My topic started out as Russian and Chinese relations in Syria, but as I read more I became more interested in what was actually happening in Syria and why. I learned about the opposing perspectives on the conflict, particularly Iran and Russia’s versus the U.S.’s; and then I tried to get a better understanding of those views by learning about the events leading up to the conflict, which sent me to the beginnings of Syria and the Ba’ath movement. This helped me better understand the impact of imperialism, intervention, and globalization on Syria and the Middle East. Ultimately it led me to the belief that foreign meddling in the Middle East and Africa is at the root of many of the conflicts we see in those regions today. Continue reading Entry 10 →