I would like to try and turn this country around, if I may?
Syrian Republic
Basic information (official name, language(s), capital city, demonym(s)): - Official State Name: Syrian Republic (Al-Jumhūriyyah Al-Sūriyyah)
- Official State Language: Arabic • French • Kurdish • Armenian • Syriac • Turkish
- State Capital: Damascus
- Demonym: Syrian(s)
- Population: 4.3 Million
History: Syrian independence was acquired in 1946. Although rapid economic development followed the declaration of independence, Syrian politics from independence through the late 1960s was marked by upheaval. The early years of independence were marked by political instability.
In 1948, Syria was involved in the Arab-Israeli War with the newly created State of Israel. The Syrian army was pressed out of the Israeli areas, but fortified their strongholds on the Golan and managed to keep their old borders and occupy some additional territory. In July 1949, Syria was the last Arab country to sign an armistice agreement with Israel.
In 1949, Syria's national government was overthrown by a military coup d'état led by Hussni al-Zaimy thus ending democratic rule in a coup likely sponsored by the United States CIA, with the help of agents Miles Copeland and Stephen Meade.
Later that year Zaim was overthrown by his colleague Sami al-Hinnawi. A few months later, Hinnawi was overthrown by Colonel Adib al-Shishakli. The latter undermined civilian rule and led to Shishakli's complete seizure of power in 1951.
Politics and Government: President Adib al-Shishakli, Military Dictatorship
Military: Syria’s army is rather large (around 250,000 active personnel), given its population but resulting from Shishakli’s militaristic government. It relies heavily on last-generation Western weaponry, and has close links to the USA’s CIA. However, with the fallout with Israel, and the USA’s near-constant involvement with Syrian politics, it is likely that this will change.
Geography: Syria lies between latitudes 32° and 38° N, and longitudes 35° and 43° E. It consists mostly of arid plateau, although the northwest part of the country bordering the Mediterranean is fairly green. The Northeast of the country "Al Jazira" and the South "Hawran" are important agricultural areas. The Euphrates, Syria's most important river, crosses the country in the east. It is considered to be one of the fifteen states that comprise the so-called "Cradle of civilization".
The climate in Syria is dry and hot, and winters are mild. Because of the country's elevation, snowfall does occasionally occur during winter
Economy: Syria has a meagre offering to the world beyond, having not yet consolidated its wealth of oil located in the north east. For the time being, and at the start of this RP, exports like cotton, fruits and grain are the mainstay of Syria’s exports.
Culture: Syria is a traditional society with a long cultural history. Importance is placed on family, religion, education, self-discipline and respect. The Syrians' taste for the traditional arts is expressed in dances such as the al-Samah, the Dabkeh in all their variations, and the sword dance. Marriage ceremonies and the birth of children are occasions for the lively demonstration of folk customs.
Religious Groups (Taken from recent times): Sunni Arabs account for 59–60% of the population, most Kurds (9%) and Turkomen (3%) are Sunni, while 13% are Shia (Alawite, Twelvers, and Ismailis combined), 10% Christian (the majority Antiochian Orthodox, the rest including Greek Catholic, Assyrian Church of the East, Armenian Orthodox, Protestants and other denominations), and 3% Druze. Druze number around 500,000, and concentrate mainly in the southern area of Jabal al-Druze.
Infrastructure , science and development: Up until now, Syria has been largely dependent on the West for weapons and munitions, medical advancements and everything else. However, with the Middle East fallout resulting from the establishment of Israel, it is possible the Syrian Republic will look to the USSR for future investment – or perhaps, the country will attempt to walk its own road of home-grown progress. At the start of this RP, however, the Syrian Republic is rather backward and any attempt to modernise it outside of military related topics will be slow.
