Syrian conflict: causes, impacts, and humanitarian dimensions

Syrian Conflict

The Syrian Civil War has produced a profound effect on the world at large, especially on the countries that immediately surround this nation. This martial encounter began in earnest in the early part of the present decade, and currently shows no signs of coming to an end. As such, there are a number of refugees and Syrian citizens who have attempted to flee the ravages of war by migrating to other countries. Such a mass exodus -- which continues to this day -- has not only produced a profound effect on Syria itself, but also on the countries in which refugees have attempted to procure shelter in. There are various aspects of this migration that inherently affects the refugees but also the countries in which they have moved to -- and which produce a ripple effect on the various warring parties within Syria as well. On the whole this situation reveals the fact that there is a definite interdependency between countries within the world today, and that the actions that take place within them certainly reverberate throughout the rest of the world.

As previously denoted, the countries that immediately surround Syria have felt the effects of the civil war and the efforts of refugees to seek shelter more than other countries have. This statement particularly applies to Jordan, which has accommodated approximately half a million refugees since the civil war's inception (Jacobs). One of the primary indicators that the actions in a particular country extend to its surrounding ones is the presence of the United Nations, which has maintained a consistent involvement in this martial conflict, especially as related to its refugees. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees has helped to set up fortifications and to govern areas within countries in which Syrian refugees are currently populated; one of its principle shelters within Jordan is the located outside the a city known as Mafraq. It is important to note that this particular refugee camp is, "now more populated than Mafraq and has spawned a thriving economy and culture. It is nearly its own city, with United Nations and Jordanian officials struggling to keep up with the rapid influx of Syrians fleeing the bloody conflict" (Jacobs).

Since Jordan is one of the principle countries in which there is the greatest amount of Syrian refugees, it is pivotal to understand some of the cultural ramifications of this fact which is indicative of the intricacies of border connections across the globe. From an economic perspective, there are both legal and illicit consequences of the high refugee population within Jordan. Basic resources such as water and electricity have been black- marketed in refugee camps, since their availability is less than the demand. As such, crime in general is fairly high in refugee towns, especially since members of the foreign population have few opportunities to procure work and the other necessities to be contributing members of society. However, there is also a high number of legitimate business that have sprouted up as well, which are responsible for the direct exchange of culture between the two countries as Syrians actively market products and foods that are endemic to them. Yet one of the most tangible markers of intercultural exchange is the fact that many Syrians are trying to ingratiate themselves with their Jordan neighbors by marrying their daughters to them (Jacobs). Doing so not only lessens the cultural and border divide between these two countries, but also is an advantageous move for Syrians to procure Jordanian nationality for their families.

The impact on countries that receive Syrian refugees is fairly eminent in terms of financial repercussions as well. A number of countries in which there are several refugees (including those throughout varying parts of Europe, the Middle East and as distant as South America) have agreed to actually build fortifications to accommodate the influx of refugees. The financial repercussions of doing so are quite significant, and are added to the costs of attempting to provision refugees. There are several countries that have sent millions of dollars of aid to Syrian refugees such as Jordan. Additionally, when considering the financial concerns for assisting Syrian refugees throughout the world, it is necessary to realize that many of the sources of aid are from international bodies with constituents among different countries. The United Nations, of course, is one such body that has not only dedicated human resources in efforts to govern areas highly populated by Syrian refugees, but also other material resources as well. Another international organization with disparate members throughout the world that has produced aid for refugees (and which is highly indicative of the interdependencies of countries across border) is the European Union. The EU, which has members all throughout the European continent, has sent a considerable amount of financial aid to refugees in various countries (EuroMed). It is essential to note that the constituency of this group includes some of the most wealthy (and evidently generous) countries in Europe, as well as the most powerful. Other international entities that have dedicated resources to Syrian refugees include the International Organization for Migration. The fact that conglomerates of countries, and not just separate nations, have made dedicated efforts to provide reliefs to Syrian refugees is a powerful testimony to the fact that the Syrian civil war is a problem which has traversed borders and largely affects the entire world.

The largess extended to Syrian refugees is not limited to financial aid or vital supplies -- although these offerings are exceedingly welcomed by those escaping the civil war and are tangible suggestions of the global connectedness demonstrated by this military affair. But one of the most tangible signs that the civil war has affected the global community as a whole is the fact that many countries have gladly extended their territory to welcome and accommodate Syrian refugees. Whereas a number of them have done so on a temporary basis, which is assumed to last for the duration of the war itself, some have done so on a permanent basis which is highly encouraging and a further testimony to the global interdependency at work within this event. Sweden is one such country that has decided to offer Syrian immigrants the opportunity to have permanent residency in light of the civil war (The Local). Additionally, South American countries such as Brazil and Argentina have allowed Syrian refugees to come into their nations while seeking solace. Brazil has even effected special visas for refugees so that they can legally reside within the country, while in parts of Iraq there are certain territories that aid and training are provided to men so that these territories can become controlled by Syrian refugees (UNHCR).