DOCSLIB.ORG

Country Report

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Country Report Country Report Syria September 2010 Economist Intelligence Unit 26 Red Lion Square London WC1R 4HQ United Kingdom Economist Intelligence Unit The Economist Intelligence Unit is a specialist publisher serving companies establishing and managing operations across national borders. For 60 years it has been a source of information on business developments, economic and political trends, government regulations and corporate practice worldwide. The Economist Intelligence Unit delivers its information in four ways: through its digital portfolio, where the latest analysis is updated daily; through printed subscription products ranging from newsletters to annual reference works; through research reports; and by organising seminars and presentations. The firm is a member of The Economist Group. London New York Economist Intelligence Unit Economist Intelligence Unit 26 Red Lion Square The Economist Group London 750 Third Avenue WC1R 4HQ 5th Floor United Kingdom New York, NY 10017, US Tel: (44.20) 7576 8000 Tel: (1.212) 554 0600 Fax: (44.20) 7576 8500 Fax: (1.212) 586 0248 E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] Hong Kong Geneva Economist Intelligence Unit Economist Intelligence Unit 60/F, Central Plaza Boulevard des Tranchées 16 18 Harbour Road 1206 Geneva Wanchai Switzerland Hong Kong Tel: (852) 2585 3888 Tel: (41) 22 566 2470 Fax: (852) 2802 7638 Fax: (41) 22 346 93 47 E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] This report can be accessed electronically as soon as it is published by visiting store.eiu.com or by contacting a local sales representative. The whole report may be viewed in PDF format, or can be navigated section-by-section by using the HTML links. In addition, the full archive of previous reports can be accessed in HTML or PDF format, and our search engine can be used to find content of interest quickly. Our automatic alerting service will send a notification via e- mail when new reports become available. Copyright © 2010 The Economist Intelligence Unit Limited. All rights reserved. Neither this publication nor any part of it may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, by photocopy, recording or otherwise, without the prior permission of The Economist Intelligence Unit Limited. All information in this report is verified to the best of the author's and the publisher's ability. However, the Economist Intelligence Unit does not accept responsibility for any loss arising from reliance on it. ISSN 0269-7211 Symbols for tables “0 or 0.0” means nil or negligible; “n/a” means not available; “–” means not applicable Printed and distributed by IntypeLibra, Units 3/4, Elm Grove Industrial Estate, Wimbledon, SW19 4HE Syria 1 Syria Executive summary 3 Highlights Outlook for 2010-11 4 Political outlook 5 Economic policy outlook 6 Economic forecast Monthly review: September 2010 9 The political scene 10 Economic policy 13 Economic performance Data and charts 15 Annual data and forecast 16 Quarterly data 17 Monthly data 18 Annual trends charts 19 Monthly trends charts 20 Comparative economic indicators Country snapshot 21 Basic data 22 Political structure Editors: Rory Fyfe (editor); Robert Powell (consulting editor) Editorial closing date: August 26th 2010 All queries: Tel: (44.20) 7576 8000 E-mail: [email protected] Next report: To request the latest schedule, e-mail [email protected] Country Report September 2010 www.eiu.com © The Economist Intelligence Unit Limited 2010 Country Report September 2010 www.eiu.com © The Economist Intelligence Unit Limited 2010 2 TURKEY Al Malkiyah AAlAl-Qamishlil- QamishliQamishli Jarabulus RRasas aal-Aynl-Ayn TallTall KochakKochak Azaz TallTall al-Abyadal-Abyad Afrin ManbijManbij Hassakah AlAl BabBab Salqin AAleppoleppo Buhayart al-Asad Idlib MEDITERRANEAN AAll RaqqahRaqqah AshAAls hShadadah ShadShad SEA TabaqahTabaqah MaarratMaarrat anan NNumanuman Latakia Al-TibniAAll- TTibniibni Jablah KhanKhan ShaykhunShaykhun Banias Deir al-Zour HamaHama MasyafMasyaf SYRIA E Salamiya u p Tartous Al Mayadin h ra t IRAQ e Burj Safita s R. Tall KalakhKalakh HomsHoms AAll QQusayrusayr Tadmur AAbubu KKamalamal AlAl QaryataynQaryatayn LEBANON Railway AnAn NabkNabk Main road YYabrudabrud t r International boundary e Al Zabadani Jayrud s e Main airport D DumaDuma Capital DAMASCUSCUSCUS n a Major town r i S y Other town QQuneitrauneitra Territory occupied GolanGolan by Israel HeightsHeights UN buffer zone established Lake Tiberias