Syrian War: Between Justice and Political Reality

The book "Justice in the Syrian War" explores the complex legal and political dimensions of the Syrian conflict,including its historical background,the roles of various actors,and potential post-conflict scenarios. It raises important questions about justice and accountability in a changing political reality.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 335 pages
Publication date: 01 July 2021
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

The unrest in Syria, which began as a civil uprising in March 2011, swiftly escalated into a proxy-led armed conflict involving numerous state-sponsored and non-state actors, including foreign militias and local armed groups. The current state of affairs in Syria and the ambiguity surrounding its future have raised numerous questions for scholars and practitioners of international law and politics regarding justice within the context of a changing political reality in Syria. This book makes a unique contribution to the scholarship on the Syrian war by elevating voices from the Middle East and beyond that are often overlooked in this research context. The volume is organized into three sections: Part I establishes the factual and legal framework for the Syrian conflict; Part II explores the implications of the conflict for the Syrian neighborhood; and Part III examines potential post-conflict scenarios. Together, these sections address the core themes and questions of the conflict.

The Syrian conflict has its roots in the country's long-standing political and social tensions, which were exacerbated by the Arab Spring uprisings in 2011. The uprising initially called for democratic reforms and the end of the Syrian regime's authoritarian rule, but it quickly devolved into a violent civil war. The conflict has been characterized by widespread human rights abuses, including torture, mass killings, and the displacement of millions of people.

One of the key factors contributing to the conflict's escalation was the involvement of foreign militias and local armed groups. These groups were supported by various countries, including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Turkey, with the aim of promoting their respective political interests in the region. The conflict also drew in regional powers such as Russia and Iran, who supported the Syrian regime and its allies.

The conflict has had far-reaching consequences for the Syrian people and the region as a whole. The war has resulted in the deaths of hundreds of thousands of people, the displacement of millions more, and the emergence of refugee crises in neighboring countries. The conflict has also contributed to the destabilization of the region, with the rise countries of Iraq, Lebanon, and Jordan facing significant security challenges.

In response to the crisis, the international community has taken a range of measures, including sanctions, military intervention, and humanitarian aid. However, these efforts have been limited in their effectiveness, and the conflict continues to rage on. The United Nations Security Council has passed several resolutions aimed at ending the conflict and promoting a peaceful resolution, but these resolutions have been largely ignored by the parties involved.

One of the key challenges facing the international community in addressing the Syrian conflict is the complex nature of the conflict. The conflict is characterized by multiple actors, including state-sponsored and non-state actors, and involves a range of complex political, social, and economic factors. This complexity makes it difficult to develop a unified approach to addressing the crisis and promotes the need for a comprehensive and coordinated strategy.

Another challenge is the role of regional powers in the conflict. The involvement of regional powers such as Russia and Iran has complicated the situation and made it difficult to achieve a peaceful resolution. These powers have supported the Syrian regime and its allies, and have hindered efforts to promote a political transition and end the conflict.

In conclusion, the Syrian conflict is a complex and multifaceted crisis that has had far-reaching consequences for the Syrian people and the region as a whole. The conflict has raised numerous questions for scholars and practitioners of international law and politics about justice within the context of a changing political reality in Syria. The book contributes uniquely to the scholarship on the Syrian war by elevating voices from the Middle East and beyond that are often overlooked in this research context. The volume is organized into three sections: Part I establishes the factual and legal framework for the Syrian conflict; Part II explores the implications of the conflict for the Syrian neighborhood; and Part III examines potential post-conflict scenarios. Together, these sections address the core themes and questions of the conflict.

The international community must continue to work together to address the Syrian conflict and promote a peaceful resolution. This requires a comprehensive and coordinated strategy that involves all parties involved and addresses the complex political, social, and economic factors contributing to the crisis. It is also essential to prioritize the protection and human rights of the Syrian people and to hold those responsible for human rights abuses accountable.

Weight: 488g
Dimension: 152 x 228 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781108738095