Pandemic Spurs Illegal Gold Rush in Zimbabwe Mountains Govt Bans Riverbed Alluvial and Riverbed Mining on Rivers

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

Pandemic Spurs Illegal Gold Rush in Zimbabwe Mountains Govt Bans Riverbed Alluvial and Riverbed Mining on Rivers 9 Business Tuesday, October 13, 2020 Pandemic spurs illegal gold rush in Zimbabwe mountains Govt bans riverbed alluvial and riverbed mining on rivers CHIMANIMANI, Zimbabwe: Known for their been changed to protect his identity. rugged ranges, grassy plains and forest waterfalls, “We were given a target, we would sell about 40 the Chimanimani mountains in eastern Zimbabwe grams of gold per day,” he continued, explaining have long been a popular destination for tourists - that as the miners came back down the mountain, and gold miners hoping to strike it rich. Travel the rangers would take the gold and pay them in US restrictions to slow the spread of COVID-19 have dollars. That was until August, when the military and kept the tourists away, although some attractions police were deployed to help the rangers evict the reopened last month. miners. “I had to run for my life,” Kwaramba said. But illegal mining has surged as miners take “They were firing at us. Some (miners) were injured advantage of the lack of visitors, leaving a trail of and others are missing.” environmental destruction in their wake, say Zimparks spokesman Tinashe Farawo said the researchers and activists. authority was looking into claims that the park’s “The waters are being polluted; the biodiversity rangers had a hand in the illegal gold mining. poisoned; endemic plants dug up (and) trampled; “We have heard such reports. We are currently animals and birds poached; (and) litter strewn all investigating the allegations,” he said in a phone over the mountains,” said Julia Pierini, head of interview. BirdLife Zimbabwe, a non-profit. “We are calling upon (everyone) to forward any Activists, industry experts and some of the min- evidence that our officers are involved. We want to ers themselves say rangers employed by the ensure we protect these forests for the benefit of Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management the future generations.” There is no official data on Authority (Zimparks) to protect Chimanimani the number of illegal gold miners in the Search and rescue operation at Cricket Mine in Kadoma, Zimbabwe where more than 23 illegal miners were National Park are involved in the illicit activity. Chimanimani Mountains, but authorities note that trapped underground and feared dead on February 15, 2019 in this file photo. — AFP “For the past couple of years, we have been see- around the country their ranks have risen in recent ing illegal gold miners in the mountains, but sudden- years. As Zimbabwe experiences its worst economic ly during lockdown we started to see hundreds of crisis in a decade, with crippling hyperinflation and Sacred places And now, say locals, they also have to endure the them,” said Collen Sibanda, vice chairman of the unemployment, young people are venturing into The latest census data shows about 135,000 ecological impacts of illegal mining. Pierini at BirdLife Chimanimani Tourist Association (CTA). illegal gold mining in a bid to earn a living. people live in the area around the Chimanimani Zimbabwe said the mountains are an important “Zimparks is recruiting people. They are organiz- Gold panning in Chimanimani is mostly small- Mountains, on the border of Zimbabwe and watershed area with ecologically sensitive wetlands ing these syndicates.” scale and informal, according to a 2016 research Mozambique. that provide most of the water used by communities Lenny Kwaramba told the Thomson Reuters paper by the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew in That population, made up of various indigenous in the valleys below. “With a changing climate, on the Foundation that he had been mining in the moun- London. The paper estimated that the output from communities, is still recovering from last year’s back of Cyclone Idai last year and drought conditions tains without a license since March. artisanal gold panning in the area from 2007 to 2011 Cyclone Idai, which caused $622 million worth of this year, mining in the Chimanimani Mountains rep- “I thought it was legal because we were working was between 600-to-900 kg per year, with less damage, mainly in Chimanimani and Chipinge dis- resents an ecological catastrophe,” she said in with the rangers,” said Kwaramba, whose name has than half of that amount being officially recorded. tricts, according to government officials. emailed comments. — Reuters Syria fires ravage livelihoods ahead of harvest China expects to TARTUS, Syria: Suhail Deeb was my entire life,” said Deeb, who had meet poverty eager to harvest his olives before inherited all his trees from his father. sweeping forest fires that ravaged The olive farmer, like