IzraIzra May 31st 1974 ISRAEL AlAsAs SuwaydaSuwaydaSuwayda DaraaDaraa JORDAN 0 km 25 50 75 100 SalkhadSalkhad 0 miles 25 50 © TheThe EconomistEconomist IntelligenceIntelligence UnitUnit LimitedLimited 220042010004 Syria Syria 3 Executive summary Highlights September 2010 Outlook for 2010-11 • The president, Bashar al-Assad, is expected to remain in power in 2010-11 and, despite some tensions within the regime, there is no significant threat to his rule. Some limited domestic political reform is expected. • Relations with the West and leading Arab states are expected to improve, albeit with some setbacks. Rapprochement will be overshadowed by ongoing tension between the US and Iran, Syria's closest ally. • It is unlikely that Israel's hardline government will seriously negotiate to return the occupied Golan Heights during the forecast period, but Israel and Syria may both have an interest in being seen to resume indirect talks. • As the global recession ends and gas production increases, Syrian real GDP growth will rise to 4% in 2010 and 4.6% in 2011. • Inflation will rise to an annual average of 6.3% in 2010-11 as global commodity prices increase and value-added tax (VAT) is introduced, although it will remain below its 2008 peak. • The current-account surplus will widen to an average of US$770m (1.2% of GDP) in 2010-11, as non-oil exports grow and booming tourism boosts the non-merchandise surplus. Monthly review • Iran has been seeking to shore up its alliance with Syria. Syria has been courted by regional and international adversaries of Iran after it emerged that the Special Tribunal for Lebanon may not indict Syrian officials. • The government has passed a law allowing the establishment of investment banks, albeit with a high minimum capital requirement. EFG-Hermes, an Egyptian investment bank, claims to have already begun operations. • The cabinet has approved, in principle, a third mobile-phone licence, and the two incumbent mobile-phone firms, Syriatel and MTN, have reported healthy increases in turnover in the first half of 2010. • The EU has signed an agreement with the State Planning Commission for a €129m (US$168m) aid programme running from 2011 to 2013, including €20m to support an Association Agreement that is under negotiation. • Oil production rose in the first half of 2010 to 386,000 b/d, compared with 375,000 b/d in the first half of 2009, owing to rising production at new fields. This rise will probably be temporary, as the new fields are relatively small. • Natural gas consumption has increased sharply as higher domestic production and increased supplies from Egypt have allowed Syria to increase gas supplies to power stations and to reduce imports of fuel oil. Country Report September 2010 www.eiu.com © The Economist Intelligence Unit Limited 2010 4 Syria Outlook for 2010-11 Political outlook Domestic politics The president, Bashar al-Assad, and his ruling Baath party are expected to retain their grip on the country, supported by key elements in the security services. The core of the elite is drawn largely from Mr Assad's Alawi sect, and any move against him would risk endangering its hold on power. Underlying resentment of Alawi rule and friction between reformers and conservatives mean that tensions within the regime are likely to persist. Only limited progress is expected on political reform in 2010-11. Although some promised measures may be implemented, it is hard to envisage any steps being taken that would significantly diminish the Baath party's hold on power. Mr Assad initially advocated political reform when he came to power in 2000, but he has acknowledged that the pace of reform has been slow since then. He has pledged to increase popular participation in the political process by introducing a political parties law, which will create a second chamber of parliament, the Majlis al-Shura—in addition to the existing lower chamber (the Majlis al-Shaab). He also pledged to devise a local administration law to bring about greater decentralisation. Although there have been few visible signs of progress with these reforms, a reduction in international pressure on Syria owing to improving relations will make it easier for at least a few cosmetic changes to be made domestically. However, the security and intelligence services, which are pervasive and effective, will continue to arrest activists demanding democratic reform and Syria faces numerous accusations of torture and unfair trial of political prisoners. The various opposition-in-exile groups and