https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/105325 Thu, 11 Jun 2026 21:23:21 GMT 2026-06-11T21:23:21Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/105339 Title: Conflict and confrontation in Syria : a case study of the six-point peace plan Abstract: Syria is an enchanting settlement embedded in historical connotation and geographical determinism. Its fragrant splendour has lured tribes, warriors and conquerors to a territorial tract that binds far eastern lands with the Mediterranean flow as it stretches out to the Euphrates for its embellished traits. The towns and villages throughout Syria are a composition of diversity and tradition. The Umayyad and the Abbasid as well as the Romans, conquered the land and marked its structure with their thoughts and beliefs. Greater Syria prospered and dealt with its eventful commitment to past legacies with pride and honour. Talented and dedicated, it paved the way for modern aspirations to takeover and imbued a flourishing society with wisdom and finesse. Having gained the right to oversee the realisation of its sovereign power, civilian rule made way for the hierarchical military to assume the reigns of governance with trepidation and hesitation. Political stability and economic prosperity under the dominant rule of Hafez al - Assad brought a sense of relief to a civilisation subdued later to the unceremonious fatality of Hama in 1982. Brutality and vengeance took over the enriched culture now subject to censorship and prohibitions. Demeaning and tenacious, the al-Assad regime ruled unhindered from its opulent palaces which seemed immune from the winds of change that brought down authoritarian direction in North Africa and the Middle East during the Arab Spring. Dara` a, the severe drought and the faulty economic trends instigated popular revolt by non - violent civilians accustomed to the social pact of a quasi - rentier state now turned tyrannical against its own brethren. The Libyan debacle, emanating from the United Nations Security Council resolve to usher in `responsibility to protect’, impeded international protection as alluded to by the Syrian National Council (SNC). A Peace Plan that came along with the unanimous acclamation of the International Community was spearheaded by a former UN Secretary - General determined to convoke a fragmented opposition to liaise with a government whose responsibility to rule took priority over the sufferings and needs of the common people. God, Syria and Bashar was the call of the Syrians who gathered to pay homage to their guardian and protector from a Sunni onslaught. To others the ophthalmologist turned military man was a force to be reckoned with in moments of strife. With a disjointed dissident force and an International Community reeling from the North African disturbance, the Ba`athists prolonged their rule beyond the political expectations over a diverse population decimated through the fatal consequence of an intrastate war that led to social disintegration and gloom. Description: M.A.DIPLOMATIC STUD. Tue, 01 Jan 2019 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/105339 2019-01-01T00:00:00Z