Top 10 Countries in Need

        For this post I am going to list my Top 10 proposals for countries in need. Meaning other than Syria they need your help as well. I will write why I chose these 10 countries with most help so that you can know a little of what is going on. And the top 10 proposals are:

1. Karolina's country Ivory Coast because their president has to know that his time as ruler and control was lost to Qatar and that he has to go because if not it will cost more problems to Ivory Coast.
2. Luis Carlos country Haiti because Haiti does need help. And you might think your helping and everything is doing well but their needs to be much work before its all back to how it was before and hopefully better.
3. Airined's country Libya because it's similar to what’s happening in Syria and other Middle Eastern countries but only that the death percentage is very high, meaning it's in desperate need of help.
4. Adriana P.'s country Tibet because Tibet has never been treated fairly since China's government took over. And also Tibet wants to be heard but only as an independent country.
5. Miguel C.'s country Somalia because like most African countries Somalia needs help by getting a stable government. And if not Somalia will stay the same.
6. John’s country India because Indian women rights are being mistreated and women do need help meaning they need to have a say in the government.
7. Gustavo’s country Italy because of the racism that is going on for example being burned just because you aren’t pure Italian that’s just wrong.
8. Angelica H.’s country Sudan because Sudan does need equalness as do many other African countries.
9. Lizbedy’s country Indonesia because people don’t deserve to be tortured if it clearly states that torturing people shouldn’t be done. This means they need a more fair government.
10. Sarah’s country Honduras because you just should not be killed because you want to express how you feel inside and who you know you are. 

SYRIA NEEDS YOU!

            You might be asking yourself "Why Syria?" and that kind of stuff, but be serious and realistic just because Syria isn't on the news all day and everyday doesn't mean it doesn't have any problems because if you actually believe that your wrong because it does. As I previously said on my last post, that even though the percentage of deaths in Syria wasn't big it doesn't matter. Because those are real people dying only to get their rights they deserve, I mean wouldn't you do that. And also the protest Syria is having wasn't big but now that more are dying protesters feel the need to become more active in the protest for the reason that they might feel the  government doesn't really care for their people's rights.
             Syria's protest is now becoming more active that women are even getting involved. Even children with their parents are in the protest. Meaning that Syria really does want change and they are doing anything they can to do so but if they can't because of the police, government etc. you can. You might be asking yourself " Why me?" or "What can I do to help?" or maybe "Syria isn't important." well it is important. It is important to me and all Syrian. Syrians need help! You from the U.S should care specially since you live in the biggest country with a powerful Democracy and are able to express your emotions in any way. Syrians aren't so lucky in a way they have to battle the governments police etc. just to be heard. And what the police actually end up getting might be threats.
            Also these aren't extremist but people like you. Even though guns might be fired from here and their but as I said they need your help to try to help them make peace. The president is trying to accommodate the one's who want change but he keeps lacking substances meaning it's you who Syrians needs. Syrian buildings are being burned, flyers with the presidents face are being kicked and burn meaning things are getting very violent. Around Syria they are also many undercover Syrian police meaning the protesters have to be even more carefull of were they go as to hospitals etc.
             You might still not know what to do but think of it this way just your support will let Syrians know they aren't alone and might have a bigger change on getting the they need, want, and more likely the one's you have have as an American with Democracy.

            All Syria really need and wants is a fair government. Because all they want is to be equal and have equal rights. For more information on Syria and what is going on click here and get more info on Syria's protest daily.

Human Rights In Syria

        In Syria back in 2004 their was a rare protest going on by human rights activits demanding political and civil reforms on the anniversary when the ruling party went to power. Which apperantly said by a witnesses that Syrian Police took like 20 activist. This was among the first protest for Human Rights in Syria were the political activities are controlled with care.
       The Syrian Police didn't want the protest to happend and demanded the leader to stop it before it happend and threat them they would go to prison. But he said "We're going to prison, we are not afraid" but then the police angrily told then to leave and so they did.

 "You cannot respect those who do not respect their country"-Assad

        In present day today many of what is starting in Syria began in Tunisha which began the Arab-movement. Many don't want Syria to be a part of the Arab-movement but at the same time some ask "Why Not?"
        On March 15, 2011 was the Syrian Day of Rage which many people went to the streets of Damascus, the capital. then on March 17, 2011  "The Friday of Dignity" in all continued and many protested on  Homs, Aleppo, Dara'a and more. But in Dara'a things became more deadly and violent.
        But some people say that because Syria's president is so popular they don't really have a reason to join the protest.    