domestic critics are unlikely to pose a substantive threat to the government. International relations After a period of diplomatic isolation in 2005-07, Syria has developed steadily better relations with many Western and regional states—notably France, Turkey, Saudi Arabia and Lebanon. One result is that the EU is now ready to sign its long-delayed Association Agreement with Syria, and talks to resolve some outstanding issues with the agreement are ongoing. The catalysts for the improvement in relations include perceptions that Syria is playing a more constructive role in Lebanon, and a desire by Western and other Arab countries to weaken Syria's alliance with Iran. Relations with the US have also improved and although US sanctions on Syria were renewed in May, the US has withdrawn its objections to Syria's accession to the World Trade Organisation. However, Syria's international rapprochement could be upset by a number of issues, in particular Syria's continued commitment to a strong relationship with Iran and its ongoing support for Hizbullah, a Lebanese militant group, and Hamas, a Palestinian group.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • 安全理事会 Distr.: General 8 November 2012 Chinese Original: English
    联合国 S/2012/540 安全理事会 Distr.: General 8 November 2012 Chinese Original: English 2012年7月11日阿拉伯叙利亚共和国常驻联合国代表给秘书长和安全 理事会主席的同文信 奉我国政府指示，并继我 2012 年 4 月 16 至 20 日和 23 日至 25 日、5 月 7 日、11 日、14 日至 16 日、18 日、21 日、24 日、29 日、31 日、6 月 1 日、4 日、 6 日、7 日、11 日、19 日、20 日、25 日、27 日和 28 日、7 月 2 日、3 日、9 日 和 11 日的信，谨随函附上 2012 年 7 月 7 日武装团伙在叙利亚境内违反停止暴力 规定行为的详细清单(见附件)。 请将本信及其附件作为安全理事会的文件分发为荷。 常驻代表 大使 巴沙尔·贾法里(签名) 12-58085 (C) 121112 201112 *1258085C* S/2012/540 2012年7月11日阿拉伯叙利亚共和国常驻联合国代表给秘书长和安全 理事会主席的同文信的附件 [原件：阿拉伯文] Saturday, 7 July 2012ggz Rif Dimashq governorate 1. At 2145 hours on 6 July 2012, an armed terrorist group stole the car of Colonel Abdulrahman Qalih of the law enforcement forces as he was passing on the Dayr Atiyah – Maksar road. 2. At 2200 hours on 6 July 2012, an armed terrorist group opened fire on law enforcement officers in Tallat al-Sultan, Masakin al-Tawafiq and the orchards of Qatana, wounding one officer. 3. At 0630 hours, an armed terrorist group opened fire on and wounded Warrant Officer Ahmad Ali. 4. At 0800 hours, an armed terrorist group planted an explosive device in the Sabburah area. As military engineers attempted to defuse it, the device exploded. One officer lost his right foot and another was burned. 5. At 0800 hours, an armed terrorist group opened fire on law enforcement officers in Ayn Tarma, wounding one officer. 6. At 0900 hours, an armed terrorist group opened fire on a law enforcement forces car on Yabrud bridge, Nabk town, killing Conscript Sawmar al-Musa Abd Jibawi and wounding two other officers.
    [Show full text]
  • S/2019/321 Security Council
    United Nations S/2019/321 Security Council Distr.: General 16 April 2019 Original: English Implementation of Security Council resolutions 2139 (2014), 2165 (2014), 2191 (2014), 2258 (2015), 2332 (2016), 2393 (2017), 2401 (2018) and 2449 (2018) Report of the Secretary-General I. Introduction 1. The present report is the sixtieth submitted pursuant to paragraph 17 of Security Council resolution 2139 (2014), paragraph 10 of resolution 2165 (2014), paragraph 5 of resolution 2191 (2014), paragraph 5 of resolution 2258 (2015), paragraph 5 of resolution 2332 (2016), paragraph 6 of resolution 2393 (2017),paragraph 12 of resolution 2401 (2018) and paragraph 6 of resolution 2449 (2018), in the last of which the Council requested the Secretary-General to provide a report at least every 60 days, on the implementation of the resolutions by all parties to the conflict in the Syrian Arab Republic. 2. The information contained herein is based on data available to agencies of the United Nations system and obtained from the Government of the Syrian Arab Republic and other relevant sources. Data from agencies of the United Nations system on their humanitarian deliveries have been reported for February and March 2019. II. Major developments Box 1 Key points: February and March 2019 1. Large numbers of civilians were reportedly killed and injured in Baghuz and surrounding areas in south-eastern Dayr al-Zawr Governorate as a result of air strikes and intense fighting between the Syrian Democratic Forces and Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant. From 4 December 2018 through the end of March 2019, more than 63,500 people were displaced out of the area to the Hawl camp in Hasakah Governorate.