all Syrians, has parts of Syria at the weekend left him been hit hard by a biting economic alleviation goal with nothing but charred trunks and crisis that has seen the Syrian pound LIANGSHAN, China: President Xi Jinping branches. plummet against the dollar. beamed down benevolently from a poster in “I used to have 100 trees, but now He was eagerly waiting for this the new flat of unemployed Jigu Gatie, provid- nothing is left,” said the 61-year-old season’s harvest which was to begin ed by the Chinese government as part of farmer at his blackened olive grove in this month so he could produce some efforts to tackle poverty nationwide. The the western province of Tartus. olive oil to sell in the market. “We TARTUS: A Syrian man inspects a scorched area in the aftermath of a forest fire posters urging residents to listen, follow and “Everything has turned to ashes,” he were depending heavily on this sea- which ravaged swathes of land in the countryside of the western city of Tartus, “be grateful” to China’s ruling Communist said, sadly snapping a soot-covered, son to compensate for our repeated on Sunday. Dozens of fires that ravaged parts of Syria and Lebanon in recent days Party were common in the homes of the new dead branch off a tree. losses,” he said. “The olives were ripe were brought under control, authorities in the two countries said. — AFP state housing project visited by Reuters in Blazes broke out Friday in the and large and, had it not been for the September during a government-organized provinces of Homs, Tartus and fires, we would be preparing now to conditions during the war,” he said. The fires across Syria did not only trip to the southwestern Sichuan province. Latakia, destroying over 9,000 harvest them.” “But the fires are of a different scale. hit agricultural lands but also residen- China vowed in 2013 to eradicate extreme hectares of agricultural and forested We are facing a real catastrophe.” Nine tial and industrial areas. According to rural poverty by the end of this year, and spent land, according to the UN Office for ‘Real catastrophe’ years of war have battered Syria’s OCHA, up to 25,000 people have 524 billion yuan ($77.17 billion) between 2016 the Coordination of Humanitarian OCHA estimates that the fires economy but the country has contin- been displaced as a result. and 2020 to that end, official data showed. Affairs (OCHA). The wildfires killed affected up to 140,000 people by ued to produce large quantities of olive On social media, users have been China’s economy was hit by the coronavirus three people in Latakia and displaced destroying or damaging homes and oil which is among its staple exports. posting photos of the many blazes pandemic early this year but has since seen a thousands across the three provinces, other assets, including agricultural The agriculture ministry had pre- with the Arabic hashtag “Syria is steady recovery. OCHA said. land. In the town of Mashta Al-Helu in dicted in August an olive crop harvest Burning.” Joseph Eid, the mayor of “Thanks to the party, thanks to the govern- Authorities on Sunday said that the Tartus, more than 65 farmers were of 850,000 tons this season-up from Mashta Al-Helu, assessed the damage ment, thanks to General Secretary Xi,” said fires had been brought under control. affected by the blaze, including Ali 665,000 the year before. Issa said he in the aftermath of the fires. Jigu, a member of the generally poor Yi ethnic A day later, smoke still rose from the Issa. Sitting on a rock, his back lean- was determined to replant what he He pointed to empty parks that minority. “I’m very satisfied.” With over 90 mil- hills around Latakia and Tartus, previ- ing against a burnt tree, Issa lamented lost, calling the olive tree both were crowded with families this time lion rural people lifted from extreme poverty ously covered with fields, groves and his losses, even though many of his “blessed and holy.” “We will replant last year. “The fires cause a lot of over the past seven years, the government says healthy forests. crops survived the blaze. not so that we can eat from them, but damage,” he told AFP. “The land will it is on track to achieve its 2020 goal. “I have never seen fires like this in “We have endured very difficult for our children,” he said. need years to recover.” —AFP But the success could falter if authorities shift priorities after declaring victory on rural poverty, analysts say. “Once poverty alleviation Millions of Indians is no longer a political priority, if funding from Nasdaq leads Wall the government and state-owned enterprises dries up, many will fall back into poverty,” said St higher on tech, to get Diwali loans Alfred Wu, associate professor at Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy in Singapore. to boost economy The government has said China will contin- stimulus hopes ue anti-poverty policies after 2020 but has yet to make an announcement.
