Syria, Arab Spring

This timeline represents the development of the Arab Spring as it pertains to Syria, through a series of news reports, multimedia materials, and academic sources.

2011-03-15 11:42:16

15 March 2011- First Day of Rage

Approximately 200 protesters gather in Damascus to demand reforms in the Syria's first "Day of Rage". The demonstration was organized through Facebook.

2011-03-16 11:42:16

16 March 2011 150 Gather to Demand the Release of Political Prisoners

During 15 March 2011 Day of Rage demonstrations at least 35 individuals were arrested. Today, about 150 people gathered near the interior ministry demanding the release of political prisoners. The interior ministry has denied that the protests have been political in nature.

2011-03-18 11:42:16

18 March 2011 Protesters dead in Deraa after Government cracks down

Protests start in the southern city of Deraa, after three youths were arrested for writing anti-government graffiti on walls. Security force have begun cracking down by controlling flows of people and goods in and out of the city.

2011-03-23 01:03:15

23 March 2011 Violence Resurges in Deraa

Deraa - Security forces have killed six people in front of a mosque during a protest against President Assad. Since the attacks, electricity and telephone services in the city have been cut. Witness claim that at least one of the protesters was shot by a sniper. Thus far, the protesters have been peaceful. Since the beginning of the unrest, President Assad has lifted some restraints on private enterprise but has largely ignored the demands of protesters.

2011-03-24 19:25:45

24 March 2011 Amongst Violence, Assad release statements

Security forces continue to fire on protesters involved in funeral marches. Security forces are armed with water cannons, tear gas, rubber bullets, and live ammunition. The security presence is the highest since the beginning of the demonstrations.

2011-03-25 15:07:00

25 March 2011 Violence Continues as Unrest Spreads

Demonstrations have grown in number all across Syria, including: Homs, Hama, Tel, and Latakia. There were also smaller protests in Damascus and Aleppo. Clashes between anti-regime demonstrators and loyalists were reported in the capital.

2011-03-25 19:25:45

25 March 2011 International Community Responds

The U.S., the UN, and western European countries respond to the violence in Syria as the protests continue. Jay Carney, a White House spokesman stated, "We strongly condemn the Syrian government's attempt to repress and intimidate demonstrators". UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon, in a telephone conversation with President Assad, urged him to use "maximum restraint".

2011-03-26 19:25:45

26 March 2011 Violence spreads to Latkia

New clashes have occurred between protesters and security forces in the port city of Latakia, where at least twelve people have been shot dead and 200 people injured. Protesters still view the concessions made by the regime as illegitimate. Link to Video: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-12873033

2011-03-27 19:25:45

27 March 2011 President Assad does not appear in public as expected

President Assad was meant to address the nation; however, he was no where to been seen. Violence continues in Latakia and Deraa. The city of Latakia has been sealed off by security forces. Confusion amongst the public is continually growing, as the status of the emergency law is questionable.

2011-03-28 18:18:15

28 March 2011 Protesters in Deraa and Latakia continue to take fire

Security forces fired tear gas and pointed machine guns at people gathering around the Omari Mosque. According to AP, security forces were surrounding the city of Deraa Monday evening. Latakia was calm today, but the increased number of security forces is noticeable.

2011-03-28 18:18:15

29 March 2011: Assad Supporters Gather in Damascus and Aleppo

Pro-Assad demonstrators gather in Damascus, Aleppo, Hasaka, Homs, and Hama. The demonstrations were televised by Syrian state television. School children were given the day off and employees were allowed two hours to attend the rally.

2011-03-29 18:18:15

29 March 2011 Assad's cabinet resigns

Prime Minister Muhammad Naji Otari delivered the resignation of the Syrian cabinet to President Bashar al-Assad. The resignation is seen as a largely symbolic gesture. This move was meant to legitimize Assad's rule and placate opposition.

2011-03-30 09:40:45

30 March 2011 President Assad Adresses the Nation

In his first televised address to Parliament since the beginning of the unrest, President Bashar al-Assad blames foreign, most specifically Israel, for the instability in Syria. His speech did not contain any concessions and did not address the 40-year old emergency rule law.

2011-04-01 09:40:45

1 April 2011 Government Crackdown on 'Friday of Martyrs'

Unappeased by President Assad's remarks two days earlier, protesters took to the streets. At least three have been killed and scores have been injured.

2011-04-02 09:40:45

2 April 2011 A New Wave of Arrests Moves Through Syria

Security forces have arrested dozens in Deraa, Douma, and Homs after increased clashes with pro-government supporters. In Douma, despite high tensions, protesters have called for three days of general strike. According to BBC, protesters released from custody have been brutally beaten, humiliated, branded as traitors, and accused of having links with foreign forces.

2011-04-03 10:03:15

3 April 2011 Thousands Gather in the Streets to Bury Friday's Dead

Thousands gather in the capital city of Damascus to bury those killed by government forces on Friday. The regime maintains that the violence in Douma and Deraa is the result of armed thugs.