    [Show full text]
  • Security Council Distr.: General 8 November 2012
    United Nations S/2012/518 Security Council Distr.: General 8 November 2012 Original: English Identical letters dated 3 July 2012 from the Permanent Representative of the Syrian Arab Republic to the United Nations addressed to the Secretary-General and the President of the Security Council Upon instructions from my Government and following my letters dated 16 to 20 and 23 to 25 April, 7, 11, 14 to 16, 18, 21, 24, 29 and 31 May, 1, 4, 6, 7, 11, 19, 20, 25, 27 and 28 June and 2 and 3 July 2012, I have the honour to transmit herewith a detailed list of violations of cessation of violence that were committed by armed groups in Syria on 30 June 2012 (see annex). It would be highly appreciated if the present letter and its annex could be circulated as a document of the Security Council. (Signed) Bashar Ja’afari Ambassador Permanent Representative 12-58113 (E) 271112 271112 *1258113* S/2012/518 Annex to the identical letters dated 3 July 2012 from the Permanent Representative of the Syrian Arab Republic to the United Nations addressed to the Secretary-General and the President of the Security Council [Original: Arabic] Saturday, 30 June 2012 Rif Dimashq governorate 1. At 2000 hours on 29 June 2012, an armed terrorist group opened fire with guns and rocket-propelled grenades towards the Marj al-Sultan airport from the South. 2. At 2000 hours on 29 June 2012, an armed terrorist group opened fire using various types of weapon on law enforcement officers in Duma, killing Sergeant Muhammad Salim and wounding 17 officers, including two majors.
    [Show full text]
  • Security Council Distr.: General 10 October 2012
    United Nations S/2012/519 Security Council Distr.: General 10 October 2012 Original: English Identical letters dated 3 July 2012 from the Permanent Representative of the Syrian Arab Republic to the United Nations addressed to the Secretary-General and the President of the Security Council Upon instructions from my Government, and following my letters dated 16 to 20 and 23 to 25 April, 7, 11, 14 to 16, 18, 21, 24, 29 and 31 May, 1, 4, 6, 7, 11, 19, 20, 25, 27 and 28 June and 2 and 3 July 2012, I have the honour to attach herewith a detailed list of violations of cessation of violence that were committed by armed groups in Syria on 1 July 2012 (see annex). It would be highly appreciated if the present letter and its annex could be circulated as a document of the Security Council. (Signed) Bashar Ja’afari Ambassador Permanent Representative 12-54276 (E) 251012 251012 *1254276* S/2012/519 Annex to the identical letters dated 3 July 2012 from the Permanent Representative of the Syrian Arab Republic to the United Nations addressed to the Secretary-General and the President of the Security Council [Original: Arabic] Sunday, 1 July 2012 Rif Dimashq governorate 1. At 2100 hours on 30 June 2012, a policeman, Samir Hallaq, returning from evening shift on a police motorcycle, licence plate No. 47648, was ambushed from both sides of the road as he reached the Kabas bridge on the southern ring road; he was killed instantly. A police colleague, Rashid Halawah, who attempted to come to his aid, was abducted by the armed terrorists.