Recommended publications
  • “No One's Left” Summary Executions by Syrian Forces in Al-Bayda
    HUMAN RIGHTS “No One’s Left” Summary Executions by Syrian Forces in al-Bayda & Baniyas WATCH “No One’s Left” Summary Executions by Syrian Forces in al-Bayda and Baniyas Copyright © 2013 Human Rights Watch All rights reserved. ISBN: 978-1-62313-0480 Printed in the United States of America Cover design by Rafael Jimenez Human Rights Watch is dedicated to protecting the human rights of people around the world. We stand with victims and activists to prevent discrimination, to uphold political freedom, to protect people from inhumane conduct in wartime, and to bring offenders to justice. We investigate and expose human rights violations and hold abusers accountable. We challenge governments and those who hold power to end abusive practices and respect international human rights law. We enlist the public and the international community to support the cause of human rights for all. Human Rights Watch is an international organization with staff in more than 40 countries, and offices in Amsterdam, Beirut, Berlin, Brussels, Chicago, Geneva, Goma, Johannesburg, London, Los Angeles, Moscow, Nairobi, New York, Paris, San Francisco, Sydney, Tokyo, Toronto, Tunis, Washington DC, and Zurich. For more information, please visit our website: http://www.hrw.org SEPTEMBER 2013 978-1-62313-0480 “No One’s Left” Summary Executions by Syrian Forces in al-Bayda and Baniyas Maps ................................................................................................................................... i Summary ..........................................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Why Are Warm-Water Ports Important to Russian Security?
    JEMEAA - FEATURE Why Are Warm- Water Ports Important to Russian Security? The Cases of Sevastopol and Tartus Compared TANVI CHAUHAN Abstract This article aims to examine why Russia’s warm-water ports are so important to Russian security. First, the article defines whatsecurity encompasses in relation to ports. Second, the article presents two case studies: the Crimean port of Sevasto- pol and the Syrian port of Tartus. This article proves that warm-water ports are important to Russian security because they enable Russia to control the sea, proj- ect power, maintain good order, and observe a maritime consensus. Each of these categorical reasons are then analyzed in the Crimean and Syrian context. The re- sults are compared in regional perspective, followed by concluding remarks on what the findings suggest about Russian foreign policy in retrospect, as well as Russian security in the future. Introduction General discourse attribute ports with a binary character: commercial or naval. However, the importance of ports is not limited to those areas alone. Security in the twenty- first century has come to constitute multidimensional relationships, so this article will approach the importance of warm- water ports for security by us- ing the broad concept of maritime security, rather than naval security alone. Previ- ously, the maritime context covered naval confrontations and absolute sea control, but today, scholars have elaborated the maritime environment to include security missions spanning from war and diplomacy to maritime resource preservation, safe cargo transit, border protection from external threats, engagement in security operations, and preventing misuse of global maritime commons.1 Thus, maritime security has crucial links to political, economic, military, and social elements.
    [Show full text]
  • IMPRISONED HEALTH PROFESSIONALS SYRIA Amnesty
    IMPRISONED HEALTH PROFESSIONALS SYRIA Amnesty International is deeply concerned at the continued detention without charge or trial of 90 doctors, dentists and veterinarians who were arrested in 1980 following widespread agitation in Syria for political reforms, including an end to the State of Emergency, in force since 1963. Despite repeated requests for information on those detained, the government has failed to provide information on their whereabouts and well-being. Background The main provisions of the Syrian constitution which specify the freedoms of the citizen remain suspended under the terms of Military Order 2 of 17 March 1963 declaring a State of Emergency. The State of Emergency Law gives the security forces wide powers to arrest and administratively detain anyone suspected of "endangering security and public order". The Martial Law Governor (the Prime Minister), or his deputy, is empowered to delegate to anyone the powers to administratively detain, investigate, or restrict the freedom of persons in respect to meetings, residence, travel and passage. These powers have been delegated to the security forces and in practice have been used in such a way as to result in thousands of arbitrary arrests. The vast majority of political detainees in Syria are held without charge or trial, many for long periods. Families are given no official notification of the arrest, place of detention or subsequent movements of detainees and must obtain such information through their own efforts. Reports of torture and ill-treatment of detainees are common. Such treatment is facilitated by the extensive powers of arbitrary arrest and detention conferred on the security forces which enables them to hold detainees for indefinite periods without any external supervision of their cases.