        Now even women are getting into the protest. Specially since France added the law on Muslim veils and headscarves. France, on Monday April 11, 2011, said they had designed a law to forbit face-covering veils anywhere in public. And that violators would be risking citizenship classes and fines. Belgium responded by saying they also had a similar law that banned covering their face back in 2004 by mayor Maaseik but since they are struggling to meet a new government the laws aren't really talking control over peoples life. And also many more countries aren't saying they are doing the same but that they agree with what the French government has done with the new law.
        Now all we mainly hear about are the protest in Cairo, Lybia, etc. and even though the number of deaths in Syria are small their is no way you can avoid what is going on in all these Middle Eastern countries, whether it is big or small. I say this because first they can all come together and become a bigger and more powerful protest or regime. And second because we are all equal and we shouldn't be having to kill other or be killed by your own government to be able to get what you want. This mean that the government should have an open mind to what their people have to say. Because think about this, look now they aren't acting peacefully maybe because they feel as if the governmetn they have doesn't realy care for them as much as the governemt thinks they do everything they can do in their power for the people in their countries  that are in the regime or not, including Syria which was doing okay until what happened in Tunisha. But mainly all I say is to think and try to help, a little count. Because what if something similar happened to your country you would most likely be asking for help in any way they can give you help, now wouldn't you?

        For more information and articles about human rights in Syria go to CBSNews in Syria or The Comming Revolution in Syria

Syrian Background

        Syria as you can see and hear now from the news is not having a stable government nor happy Syrians. This all start and is based on Syria's history and here you will learn major historic dates that have changed how life is today and how people view everything from Syria.

        Syria's Background:
          - Archaelogists demonstrated that Syria was the center of Ancients Civilizations on Earth
          - Elba was discovered in 1975
                - was a great Semetic Empire spread from Red Sea to Turkey from 2500-2400 B.C

(Elba)

          - Damascus
               - Settle in 2500 B.C
               - Oldest inhabitated city
               - Muslim rule in A.D 636
                   -Became capital of Omayyad Empire

(Damascus)

        French Occupation:

          - In 1920, Arab Kingdom of Syria established under king Faysal of the Heshemite family

              - He ruled over Syria  last a couple of months because of Syrian Arab forces with French forces

              - Then French troops took over

         - Fall of French was on 1940

         - Syria came under control of Vichy Government until British and Free french occupied the country       July 1941.

         - Syrian Nationalist forced French troops to evacuate in April 1946

              - Left government under republic government

                 - Formed during mandate

        Independence to 1970:

          - Syria got their independece on April 17, 1946

          - But series of military begun 1949 and civil ruler, army colonel Adib Shishakli got power on 1951

          - Then continued political movement supported by competing factions in military eventhough brought Arab Nationalist and Socialist to power

          - Made union with Egypt

             - On Feb. 1, 1958 Syria and Egypt merged to create the United Arab Republic, and all Syrian political parties ceased over activities

          - Syria suceded going back to Syrian Arab Republic

          - Ba'ath took over Syria

              - Syria looked for an agreeement and was succesful which happended inCairo on April 17, 1963

                  -But problems arose and Ba'ath regime began to work for bilate

          - November 1963- Ba'ath regime was over thrown

          - May 1964- President Amin Hafiz of NCRC promulgated a provisional constitution providing for a National Council of Revolution (NCR)

               - An apointed legislature composed of represerntatives of mass organiztion

          - on Feb. 23, 1966- grouped of army officers carried out a succesful, intra-party coup, imprisoned Pres. Hafiz, dissolved the cabinet and the NCR, abrogated the provisional constitutionand described a rectification of Ba'ath Party principal

          - The defeat of the Syrians and Egypt in June 1967 war with Isreal weakened the radical socialist regime

          - In 1970 retreat of Syrian forces sent to aid the PLO during "Black September" hostillities with Jordan reflect this political disagreement within the ruler Ba'ath headership

          - November 13, 1970- Minister of defense Hufiz al- Asad affected a bloodless military coups and assumed the role of prime minister



(Ba'ath, in the Picture Frame)

(Hafiz al- Asad)

(Amin al- Hafiz)

        1970-2000:

           - Prime Minister Hufiz al- Asad created an organizational government and to consolidate control

           - March 1971-the party held its regional congress and elcted a new 21-member Regional command headed by Asad

           - March 1972- broaden the base of his government and Hafiz al-Asad formed the National Progressive Front

               - Collition of parties led by Ba'ath Party and elections were held to established local councils in each of Syria's governmorates

           - March 1973- A new Syrian Constitution went into effect followed shortly thereafter by parliamentary elections for the people council, which was the first election like this since 1962

           - From 1976 until its suppression in 1982 the anchorservsative Muslim Brotherhood led an armed in surgency against the regime