    [Show full text]
  • POLISPORTIVA JUVENTINA BERTESINA Presenta
    POLISPORTIVA JUVENTINA BERTESINA presenta dal 20 aprile al 6 maggio 2008 - in 17 giorni domenica 20 aprile MALPENSA - DAMASCO Ritrovo dei partecipanti e partenza in pullman ore 7,30 da Polegge casa di Paolo per l’aeroporto di Malpensa, operazioni d’imbarco sul volo di linea in partenza per Damasco: Malpensa Larnaca 13.30 17.55 CY 413 (CY= Ciprus Airlines) Larnaca Damasco 21.30 22.35 CY 484 Arrivo, operazioni di sbarco, e trasferimento in pullman riservato in hotel. Sistemazione nelle camere riservate, pernottamento. DAMASCO: HOTEL FARDOSS TOWER tel 00963 112232100 www.fardosstower.com/intro.html lunedì21 aprile DAMASCO – PALMIRA Dopo la prima colazione, incontro con la guida presente per tutto il tour in Siria, partenza per Palmira, l’antica Tadmor, considerata la regina del deserto, la più importante città carovaniera della Siria, situata sulla rotta tra l’Eufrate e la Costa Mediterranea. Visita della città che conserva quasi intatte numerose testimonianze della potenza dell’impero Romano: il Tempio di Bel, il Colonnato, il Teatro, le tombe e museo nazionale (pranzo libero). Palmira In serata sistemazione in hotel, cena e pernottamento. HOTEL ZENOBIA CHAM PALACE Tel 00963 315918123 www.chamhotels.com/zenobia_palace.html martedì 22 aprile PALMIRA – KRAK DEI CAVALIERI – APAMEA – ALEPPO Dopo la prima colazione, partenza per il Krak dei Cavalieri, inespugnabile baluardo dei crociati posto in strategica posizione, uno dei massimi esempi di fortificazione medioevale, proseguimento per Apamea e visita dell’area archeologica di rara suggestione con il grande colonnato e il piccolo museo dei mosaici (pranzo libero). Krak dei Cavalieri Apamea In serata ad Aleppo, sistemazione in hotel, cena e pernottamento.
    [Show full text]
  • UK Home Office
    Country Policy and Information Note Syria: the Syrian Civil War Version 4.0 August 2020 Preface Purpose This note provides country of origin information (COI) and analysis of COI for use by Home Office decision makers handling particular types of protection and human rights claims (as set out in the Introduction section). It is not intended to be an exhaustive survey of a particular subject or theme. It is split into two main sections: (1) analysis and assessment of COI and other evidence; and (2) COI. These are explained in more detail below. Assessment This section analyses the evidence relevant to this note – i.e. the COI section; refugee/human rights laws and policies; and applicable caselaw – by describing this and its inter-relationships, and provides an assessment of, in general, whether one or more of the following applies: x A person is reasonably likely to face a real risk of persecution or serious harm x The general humanitarian situation is so severe as to breach Article 15(b) of European Council Directive 2004/83/EC (the Qualification Directive) / Article 3 of the European Convention on Human Rights as transposed in paragraph 339C and 339CA(iii) of the Immigration Rules x The security situation presents a real risk to a civilian’s life or person such that it would breach Article 15(c) of the Qualification Directive as transposed in paragraph 339C and 339CA(iv) of the Immigration Rules x A person is able to obtain protection from the state (or quasi state bodies) x A person is reasonably able to relocate within a country or territory x A claim is likely to justify granting asylum, humanitarian protection or other form of leave, and x If a claim is refused, it is likely or unlikely to be certifiable as ‘clearly unfounded’ under section 94 of the Nationality, Immigration and Asylum Act 2002.
    [Show full text]
  • Note by the Technical Secretariat
    OPCW Technical Secretariat S/1677/2018 10 October 2018 Original: ENGLISH NOTE BY THE TECHNICAL SECRETARIAT SUMMARY UPDATE OF THE ACTIVITIES CARRIED OUT BY THE OPCW FACT-FINDING MISSION IN SYRIA UPDATE 1. This summary provides an update on the activities of the OPCW Fact-Finding Mission in Syria (FFM) since the Eighty-Eighth Session of the Executive Council. 2. The FFM has deployed in order to gather relevant facts. All deployments and movements of the FFM took place with all necessary authorisations, including from the United Nations Department of Safety and Security. 3. The FFM received Note Verbale No. 88 (dated 20 September 2017) from the Syrian Arab Republic, referring to an allegation of use of an unknown toxic gas in Qalib al-Thawr, Al-Salimayah on 9 August 2017. The Syrian Arab Republic also addressed to the FFM Notes Verbales No. 103 (dated 26 October 2017), No. 116 (dated 10 November 2017), and No. 128 (dated 4 December 2017), requesting the OPCW to investigate two incidents that occurred in Khirbat Masasinah, Hama Governorate on 7 July and 4 August 2017. Furthermore, Note Verbale No. 127 (dated 24 November 2017) refers to an incident in Al-Balil, Souran, Hama Governorate on 8 November 2017. 4. After reviewing the information gathered by the FFM and provided by the authorities of the Syrian Arab Republic in regard to the incidents mentioned in paragraph 3 above, the FFM deployed in December 2017. Subsequently, the FFM identified a number of issues requiring clarification. This formed the basis for the FFM’s deployment in September 2018, during which the FFM discussed certain issues with the Syrian Arab Republic and received clarifications through various documents, as well as written explanations from the Syrian authorities.