    [Show full text]
  • Putin's Syrian Gambit: Sharper Elbows, Bigger Footprint, Stickier Wicket
    STRATEGIC PERSPECTIVES 25 Putin’s Syrian Gambit: Sharper Elbows, Bigger Footprint, Stickier Wicket by John W. Parker Center for Strategic Research Institute for National Strategic Studies National Defense University Institute for National Strategic Studies National Defense University The Institute for National Strategic Studies (INSS) is National Defense University’s (NDU’s) dedicated research arm. INSS includes the Center for Strategic Research, Center for Complex Operations, Center for the Study of Chinese Military Affairs, and Center for Technology and National Security Policy. The military and civilian analysts and staff who comprise INSS and its subcomponents execute their mission by conducting research and analysis, publishing, and participating in conferences, policy support, and outreach. The mission of INSS is to conduct strategic studies for the Secretary of Defense, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and the unified combatant commands in support of the academic programs at NDU and to perform outreach to other U.S. Government agencies and the broader national security community. Cover: Admiral Kuznetsov aircraft carrier, August, 2012 (Russian Ministry of Defense) Putin's Syrian Gambit Putin's Syrian Gambit: Sharper Elbows, Bigger Footprint, Stickier Wicket By John W. Parker Institute for National Strategic Studies Strategic Perspectives, No. 25 Series Editor: Denise Natali National Defense University Press Washington, D.C. July 2017 Opinions, conclusions, and recommendations expressed or implied within are solely those of the contributors and do not necessarily represent the views of the Defense Department or any other agency of the Federal Government. Cleared for public release; distribution unlimited. Portions of this work may be quoted or reprinted without permission, provided that a standard source credit line is included.
    [Show full text]
  • MPLS VPN Service
    MPLS VPN Service PCCW Global’s MPLS VPN Service provides reliable and secure access to your network from anywhere in the world. This technology-independent solution enables you to handle a multitude of tasks ranging from mission-critical Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), Customer Relationship Management (CRM), quality videoconferencing and Voice-over-IP (VoIP) to convenient email and web-based applications while addressing traditional network problems relating to speed, scalability, Quality of Service (QoS) management and traffic engineering. MPLS VPN enables routers to tag and forward incoming packets based on their class of service specification and allows you to run voice communications, video, and IT applications separately via a single connection and create faster and smoother pathways by simplifying traffic flow. Independent of other VPNs, your network enjoys a level of security equivalent to that provided by frame relay and ATM. Network diagram Database Customer Portal 24/7 online customer portal CE Router Voice Voice Regional LAN Headquarters Headquarters Data LAN Data LAN Country A LAN Country B PE CE Customer Router Service Portal PE Router Router • Router report IPSec • Traffic report Backup • QoS report PCCW Global • Application report MPLS Core Network Internet IPSec MPLS Gateway Partner Network PE Router CE Remote Router Site Access PE Router Voice CE Voice LAN Router Branch Office CE Data Branch Router Office LAN Country D Data LAN Country C Key benefits to your business n A fully-scalable solution requiring minimal investment
    [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]
  • Timeline of International Response to the Situation in Syria
    Timeline of International Response to the Situation in Syria Beginning with dates of a few key events that initiated the unrest in March 2011, this timeline provides a chronological list of important news and actions from local, national, and international actors in response to the situation in Syria. Skip to: [2012] [2013] [2014] [2015] [2016] [Most Recent] Acronyms: EU – European Union PACE – Parliamentary Assembly of the Council CoI – UN Commission of Inquiry on Syria of Europe FSA – Free Syrian Army SARC – Syrian Arab Red Crescent GCC – Gulf Cooperation Council SASG – Special Adviser to the Secretary- HRC – UN Human Rights Council General HRW – Human Rights Watch SES – UN Special Envoy for Syria ICC – International Criminal Court SOC – National Coalition of Syrian Revolution ICRC – International Committee of the Red and Opposition Forces Cross SOHR – Syrian Observatory for Human Rights IDPs – Internally Displaced People SNC – Syrian National Council IHL – International Humanitarian Law UN – United Nations ISIL – Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant UNESCO – UN Educational, Scientific and ISSG – International Syria Support Group Cultural Organization JSE – UN-Arab League Joint Special Envoy to UNGA – UN General Assembly Syria UNHCR – UN High Commissioner for LAS – League of Arab States Refugees NATO – North Atlantic Treaty Organization UNICEF – UN Children’s Fund OCHA – UN Office for the Coordination of UNRWA – UN Relief Works Agency for Humanitarian Affairs Palestinian Refugees OIC – Organization of Islamic Cooperation UNSC – UN Security Council OHCHR – UN Office of the High UNSG – UN Secretary-General Commissioner for Human Rights UNSMIS – UN Supervision Mission in Syria OPCW – Organization for the Prohibition of US – United States Chemical Weapons 2011 2011: Mar 16 – Syrian security forces arrest roughly 30 of 150 people gathered in Damascus’ Marjeh Square for the “Day of Dignity” protest, demanding the release of imprisoned relatives held as political prisoners.
