Syria is a country that has long been under a dictorial reign of President Bashar Al-Hasaad, and before him, his father Hafez Al-Hasaad since 1970. Syria is not an electoral democracy. Under the 1973 constitution, the president is nominated by the ruling Baath Party and approved by popular referendum for seven-year terms. In practice, these referendums are orchestrated by the regime, as are elections for the 250-seat, unicameral People’s Council, whose members serve four-year terms and hold little independent legislative power (freedomhouse). Almost all power rests in the executive branch. According to freedomhouse.org, Syria rated 7 on a scale of freedom in political rights (7 being the least free) and 6 in the category of civil liberties (once again 7 being the least free). This has not changed in decades.

Freedom of expression is heavily restricted in Syria. Many journalists, writers, and intellectuals have been arrested for writing even vaguely worded articles that may tarnish the image of the state, or tamper with the “goals of the revolution”. The 2001 press law permits the authorities to arbitrarily deny or revoke publishing licenses and compels private print outlets to submit all material to government censors. Just last June, a group of bloggers were arrested for writing a “controversial” piece on a popular independent site for Syrian news and analysis. Syrians can only access the internet through state run servers, which block over 160 different sites associated with the opposition. Social networking sites, such as Facebook and you-tube, are also blocked.

Academic freedom and freedom of assembly are very heavily restricted in Syria. Several private universities have recently been founded, and there is a very low extent of academic freedom. University professors have been dismissed or imprisoned for expressing dissent. Public demonstrations are illegal, unless the government has given consent. Consent is usually only given to progovernment groups. The security department of Syria has intensified in 2006 by restricting any group of five or more people to publicly speak about political or economic topics. This rule has been enforced by intense surveillance. This intense activity by intelligence services in Syria has ensured that a culture of self-censorship and fear prevails, and ordinary Syrians are unwilling to discuss politics under most circumstances.

In general, Syria is a country in need of freedom, and of the political and civil rights that we as French and American citizens have taken for granted. I think that there is going to be a huge outcry of Syrian citizens, such as what we have seen in Egypt, very soon.

"Syria." Freedom House . Freedom House, 13/01/2011.

Web. 21 Feb 2011.

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