    [Show full text]
  • 'U.S. Troops Not Leaving Syria Until Goals Accomplished'
    MIDDLE EAST April 16, 2018 7 ‘Mission ... ‘U.S. Troops Not Leaving Syria (Continued From Page One) He ordered a missile strike against Shayrat Airbase in Syria’s Homs Province on April 7, 2017. He claimed back then that the air field had been Until Goals Accomplished’ the origin of a suspected sarin gas attack on the town of Khan Shaykhun in Syria’s Idlib Province on April 4, 2017. WASHINGTON (Dispatches) – U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Syria turned over its entire chemical stockpile under a deal negotiated by Haley said on Sunday that the United States would not pull its troops out of Russia and the United States back in 2013. Syria until its goals were accomplished. Speaking on Fox News Sunday, Haley Washington, London and Paris said their aggression was in response listed three aims for the United States: to last week’s alleged chemical attack in the Damascus suburb town of ensuring that chemical weapons are not used in any way that pose a risk to U.S. Douma, which they blamed on the Damascus government. interests, that Daesh is defeated and that there is a good vantage point to watch what Iran is doing. It is our goal “to see American troops Iran’s ... come home, but we are not going to leave (Continued From Page One) until we know we have accomplished those things,” Haley said. “Over the past 6-7 years, such adventurist moves have always existed Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump’s declared “Mission but they have failed each and every time.
    [Show full text]
  • Pdf | 642.73 Kb
    United Nations S/2017/982 Security Council Distr.: General 16 November 2017 Original: English Implementation of Security Council resolutions 2139 (2014), 2165 (2014), 2191 (2014), 2258 (2015) and 2332 (2016) Report of the Secretary-General I. Introduction 1. The present report is the forty-fifth submitted pursuant to paragraph 17 of Security Council resolution 2139 (2014), paragraph 10 of resolution 2165 (2014), paragraph 5 of resolution 2191 (2014), paragraph 5 of resolution 2258 (2015) and paragraph 5 of resolution 2332 (2016), in which the Council requested the Secretary-General to report, every 30 days, on the implementation of the resolutions by all parties to the conflict in the Syrian Arab Republic. 2. The information contained herein is based on data available to agencies of the United Nations system1 and from the Government of the Syrian Arab Republic, as well as from other Syrian and open sources. Data from agencies of the United Nations system on their humanitarian deliveries have been reported for the period from 1 to 31 October 2017. II. Major developments Box 1 Key points in October 2017 1. Military activities and instances of significant military escalation that were reported in September continued to be reported in many areas, in particular activities targeting Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) areas in the Governorates of Dayr al-Zawr and Raqqah, as well as in Idlib Governorate and the eastern Ghutah enclave in Rif Dimashq Governorate. __________________ 1 Inputs provided from the Office of the United Nations
    [Show full text]
  • BACKGROUNDER Rebel Groups in Jebel Al-Zawiyah
    Asher Berman BACKGROUNDER July 26, 2012 REBEL GroUPS IN JEBEL AL-ZAWIYah he Assad regime managed to regain control of Damascus after a week of intense fighting, but the regime Tis unlikely to regain control of the whole country. Nowhere in Syria is this fact more apparent than in Jebal al-Zawiyah, where rebel groups have become so effective and well-resourced that the security forces are unlikely to muster the combat power required to defeat them. The rebel-held regions in northern Syria are fertile grounds The dominant rebel groups in Jebel al-Zawiyah are the for developing more sophisticated tactics and organizational Suqour al-Sham Brigade based in the village of Sarjeh, 6.5 structure. One of the most important rebel strongholds sits kilometers south of Ariha, and the Shuhada Jebel al-Zawiyah amid the rural hills of Jebel al-Zawiyah between the cities of Battalion (also known as the Harmoush Battalion and the Hama and Idlib. While the Assad regime focuses its efforts Jebel al Zawiyah Martyrs Battalion), based in the region’s on Syrian cities, border regions, and the coastal provinces, central and southern hills. rebel groups in Jebel al-Zawiyah have built command- and-control structures and strengthened their offensive Fighting in Jebel al-Zawiyah began after Syrian military capabilities. Detailed study of the insurgent networks in Jebel forces violently dispersed protests throughout the spring al-Zawiyah reveals a shift in tactics that indicates a maturing and summer of 2011. That summer, small groups of fighters operational planning capability. IEDs, small-arms fire emerged in villages across the region, some led by military attacks, and hasty ambushes are giving way to coordinated defectors such as Captains Ammar al-Wawi and Yousif Yahya who announced their defection in a joint statement in and sustained attacks against regime targets, particularly since 1 the end of May 2012.
