What led to Syria being considered a failed state?
1. An invasion led by U.S. forces forced Saddam Hussein out of power.
2. King Abdullah chose 30 women to serve in the Consultative Council.
3. A low GDP and the resulting poverty caused conflicts between its citizens.
4. Large parts of the country came under the control of rebel groups and terrorists.
All of the above statements contribute to the situation that led to Syria being considered a failed state. However, statement 1 is not directly related to Syria as it refers to an invasion in Iraq, not Syria.
The conflict in Syria began in 2011, during the Arab Spring uprising, when protests erupted against President Bashar al-Assad's government. The protests escalated into a full-blown civil war, and the country became highly fragmented and destabilized. The main factors that contributed to Syria being considered a failed state include:
1. Civil war and armed conflict: The country descended into a prolonged and brutal civil war, with multiple factions and foreign powers actively involved. Large parts of Syria came under the control of various rebel groups, including jihadist organizations like ISIS, and terrorists.
2. Humanitarian crisis: The conflict led to a massive humanitarian crisis, with millions of Syrians displaced from their homes, either becoming internally displaced or seeking refuge in neighboring countries or Europe. This crisis led to severe strain on basic services, including access to food, healthcare, and education.
3. Destruction of infrastructure: The ongoing conflict led to the destruction of vital infrastructure, including hospitals, schools, and other public facilities. This further exacerbated the humanitarian crisis and made it difficult for the government to provide basic services and maintain control over the country.
4. International intervention: Foreign powers, including the United States, Russia, Iran, and Turkey, became involved in the conflict, supporting different factions and often exacerbating the fighting. This complicated the situation and hindered efforts to reach a political resolution.
5. Political and governance failures: The Syrian government's response to the protests, characterized by repression and violence, alienated a significant portion of the population. Widespread corruption and lack of political pluralism further eroded public trust and contributed to the breakdown of governance.
6. Economic collapse: The conflict caused a significant economic collapse, leading to a low GDP and soaring poverty rates. The destruction of vital economic infrastructure, trade disruptions, and international sanctions severely impacted the Syrian economy and the livelihoods of the population.
It is the combination of these factors that led to the classification of Syria as a failed state.