2011-04-06 07:03:15

6 April 2011 President Assad Attempts to Appease

President Assad attempt to please Sunnis and Kurds by closing the country's only casino and reversing a ban on the niqab, a full Islamic face veil. These concessions are seen as the regime's attempt to weaken the demonstrators and placate religious advocates.

2011-04-08 15:18:15

8 April 2011 At Least 20 Dead as Thousands take to the Streets

Despite heavy government response anti-government demonstrations occur throughout Syria. In Deraa, security forces opened fire into the crowds and ambulances have been prevented from reaching the victims.

2011-04-10 15:18:15

10 April 2011 At Least Three Dead in Increased Violence in Banias

At three people were shot dead and many more wounded as violence erupted in Banias. Reports claim the army, which has already been deployed in Deraa and Latakia, are being deployed to Banias.

2011-04-11 01:25:45

11 April 2011 Students Protests at Damascus University

In a rare display of activism, students at Damascus University rallied in protest of the Assad regime. Reports claim hundreds were arrested.

2011-04-12 01:25:45

12 April 2011 Banias Under Lockdown

The coastal city of Banias is under lock down by security forces, as water, electricity, and essential supplies to the city have been cut.

2011-04-14 00:18:15

14 April 2011 President Assad Forms New Government

President Assad, under the leadership of Prime Minister Adel Safar, appoints a newly formed government.

2011-04-15 16:03:15

15 April 2011 Thousands Gather in Damascus

Protests are held in Deraa, Latakia, Banias, Qamishli, and other cities across the nation. According to reports tens of thousands of citizens have gathered in Damascus to protest the Assad regime. These protest are believed to be the largest since unrest had begun in mid-March.

2011-04-16 12:18:15

16 April 2011 President Assad Lifts Emergency Law

In a televised speech to his new cabinet, President Bashar al-Assad expects to lift the state of emergency law by the end of next week. The removal of the state of emergency has been the largest demand made by anti-government protesters. Despite this, protests and violence continues throughout the nation.

2011-04-17 12:18:15

17 April 2011 Demonstrations Continue Despite Promises

Despite the promised lifting of the 48-year emergency law, protest and violence persists through Syria. In Homs, at least eight protests were shot dead during a funeral for a tribal leader, Abu Moussa's Fawara, who died in custody.

2011-04-18 06:18:15

18 April 2011 Violence Increases in Homs

Protesters gather in Homs to protest the deaths of individuals killed on Sunday. Demonstrators clashed with security forces, and live ammunition was fired into the crowd. The protesters consisted of men, women, and children. Reports claim that by the end of the evening there were roughly 50,000 people in the New Clock Tower Square.

2011-04-19 14:33:15

19 April 2011 President Assad Lifts 48-year Emergency Law

The Assad regime passes the necessary legislation to lift the 48-year emergency rule law. It is unclear how much of a difference the lifting will have on the daily lives of Syrians. Demonstrations have continued through the country.

2011-04-22 12:18:15

22 April 2011 Dozens Dead as Live Rounds Fly

Syrian protests face its deadliest day yet as tens of thousands take to the streets after Friday prayers. Reports claim that at least 72 protesters have been killed, as security forces are firing live rounds and tear gas into the demonstrations.

2011-04-23 16:39:19

23 April 2011 US Condemns Violence

President Obama speaks out against Friday's violence in Syria. He condemned "in the strongest possible terms" the violence used by the Assad regime.

2011-04-23 17:55:45

23 April 2011 Two MP's Resign and 12 Mourners Die

Nasser al-Hariri, a member of Syria' parliament from Deraa, and Khalili al-Rifae, also from Deraa , resigned from parliament after Friday's violence. In a televised resignation Mr. al-Hariri stated "I can't protect my people when they get shot at so I resign from parliament." These are the first resignations of parliamentary members since the beginning of the violence.

2011-04-24 16:03:15

24 April 2011 Arrests and Security Checkpoints

Syrian troops and security forces have set up security check points across the country as the demonstrations and violence escalates. Security forces have also raided and arrested homes of individuals who have participated in the demonstrations.

2011-04-24 16:03:15

1 May 2011 Arrests Continue and Spread

Enter story info here

2011-04-25 20:33:15

25 April 2011 Tanks Roll into Deraa

The Syrian military has launched an offensive against the city of Deraa. While Deraa has been the center of the violence thus far, the military has taken total control over the city by cutting all services, firing indiscriminately, and closing its Jordanian border. This movement by the military appears to be a pre-emptive strike against any opposition, and is different from the tactics taken thus far by the Assad regime.

2011-04-28 08:10:11

28 April 2011 Baath Party Members Resign

Roughly 200 members of the Baath party resigned in protest of the violence against demonstrations.

2011-04-28 08:10:11

28 April 2011 UN Agreement Fails

A draft statement by the UN was rejected by a 15 member security council. The draft was supported by France, Britain, Germany and Portugal; and was rejected by Russia, Lebanon, and India.

2011-04-29 08:10:11

29 April 2011 Demonstrations Grow Amidst Violence

Despite gunfire and arrest, thousands of Syrians take to the streets after Friday prayers. At least 42 individuals were killed. Deaths were reported in Deraa, Latakia, and Homs. New protests were reported in Barzeh, Midan, Bab Srejeh, and Hajr al-Aswad. These new protests were met with some confrontation by security forces.