    [Show full text]
  • Syria: Chemical Use Since Accession to The
    CLASSIFICATION Syria: Chemical Use Since Accession to the CWC The Syrian regime has not declared all the elements of its chemical warfare program to the OPCW and the regime continues to use chemicals as a means of warfare, as it has every year since acceding to the Chemical Weapons Convention in 2013. 7 April: Chemical attack on 7 August: OPCW-UN Duma, Damascus 21 August: Chemical Joint Investigative attack on East Ghouta Mechanism (JIM) 14 April: U.S.-led established by UNSC strikes on CW targets 31 August: U.S. announces plans 4 January: All declared 26 October: OPCW-UN JIM for strikes Syrian chemical determines Asad regime used weapons destroyed sarin in Khan Shaykhun attack 14 October: Syria joins the Chemical Weapons 4 April: Chemical Convention; Syria declared attack on Khan 1,328 metric tons of 10 September: FFM Shaykhun chemical weapon agent determines that chlorine and 12 chemical warfare used “systematically 7 April: U.S. strikes production facilities and repeatedly” Shayrat Airfield 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 18 April: Chemical 6 November: OPCW 30 June: FFM attack on Kafr Zayta FFM determines that confirms sarin used chemicals used in in Khan Shaykhun 21 April: Chemical more attacks attack on Talmenes 17 November: OPCW-UN 6 March: UNSC adopts JIM expires after Russia & 29 April: OPCW Fact- resolution 2209 Bolivia veto UNSC renewal Finding Mission condemning use of 1 August: Chemical (FFM) established chlorine as a weapon attack in Idlib 14 September: U.S.- 16 March: Chemical 24 August: OPCW-UN JIM Russia Framework attack in Qmenas Agreement reached determines Asad regime 24 March: Chemical used chemicals in attack in Binnish 2014 & 2015 attacks Text in red: Examples of Syria’s repeated chemical use..
    [Show full text]
  • Chemical Weapons and Syria - in Brief
    BRIEFING PAPER Number CBP 8283, 22 August 2018 Chemical weapons and By Louisa Brooke-Holland and Ben Smith Syria - in brief Contents: 1. Recent developments 2. Use of chemical weapons in Syria 3. Chronology www.parliament.uk/commons-library | intranet.parliament.uk/commons-library | [email protected] | @commonslibrary 2 Chemical weapons and Syria - in brief Contents Summary 3 1. Recent developments 3 2. Use of chemical weapons in Syria 4 Chemical weapons and the law 4 3. Chronology 5 Cover page image copyright: Symbol for chemical weapons This image is a work of a US Army soldier or employee, taken or made as part of that person's official duties. As a work of the US federal government, the image is in the public domain. 3 Commons Library Briefing, 22 August 2018 Summary This briefing paper looks at the UK response to allegations of chemical weapons usage in Syria. It draws upon previous Commons Library briefing papers, links to which are provided. See also Parliamentary approval for military action, 16 April 2018 The Chemical Weapons Convention, 26 March 2018 Syria: Humanitarian Crisis, 23 March 2018 Syria: what next?, 12 March 2018 ISIS/Daesh: what now for the military campaign in Iraq and Syria?, 7 March 2018 Syria and Iraq since the cruise missile attack, 25 April 2017. Legal basis for UK military action in Syria, 1 December 2015 Intervention in Syria, 27 August 2013 1. Recent developments The UK Government holds the Syrian regime responsible for an alleged chemical weapon attack in Douma, a city northeast of Damascus in the region of Ghouta, over the weekend of 8-9 April 2018.
    [Show full text]