CRS Report for Congress: Armed Conflict in Syria: U.S. and International Response

By Jeremy M. Sharp

Syria is now mired in an armed conflict between forces loyal to President Bashar al Asad and
rebel fighters opposed to his rule. Since major unrest began in March 2011, various reports
suggest that between 22,000 and 25,000 Syrians have been killed. U.S. officials and many
analysts believe that President Bashar al Asad, his family members, and his other supporters will
ultimately be forced from power, but few offer specific, credible timetables for a resolution to
Syria's ongoing crisis.
In the face of intense domestic and international pressure calling for political change and for an
end to violence against civilians, the Asad government offered limited reforms while also meeting
protests and armed attacks with overwhelming force. Nonviolent protests continued, but their
apparent futility created frustration and anger within the opposition ranks. An increasing number
of Syrian civilians have taken up arms in self-defense, although armed rebel attacks alienate some
potential supporters. The government accuses the opposition of carrying out bombings and
assassinations targeting security infrastructure, security personnel, and civilians in Damascus,
Aleppo, Homs, and other areas. Accounts of human rights abuses by both sides persist, with the
majority attributed to security forces and military units.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1287423841
• ISBN13: 9781287423843
• Release Date: September 2013
• Publisher: Bibliogov
• Length: 46 Pages
• Weight: 0.22 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.1" x 7.4" x 9.7"