           - Feb. 1982- gave a responce and the government crushed the fundamentalist opposition centered in the city of Hama and caused many deaths

              - Since anti-regime was limited

           - Since 1990 participation in the U.S led Syria relation with Arab states and west and faced negotiations with Isreal and failed

           - Oct. 1991- Syria participated in the Middle East peace conference in Madrid

           - June 10, 2000- Hafiz al-Asad died after 30 yrs. in power

                - After the constitution minimized the age for Presidents from 40-43

           - on July 10, 2000- Bashar al- Asad was elected President (was Hafiz al- Asad)

(Bashar al- Asad)

        2000-2011:

           - Sept. 11, 2001 Syrian Gvernment limited contact with U.S

           - Dec. 2003- Pres. George W. Bush signed into law the Syria Accountability and Lebanese Sovereignty Restoration Act of 2003

           - In May 2004- the President determined that Syria had not met these conditions and implemented sanctions that prohibit the export to Syria of U.S

           - Tensions between Syria and the United States intensified from mid-2004 to early 2009, primarily over issues relating to Iraq and Lebanon

           - On May 27, 2007- President Al-Asad was reelected

           - During 2008, though Syria’s relations with the U.S. remained  the same

           - On March 2011 the border had yet to be demarcated

 Syria's Principal Government Officers are:

• President- Bashar Al-Asad
• Vice President- Farouk Al-Shar'a
• Vice President- Najah al-Asad 
• Prime Minister- Muhammad Naji al-Otari
• Minister Of Foreign Affairs- Walid al-Mouallem
• Ambassador of US- Imad Maustapha
• Ambassador of United Nations- Bashar al-Ja'fari

For More information on Syria's History go to Syria's Government, Loving Syria more and more, and Government History.

الثقافات والتقاليد في سوريا (Cultures and Traditions in Syria)

        Syrian has many cultures and traditions. Of course since Syria is located in the Middle Eastern it has many influences. But Syrians have created a unique way from those influences.
        In Syria spoken languajes are Arabic, English, French, Kurdic, Circassia and Aramic. In Syria they have many religions. Some include Sunni Muslim, Muslim, Christians, and Jews. Syrians are Islamic. "Islam" means "Submission to God". Syrians share a prophet, traditions, Judism, Christians, and follow the 5 Pillars of Islam. Islam has no priest nor clergy. They have people that lead prayers and  the Quran (their holy book). those are called "Muezzins" which give call to prayers and spend their lives studying and interpreting text. have a mpnth called "Ramadan" which is a month of fasting meaning they don't eat until dark outside. In Syria they end the month with "Eid al Fitr" which families exchange gifts. Also have "Eid al-Adha which commemorates the end of Muhammod's Hajj. Muslims house of worship is called Mosque. Mosque has a washing rooms outside, where you can remove shoes and wash your feet etc. before entering. Women can't enter. And when you enter it just has a carpet and a carving pointing at the location where Mecca is. when someone dies family, friends, neighbors, etc. meet for three days after death to give grief to the family. Women who are related to the passed love one wear black up to a year. Widows normally don't remarry and wear black for the rest of their life's.

(Mosque in Syria)

        Music in Syria is amazing. Syrians listen and play to two different types of music, the Classic Arabic and the Contemporary Arabic. The Classic Arabic the music basically tied with tradition with story telling tradion and often deals with love, honor, and family. Also they use an ancient string instrument called ouds, small drums and flutes. and in Contemporary Arabic music is played by an orchestra that mainly uses European instruments with singers.

(Classic Arabic Instruments)

        Dances in Syria are also amazing and interesting. In Syria they call "dance" "Raks". Syrians have several types of dances. One type of dance is called the line dance and another the cirle dance. In both men and women dance just not together, but in the circle dance they might dance around the circle of woman or the opposite. Another is the women dance which one or more women dance. Another is the men dance in which they battle but dancing. and another includes ceremonial dances.

        The etiquette in Syria is most like the same throughout the Middle Eastern. Men and women are seperate unless for special gatherings. Syrians like to talk. Syrians have an art of conversation which you need skill to do. Men talk and also tease each other but in a way of joking. When talking you stand close , speak loudly and gesture with hands and head. Greeting in Syria have a huge significance. Also when greeting someone you shake hands, hug or give a kiss on the cheek. Syrians are also very Affectionate. Both women and men kiss, hug and hold hands with people from the same gender. This is very common in Syria and can be seen mainly in public places.

