Betrayal of Trust: Understanding Why Syria’s Army Targeted Its Citizens

QUESTION

Why has Syria’s army turned its weapons on Syria’s citizens?

The Syrian Military: The Day After.

Author: Gaub, Florence

Published: 2018 Special Issue The World Defense Almanac

Summary: The article reports on the Syrian Armed Forces and its role in the nation’s conflict. It mentions that it was blamed over the death of most civilians through chemical weapons and war crimes. It also notes that it has experienced loses and desertion of military personnel along with high-ranking officials as well as equipment.

ANSWER

Betrayal of Trust: Understanding Why Syria’s Army Targeted Its Citizens

Introduction

The Syrian conflict has witnessed the tragic phenomenon of the Syrian army turning its weapons against its own citizens. This research aims to explore the underlying factors that have led to the Syrian army’s aggression towards civilians during the course of the war. By examining available information and understanding the complex dynamics at play, we can gain insights into the motivations and circumstances that have driven the Syrian army to engage in such actions.

The Role of the Syrian Armed Forces

The Syrian Armed Forces, originally established to protect the nation’s sovereignty and maintain internal security, have become a central actor in the Syrian conflict. However, instead of safeguarding the citizens, the Syrian army has been implicated in numerous human rights abuses, including the targeting of civilians. Several factors contribute to the army’s shift in behavior:

Loyalty to the Regime: The Syrian army has historically been aligned with the ruling regime, led by President Bashar al-Assad and his family. Loyalty to the regime and its survival has superseded the protection and well-being of the civilian population. The army has been indoctrinated with a sense of allegiance to the regime, leading to a willingness to carry out orders regardless of the consequences for civilians.

Brutal Suppression of Dissent: As the Syrian conflict escalated from peaceful protests to an armed rebellion, the regime responded with a brutal crackdown. The army, acting on the orders of the regime, engaged in tactics such as indiscriminate shelling, aerial bombardments, and the use of chemical weapons to quell dissent and maintain control. This extreme response reflected a deliberate strategy aimed at crushing opposition and instilling fear among the civilian population.

War Crimes and Impunity: The Syrian army has been accused of committing war crimes and human rights abuses against civilians, including extrajudicial killings, torture, and enforced disappearances. The culture of impunity within the military, coupled with a lack of accountability and oversight, has allowed such actions to persist without consequence. This has further emboldened soldiers to continue targeting civilians with impunity.

Internal Divisions and Fragmentation: The Syrian army has experienced internal divisions and fragmentation during the course of the conflict. Some military personnel have defected, refusing to participate in the repression of civilians, while others have remained loyal to the regime. This internal rift has contributed to a breakdown in discipline and command, with different factions within the army pursuing their own interests and agendas, often at the expense of civilian lives.

Conclusion

The Syrian army’s turn against its own citizens is a tragic manifestation of the complexities and dynamics of the Syrian conflict. Loyalty to the regime, brutal suppression of dissent, war crimes, and internal divisions have all played a role in shaping the army’s behavior. The consequences have been devastating, with civilians bearing the brunt of the violence and suffering. Addressing the root causes of the army’s aggression towards civilians requires efforts to foster accountability, promote justice, and establish mechanisms to protect the rights and safety of the Syrian people. Only through such measures can Syria move towards healing, reconciliation, and a path to a more peaceful and inclusive future.