The Syrian Civil War, Part 1: France

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As European Empires extended their reach after gains won in World War I, France and its Empire, extended their reach in Asia and the Middle East, this time, in 1920, France occupied and took control over what today is Syria. This occupation was part of a League of Nations mandate, which would come to last under 1946, when the French Republic would leave Syria and let it have independence. Since those times, relations between France and the Syrian Arab Republic have mostly remained close, and have been of tight political links, strong consultation and cooperation between the two governments, shared history, and sometimes shared values, although policy differences have been marked notably by differences in positions towards Lebanon; Most recently, relations were practically halted (in 2005) when Lebanese Prime Minister Hariri was assassinated and Syria was presumably implicated.

Although relations would later be normalized, since dictator Bashar Al-Assad started shelling his own people and massacring them, the French Republic and all its might and weight in the international arena, have been fighting and pushing for a change in Syria. They have repeatedly called for a democratic and pacifist stepping down of Tyrant Al-Assad, but since the beginning, they have brought military options to the table of the United Nations, with their Ministry of Foreign Affairs and their Mission to the United Nations pushing for a joint resolution where military force would be authorized, in order to assure hostilities are suspended.

French efforts might have been strong, but they haven't been enough to convince the western world to intervene militarily in the Syrian conflict, nevertheless, they have persuaded Washington and London to cooperate more closely with the opposition, and have prompted them to provide intelligence and information to those fighting the grip of Bashar Al-Assad. The French, were also among the first to recognize the Syrian National Council as the legitimate government of the Syrian people, meaning that they have fully officially declared their support towards the revolutionaries and their desires. Allegedly, their foreign policy has also been based around helping train rebel soldiers in neighboring Turkey, with the aid and help of the Saudi Kingdom and Qatar.

Most recently, western governments have been alarmed about the possibility that Chemical Weapons were used by the Assad government to try to shift the balance and retake control, this, would violate the so-called "red-lines" by the governments of the United States, United Kingdom and France. With the latest one having promised a "massive and blistering" response, which could include, but not be limited to, no-fly zones and naval strikes.

What is most important, is the need for France to continue pushing for change, and if necessary, the need for La Republique to intervene militarily and make Assad step down, for they must advocate in favor of human rights, and this would constitute one of the most important steps in the fight towards a greater and fairer society in the middle east. France will continue to be a key player in the Syrian Civil War, and not only because it has historic links, and of course, because of their interests in the middle east, but because their renewed Foreign Policy has been heavily focused on humanitarian missions and liberation from tyranny (most recently applied in Mali). The Fifth Republic must adopt a policy of strengthened positions, with unwavering arguments against the use of chemical weapons, and any methods of torture. As perhaps this, can help France regain its lost confidence in the international arena and recapture all the lost influence, specially in the middle east (They might even appeal to arabs with actions of this type).

It is time for someone to lead, and that someone has already begun doing so, it is now time to get more practical, France is the one to do it.

Vive la liberte, la fraternite, et l'egalite.

Written by Ricardo Madrid

Time to commemorate Britain's Union!

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Many countries, to be realistic, most, have national days, either commemorating their day of independence, or an event of special significance. The rule of adopting a special commemorative day, which is known all around the country, and in most cases, all around the world, has widely been adopted both in the developed and emerging worlds, its exceptions are few and might shock a few, as those countries which don’t have an official national day, are countries with a long history and tradition, The United Kingdom and Denmark are among the most recognized of nations which do not have a national day, although, they do have some special dates and events which are recognized.

In Denmark, it could be said to be the 5^th of June, when the constitution of 1849 was adopted, while in the United Kingdom, it would be very hard to determine, as they have important events such as the birthday of the queen, many commemoration days to different saints, among other famous and acclaimed celebrations; but one of the most underscored, and less celebrated, is probably the one which should be the most important day in the United Kingdom of is the Union Day.

Their union is now 306 years old, meaning they have enjoyed more than 300 years of prosperous cooperation, everyday closer ties, and most important, political union. But to understand why this union is so important, and why its importance can even be compared at a lesser-extent to that of the United States, one must understand how this union benefits all parties involved, and how it must be preserved. This union is made up of 4 different subdivisions, or countries, which are Wales, Northern Ireland, England, and Scotland.

Although one might argue that the union depends solely or majorly on England, as they have the largest population and the largest GDP in the Union, it might as well be argued that it wouldn’t have such high levels of economic productivity and prosperity if it weren’t for the union. England enjoys very large levels of investment from Welsh, Northern Irish, and Scottish companies and people, it also enjoys large concentrations of populations from all those parties, and they do, as well, of Englishmen. If it weren’t for the natural resources which are found all around the British Isles (those which are part of the union), the United Kingdom would not be able to sustain its world position as a global power in production and providing of services, as it wouldn’t have enough to generate what it does. On energy matters, the union depends largely on both foreign oil and Scottish oil, as the northern maritime areas of Great Britain generate many of the country’s oil, and assure the country has large reserves to exploit. Militarily, the union depends mainly on the commitments made by England, and it has since a long time ago, followed English military doctrines, perfecting them with welsh, northern Irish, and Scottish methods. Culturally, the union is represented by its wide cultural diversity, many of which comes from Wales and Northern Ireland, which both host some of the most famous and oldest cities, and which hold some of the few areas where traditional, regional dialects are spoken in the developed world.

All this elements and many more, make the Union more perfect, with each part contributing largely to its success, but most important, specially to the whole world, is not the domestic matters of the highly successful union, but what it means to foreign relations. Since Britain is strong, it is allowed to make high commitments and promises to world peace and stability, it is also given room, to cooperate extensively, as the tranquility and political stability which such union brings, to a geographical region which was once turbulent, assures the North Atlantic is safe, meaning that exports and imports are given free flow and therefore bring economic stability and safety to most countries, which depend on imports and exports. The British union, because of the strength it produces, and the global influence it has, boasts one permanent seat in the Security Council, with Veto powers, which basically means there is one more permanent and veto-armed member which will defend democracy, liberty, and justice, along with the United States and France. This union, also makes the United Kingdom a world center for Banking and Financial services, which provides the west with another corner of economic stability and leadership. Finally, the most important benefit which this union brings to the whole world, is that with all their brains together, they have formed the pillars of western civilization, of the free and democratic order, and have provided Earth with a government willing to cooperate, make peace, but stand up when necessary and defend what is right.

I hereby, today, want to warn the whole world, and specially Britain, that this union is one meant to be kept, those who seek to destroy it and tore it apart, are blinded by false arguments which mislead the public, everyone in the United Kingdom should know, they are better of with the union, and most important, we, the world, are safer because of this anchor and hub of freedom.

Happy Union Day to the United Kingdom! May God give you unlimited years to perfect your union!

God bless the queen!

-Keep Calm and protect the Union-

Written by Ricardo Madrid