    [Show full text]
  • In PDF Format, Please Click Here
    Deprivatio of Existence The use of Disguised Legalization as a Policy to Seize Property by Successive Governments of Syria A special report sheds light on discrimination projects aiming at radical demographic changes in areas historically populated by Kurds Acknowledgment and Gratitude The present report is the result of a joint cooperation that extended from 2018’s second half until August 2020, and it could not have been produced without the invaluable assistance of witnesses and victims who had the courage to provide us with official doc- uments proving ownership of their seized property. This report is to be added to researches, books, articles and efforts made to address the subject therein over the past decades, by Syrian/Kurdish human rights organizations, Deprivatio of Existence individuals, male and female researchers and parties of the Kurdish movement in Syria. Syrians for Truth and Justice (STJ) would like to thank all researchers who contributed to documenting and recording testimonies together with the editors who worked hard to produce this first edition, which is open for amendments and updates if new credible information is made available. To give feedback or send corrections or any additional documents supporting any part of this report, please contact us on [email protected] About Syrians for Truth and Justice (STJ) STJ started as a humble project to tell the stories of Syrians experiencing enforced disap- pearances and torture, it grew into an established organization committed to unveiling human rights violations of all sorts committed by all parties to the conflict. Convinced that the diversity that has historically defined Syria is a wealth, our team of researchers and volunteers works with dedication at uncovering human rights violations committed in Syria, regardless of their perpetrator and victims, in order to promote inclusiveness and ensure that all Syrians are represented, and their rights fulfilled.
    [Show full text]
  • ARAB AWAKENING and ISLAMIC REVIVAL the Politics of Ideas in the Middle East
    ARAB AWAKENING AND ISLAMIC REVIVAL The Politics of Ideas in the Middle East Martin Kramer Transaction Publishers New Brunswick (U.S.A.) and London (U.K.) Text 1996 Syria’s Alawis and Shi‘ism 189 11 Syria’s Alawis and Shi‘ism In their mountainous corner of Syria, the Alawis claim to represent the furthest extension of Twelver Shi‘ism. The Alawis number perhaps a million persons—about 12 percent of Syria’s population—and are concentrated in the northwestern region around Latakia and Tartus. This religious minority has provided Syria’s rulers for nearly two decades. Syrian President Hafz al-Asad, in power since 1970, as well as Syria’s leading military and security chiefs, are of Alawi origin. Once poor peas- ants, they beat their ploughshares into swords, frst becoming military offcers, then using the instruments of war to seize the state. The role of Alawi communal solidarity has been diffcult to defne, and tribal afflia- tion, kinship, and ideology also explain the composition of Syria’s ruling elite. But when all is said and done, the fact remains that power in Syria is closely held by Alawis.1 This domination has bred deep resentment among many of Syria’s Sunni Muslims, who constitute 70 percent of the country’s population. For at the forefront of Syria’s modern struggle for independence were the Sunni Muslims who populated the cities of Syria’s heartland. They enjoyed a privileged standing under Sunni Ottoman rule; they, along with Syrian Christian intellectuals, developed the guiding principles of Arab nationalism; they resisted the French; and they stepped into positions of authority with the departure of the French.
    [Show full text]
  • Phoenician” Anthropoid Sarcophagi on Tartus, Syrian Coast
