Syria

Damascus

Capital of Syria, center of support for Assad government

Allepo

City that is center of Syrian resistance to the Assad regime

Why does Russia love Syria

1. Tradition, since the cold war (1945-1990) Russia and Syria have been allies. 2. In Syria is located the only Russian military base outside of Russia. 3. Russia sells Syria military supplies and weapons, Russia likes the money these sales bring. 4. Russia has a long suspicion of the United States getting involved in any countries near the borders of Russia.

Hama Massacre

1983 - Syrian army under control of al-Assad attack and massacre the city of Hama to stop the Sunni revolt against the al-Assad regime. President troops killed 10-30k people.

Arab Spring

A revolutionary wave of protests and demonstrations overtaking dictators in the Middle East (2011). Tunisia, Morocco, Egypt, Libya, Bahrain and Syria all experienced popular uprisings during this year.

American Exceptionalism

Idea that America is better/different than other nations. Idea used in Obama's speech to nation explaining Syria situation and need for intervening in Syria. President Putin of Russia said this kind of thinking was dangerous.

KBAR "KBAR DAY"

Kick Back and Relax Rule #1 Never ask for a KBAR day There is only one rule.

Iran

Middle East country allied with the allawite rulers of Syria

Hafez al-Assad

President of Syria from 1971 to 2000. He was recognized as a hard liner, brutally suppressed opposition to his regime. He was much criticized for ordering the Hama Massacre of 1982. Father of current president Bashir al-Assad

Bashir al Assad

President of Syria, formerly ophthalmologist

Vladamir Putin

President of russia.

Reasons why the US will get involved in an international conflict

Ranked in order of importance 1. National Security 2. Threat to economic security 3. Promote peaceful world order 4. Promote American Values

"Red Line"

Word used by President Obama to explain that if Syria used Chemical Weapons consequences would follow.

Alawites

obscure ethnic, sect of shia Islam, group found within Syria and Lebanon that currently holds power within Syria despite being a small minority group.