What led to Syria being considered a failed state
Several factors have contributed to Syria being considered a failed state:
1. Civil war: The ongoing civil war in Syria, which began in 2011, has resulted in widespread destruction, displacement of millions of people, and loss of life. The conflict has been fueled by various actors, including the Syrian government, rebel groups, ISIS, and external powers such as Russia, Turkey, and Iran.
2. Failed leadership: The Syrian government, under the leadership of President Bashar al-Assad, has been widely criticized for its brutal crackdown on dissent and its failure to address the grievances of the Syrian people. The government's use of chemical weapons and indiscriminate bombing of civilian areas has further destabilized the country.
3. Humanitarian crisis: The civil war has led to a severe humanitarian crisis in Syria, with millions of people in need of urgent assistance. Access to basic services such as healthcare, food, and clean water has been severely limited, leading to widespread suffering and death.
4. Economic collapse: The conflict has devastated Syria's economy, with widespread unemployment, inflation, and poverty. Many businesses have been destroyed, and infrastructure has been damaged, leading to a sharp decline in economic output.
5. Fragmentation of authority: The conflict has led to the fragmentation of authority in Syria, with various armed groups controlling different parts of the country. This has resulted in a lack of central governance and the breakdown of state institutions, further contributing to the chaos and instability.
6. Foreign intervention: The involvement of external powers in the conflict has further complicated the situation in Syria, with different countries backing different factions and pursuing their own interests. This has prolonged the conflict and made it difficult to reach a political resolution.
Overall, the combination of these factors has led to Syria being considered a failed state, where the government has lost control over large parts of the country, basic services are lacking, and the population is suffering immensely.