    CuPAUAM 39, 2013, pp. 113-122 New Hypogeal Tomb with a “Phoenician” anthropoid sarcophagi on Tartus, Syrian Coast. Una nueva tumba hypogeo con sarcófago antropoide “Fenicio” en Tartus, en la costa de Syria. BASHAR MUSTAFA. Universidad de Granada Email: [email protected] Recibido: 02-07-2013 Aceptado: 15-10-2013 Abstract: In this paper, we report on a new tomb which was discovered on the coast of Syria, including the objects found within, such as, the sarcophagus and the entire funerary ensemble. The analysis of the construction system, primarily through drawings made in situ by the excavation team is considered one of most effective approaches to understand the tech- niques involved in this hypogeal tomb found on the Phoenician coast of Syria. A series of chronological data are pro- vided concerning the stylistic features of the tomb, with special mention of past looting. The study concludes with an overall assessment of the tomb and its contents. Keywords: Syrian, Phoenician, Persian, hypogeal tomb, anthropomorphic sarcophagi. Regarding Phoenician anthropomorphic sar- the territory of Arados (Syria) are the prime cen- cophagi in the eastern Mediterranean region, ters of anthropomorphic Phoenician sarcophagi. Syria and Lebanon, studies (which began a centu- However, the dating and reconstruction of the ry and a half ago) have not provided satisfactory processes of the development, edification, or results until today. Unfortunately, eastern dedication of these tombs remains difficult, and Phoenician necropolises have been subjected to
    [Show full text]
  • Syria and Iraq
    The Comparative Metrics of ISIS and “Failed State Wars” in Syria and Iraq Part Three: Stability and Conflict in Syria Anthony H. Cordesman [email protected] Working Draft U.S. Army photo by Pvt. March 2, 2016 Travis J. Terreo 1616 Rhode Island Avenue NW Anthony H. Cordesman Web version: Email: [email protected] Washington, DC 20036 Phone: 1.202.775.3270 www.csis.org/burke/reports Conflict Dynamics in Syria 2 Population Density in Syria Source: Stratfor, https://www.google.com/search?q=Syria+population+density+maps&tbm=isch&imgil=DoUMgoWdhrcALM%253A%253Bqxzi4i_uSW4ufM%253Bhttp%25253A%25252F%25252Fwww.heritageforpeace.org%25252Fsyria-country- information%25252Fgeography%25252F&source=iu&pf=m&fir=DoUMgoWdhrcALM%253A%252Cqxzi4i_uSW4ufM%252C_&biw=1338&bih=976&ved=0CCoQyjdqFQoTCNXLnIuR08cCFckFjgod6wsNWA&ei=Ni_kVdXYFcmLuATrl7TABQ&usg=__OC351H3 Edwr5kYLecIZo4L-ys5yU%3D#imgrc=q-lXqYU6ivLyiM%3A&usg=__OC351HEdwr5kYLecIZo4L-ys5yU%3D The Pre-War Ethnic Sectarian Nightmare in the Levant Source: Columbia University Gulf/2000 Project, and http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/worldviews/wp/2013/08/27/the-one-map-that-shows-why-syria-is-so- complicated/ 4 Syria: Religious and Ethnic Groups: March 2011 Source: Atlas-Syria: Federal Ministry of the interior, Republic of Austria, 2015, http://www.ecoi.net/atlas_syria.pdf, p. 15 5 Syria: Ethnic and Linguistic Groups: March 2011 Source: Atlas-Syria: Federal Ministry of the interior, Republic of Austria, 2015, http://www.ecoi.net/atlas_syria.pdf, p. 15 6 Syria: Topography and Regional Divisions Source: Atlas-Syria: Federal Ministry of the interior, Republic of Austria, 2015, http://www.ecoi.net/atlas_syria.pdf, p. 8 7 Syria: Physiography Source: Atlas-Syria: Federal Ministry of the interior, Republic of Austria, 2015, http://www.ecoi.net/atlas_syria.pdf, p.
    [Show full text]
  • Syria, April 2005
    Library of Congress – Federal Research Division Country Profile: Syria, April 2005 COUNTRY PROFILE: SYRIA April 2005 COUNTRY Formal Name: Syrian Arab Republic (Al Jumhuriyah al Arabiyah as Suriyah). Short Form: Syria. Term for Citizen(s): Syrian(s). Capital: Damascus (population estimated at 5 million in 2004). Other Major Cities: Aleppo (4.5 million), Homs (1.8 million), Hamah (1.6 million), Al Hasakah (1.3 million), Idlib (1.2 million), and Latakia (1 million). Independence: Syrians celebrate their independence on April 17, known as Evacuation Day, in commemoration of the departure of French forces in 1946. Public Holidays: Public holidays observed in Syria include New Year’s Day (January 1); Revolution Day (March 8); Evacuation Day (April 17); Egypt’s Revolution Day (July 23); Union of Syria, Egypt, and Libya (September 1); Martyrs’ Day, to commemorate the public hanging of 21 dissidents in 1916 (May 6); the beginning of the 1973 October War (October 6); National Day (November 16); and Christmas Day (December 25). Religious feasts with movable dates include Eid al Adha, the Feast of the Sacrifice; Muharram, the Islamic New Year; Greek Orthodox Easter; Mouloud/Yum an Nabi, celebration of the birth of Muhammad; Leilat al Meiraj, Ascension of Muhammad; and Eid al Fitr, the end of Ramadan. In 2005 movable holidays will be celebrated as follows: Eid al Adha, January 21; Muharram, February 10; Greek Orthodox Easter, April 29–May 2; Mouloud, April 21; Leilat al Meiraj, September 2; and Eid al Fitr, November 4. Flag: The Syrian flag consists of three equal horizontal stripes of red, white, and black with two small green, five-pointed stars in the middle of the white stripe.
    [Show full text]