(Syrian People)

       The food in Syria is very delicious. The main crop is wheat, but they also have different types of vegetables, fruits and dairy. Syrians like most Islamic don't eat pork. Syrians mainly eat lamb, but not many people can afford lamb everyday. Syrians prepare other meat's in a Halal cooking. Many middle and higher class eat their meat either grilled or roasted. Syrian also have somthing called Mezzeh which is a midday meal composed of 20-30 side dishes(including hummou, chich peas, tahini, baba ganou, and many more). Syrians use dives, lemon, parsley, onions, garlic, etc to flavor thier food. Syrians grow figs, plums, and watermelon. Syrians also can't drink alcohol. Syrians can drink beer, wine, milk, soda, tea but only in special occations and arak an aniseed drink used in the Middle East. And during Ramadan they eat "ifar" during the evening.

(Syrian food)

        Marriages in Syria are arranged by the parents in a way to give blessings to the one's being married. The husband is picked by the family. The constitutions encourages the institution of marriage rate decreased because of levels of education and cost of weddings. Normally the husband and his family raise the money and the bride marries the one with the biggest dowry. In 1953, the law of of Personal staus was passed which was that men must be able to show they can support a second wife to then marry that second wife. And for divorces the man needs to say "I Divorce You" three times then go to court.

(A Syrian Wedding)

        Syrian art has three types of art: Graphic Art, Performing Art, and basic Art. Art's are published in houses owned by the state. writting is done by the government employees. They can't write about Syrian history. In graphic art their are no paintings of animals and human being. Sculptures are carved in white marble and displayed in public buildings. Jewelry, metalwork (started by Syrian Jews) and mosaic woodwork are very popular. Syrian also have fabric production. And performing arts which filmwere first produced during the 1920's. And includes story telling and musicals.

(Jewelry from Syria)

        Lastly celebrations in Syria. The holidays celebrated in Syria are: New Year's Day on Jan. 1, Revolution Day on Mar. 8, Formation of Arab League on Mar. 22, Martyrs Day on Apr. 6, National Day on Apr. 17, and the Day of Mourning (grief) on Nov. 29.

(Martyrs Day in Syria)

For more info in other websites or articles go to these links: Culture of Syria, Middle Eastern Dances, and Middle Eastern News.

Syria

      Syria has many problems and in this blog you will learn many of those problems, issues and how everything came about in Syria.

              

                                  (Map of Syria)                                                   

     Syria is located on the Mediterranean Sea  with 193km of coast, also borders Lebanon, Turkey, Iraq, Israel and Jordan. It's mostly desert, hot and dry during summer time but mild and rainy during the winter time. Problem is the desert that can cause many natural disasters including sandstorms, dust storms and also two volcanoes they have Es Safa and another unnamed. But many current issues are deforestation, desertification, water pollution either by petroleum or waste and no potable water. These issues are bad news for all those 22,517,750 people that live in Syria, also known as Syrians.
     Syrians have a life expectancy of 75 years; In women it's 77 yrs. and in men it's 72 yrs. They have a birth rate of 24 births which equals 1,000 of the population and a death rate of four deaths equaling the same amount of population as the birth rate. Syrians has many ethnic groups and just to name a few some are Arab, Kurds, Armenians, and many more. And many religion also including Sunni Muslim, Muslim, Christian, and Jewish. Around Syria you might hear spoken languages like Arabic, Kurdish, Aramaic, Circassia, English and French. In Syria they have a school life expectancy of 11 yrs, which gives an education of 5% and a literacy meaning 15 yrs. old and older are able to read.
     Other issues are based on government and how the economy affects Syrians and those around. Syria is pretty modern in technology including three types of different connections like telephone system, broadcast media and Internet (websites code ends in ".sy" instead of ".com"). Syrians also make their money working in industries like Petroleum, Textiles, Food Processing, Beverage, Cement, Oil, etc. But even with all these industries many are poor . and the percentage of people below that line is 11.9% (2006). Also these industries cause debt. And did you know that in Syria they have a debt of $7.682 billion. Syria has an unemployment rate of 8.3% in 2010 compared to 9% in 2009.
     Syria got their independence from the French on April 17, 1946. This cause a government to form which was the republic under an authoritarian regime. Syria has a political state of being Republic and voting. Syria also follows a legal system which is basically a combination of French and Ottoman civil law. Syrians have a voting right starting at 18 yrs. of age. Syria also has a military system. And includes through the ages of 16-49, you have to be 18 to do service but men are obligated for 21 months and women may volunteer. And another issue is transnational; which includes disputes internationally, refugees, trafficking and illicit drugs.
     This is just an overview of many of the problems Syrians and the country Syria face. Later you will learn in detail about these issues. And understand why Syria needs help.
     For more information about Syria and the problems it faces go to this link: CIA World Factbook and select Syria.