2011-04-29 08:10:11

29 April 2011 American Sanctions & UN Resolution

The UN Human Rights council approves an investigation into the violence in Syria. The investigation calls for the immediate release of political prisoners and the removal of restrictions on press. Later, the US imposed sanctions on Syria's intelligence agency and relatives of President Assad's

2011-05-03 01:45:31

3 May 2011 Banias Surrounded, Violence Continues

Activist reported that the roads entering into the northern and southern parts of Banias are now blocked by soldiers controlling entry into the city. The government still maintains that the demonstrators are militant criminals not ordinary civilians. The interior ministry said that protesters who have committed "unlawful acts" to give themselves up by 15 May.

2011-05-05 16:03:15

5 May 2011 Lockdown Begins in Saqba

Syrian soldiers conducted arrests in the Damascus suburb of Saqba. Citizens in Saqaba participated in nation-wide demonstrations last Friday. Residents reported that power and communications were cut off before security forces entered the city.

2011-05-06 09:18:15

6 May 2011 EU Sanctions Imposed on Syrian Officials

The EU has agreed to impose travel restrictions and freeze asset of syrian officials directly involved int he violence. The sanctions will be formally announced on Monday. Like the American sanctions, the asset freezes and travel bans will not directly target President Assad.

2011-05-06 09:18:15

6 May 2011 Syrian 'Day of Defiance'

Protest held throughout the nation today are know as a "day of defiance". At least 16 people were killed during the demonstrations.

2011-05-17 09:18:15

17 May 2011 Mass grave found near Deraa

A mass grave containing 13 bodies was found by human rights organizations in Deraa. Over the past eight weeks hundreds of people have gone missing. According to Wissam Tarif of the rights group Insan, "Nobody knows who is behind the grave but the fact that there were people with hands tied behind their back and we have seen an operation across the country by the army...makes us believe the state is behind this." The government claims that the mass grave is completely untrue. In the past week, groups of bodies (ranging from five to 40) have been found in the fields surrounding Deraa. Human rights groups report that approximately 1,000 people have been killed since the beginning of the violence.

2011-05-17 15:18:15

17 May 2011 Al Jazeera Journalist Returned to Qatar After 19 Days imprisonment

Al Jazeera journalist, Dorothy Parvaz, arrived in Syria on April 29 to cover the unfolding events. She was immediately arrested upon arrival, being told that she was an Israeli spy in Syria on behalf of the United States. She was held in a Syrian prison for three days and then transferred to Iran.

2011-05-18 03:18:15

18 May 2011 Assad Admits Mistakes Were Made

In a brief statement made to media sources, President Assad claims that mistakes were made by security forces. He blamed the violence by security officers on inexperience and poor training. Despite this acknowledgment, the Assad regime still holds that the majority of violence is being carried out by "armed criminal gangs".

2011-05-18 15:18:15

18 May 2011 US Sanctions Puts Sanctions On Assad

President Obama signs Executive Order 13573 placing asset freezes and travel sanctions on President Bashar al-Assad. The sanctions on President Assad are largely symbolic, as he has very few assets in the US and is unlikely to travel to the US.

2011-05-20 15:29:30

20 May 2011 At Least 30 Casualties During Nation-Wide Protests

At least 30 people were killed during protest in Homs, Latakia, Harra, and others. The death toll for this Friday's protests is relatively low in comparison to the number of demonstrations held throughout the country. Large demonstrations were held in Homs, Hama, Damascus and it suburbs, Banias, Latakia, and Aleppo.

2011-05-23 13:44:29

23 May 2011 EU Imposes Sanctions on Assad

The EU approved sanctions directly affecting Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. The EU agreement includes travel bans and assets freezes for Mr. Assad and nine other Syrian officials. Violence and protests continued through out the nation this weekend. The Assad regime continues to blame the violence on armed groups backed by foreign powers.

2011-05-27 13:44:29

27 May 2011 At Least Eight Killed in Friday Violence

At least eight were killed during protest on Friday. Deaths occurred in Deal, Zabadani, and Qatana. As a result of the government crackdown, protesters are having to alter their practices and are holding flash demonstrations. week day or night-time protests.

2011-05-31 04:14:30

31 May 2011 "General Amnesty" Granted to Opposition

President Bashar al-Assad grants general amnesty to all opposition movements and parties, including the Muslim brotherhood. Protesters have quickly dismissed the move by the Assad regime. The amnesty could effect the 10,000 individuals who have been arrested since the protest began.

2011-05-31 08:55:45

31 May 2011 Teenage Martyr Becomes Symbol of Uprising

13-year old Hamza al-Khatib took part in the 29 April demonstrations at Saida, outside of Deraa, where he was taken by security forces. His body was returned to his family on 37 May with obvious signs of torture including: bullet wounds, cigarette burns, and emasculation. He has since become a symbol of the revolution and the involvement of children in the revolution.

Syria, Arab Spring

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