical facts about modern day Syria and President Bashar El Assad and civil wars should not be lost. Here is a brief summary of those facts:
Historical Facts:
It is good and well for Prime Minister Cameron to call the House of Common back to get a vote authorising the use of force against Syria. Perhaps in fairness before the House of Common votes on any motion authorising the use of force the House should debate another motion questioning Britain’ historical liability and blame for what is happening in modern day Syria. The indisputable fact is that after the collapse of the Ottoman Empire in 1918 Britain ruled and influenced the future course of Syria for good 25 years before Syria became independent country. In order to oppose Arab Nationalism led from the Hijaz after the war Britain encouraged minor Islamic sects such as the Alawites (Nusayri Shia) to enroll and train in the army and air force. El Assad Family was amongst other families and candidates that took advantage of the opportunity.
If Prime Minister Cameron chooses to ignore history and Britain’ historical liability for modern day Syria and obtain a vote in the House of Common authorizing bombardment of Damascus. History will judge Britain harshly regardless whether the House votes on a motion authorizing use of force for the sole reason of Assad purported use of chemical weapon or Weapon of Mass Destruction.
Civil Wars:
The current death toll in Syria is some 100,000 or more likely 150,000 killed and some 2 plus million people on the move to neighbouring countries and internally. The population of Syria is around 24 million people. The war officially started in March 2011. The percentage death in Syria to date taking a death toll of 150,000 is 0.63% of the population.
Between 1860 and 1864 America, the mighty USA, went through civil war between North and South. In 1860 America’s population was in the region of 34 million. The death toll was in excess 750,000 which represent 2.2% of the population which about 3.5 times of the death toll to date in Syria.
Between 1975 and 1990 Lebanon was embroiled in civil war. The death toll during the 15 plus years civil war was 220,000. As at 1975 the population of Lebanon was in the region of 3 million. The percentage death is whopping 7.3 of the population which is some 11.6 times the death toll to date in Syria.
Accordingly on any count taking either the American or the Lebanese civil wars as a guide Syria got lot of catching up to do.
Finally one should not lose sight of the fact that epidemics that could be spread by flea, mosquitoes, and rodents can kill substantial percentage of any population.
The risk involved in the USA, Britain, and France jointly bombarding Damascus should not be under estimated. Each of the three religions that inhabit the Middle East sees the endgame and salvation in Jerusalem. Control of Jerusalem is therefore a priority.
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