Syria: The Reckoning

Syria: The Reckoning

2013, History  -   23 Comments
7.24
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Ratings: 7.24/10 from 75 users.

Since its independence from France in 1946, Syria has been rocked by periods of political instability.

This documentary tells the story of the past and brings it right up to the present to provide deeper historical context to the events of today as war continues to rage in Syria with the unleashing of many of the forces which had been previously repressed.

As the colonial hold of the great powers began to fade and the region witnessed a wave of Arab nationalism, Syria shifted through a succession of military coups. But in 1970, Hafez al-Assad, an ambitious minister of defense, seized control. Rising from a humble background in western Syria, he was to rule the country for 30 years.

His was an autocratic one-party state in which any dissent was ruthlessly suppressed. Following the death of Hafez in 2000, father was succeeded by son - Bashar al-Assad took the reins and a dynasty was born.

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Sandra
Sandra
6 years ago

Al Jazeera is a credible news agency that makes excellent documentaries. This one was no different. Very informative. Provides context to the current escalation of violence and tension over Syria.

Gary
Gary
6 years ago

Fox News is the best news portal on Arabs history.

John Defalque
John Defalque
8 years ago

In order to combat communism, we have to have an absolute dictatorship.Seeds of the current quagmire.

Naomi
Naomi
8 years ago

Those that are not recommending this film bc of AlJazeera etc...any recommendation on a film?

Angelis Dania
Angelis Dania
9 years ago

Saw the Al Jazeera symbol, and so was forewarned of misrepresentation, fabrication, and the omission of key points.

For anyone interested, Al Jazeera has been exposed not only covering for, but actually cooperating with terrorist activities in Syria since the beginning of the crisis. It's less a news network and more the impotent and frustrated ventings of a pseudo-Arab dictatorship (Qatar) that promotes democracy abroad but never at home.

Sensible
Sensible
10 years ago

Cute how this doco fails to tell us about Syria under Bashar who is a doctor by trade, introduced the internet to Syria, brought in the right to vote in secret, almost paid off all IMF debt, bolstered the economy and introduced free trade with the EU which saw the country grow by over 6%...

ChadUllom
ChadUllom
10 years ago

not available in the U.S.? Why? Well i guess it doesn't matter. The United States is about to play WAR with them very shortly and as always its not going to be pretty.

tom horn
tom horn
10 years ago

If the muslim brotherhood is good so is cancer. Syria is a hell of a mess now not because of the Assads its the radicals. If Assad were so evil why do most Syrians still support him? Its not worth another failed war for the brotherhood.

1concept1
1concept1
10 years ago

Some perceive the manifest world for what it is; Finite and act accordingly? Others kick back in this new moon cradle and watch these f*c*ing idiots beat the sh*t out of each other and all in the name of mental masterbation; A continues reenactment of sociopath cultural implants. While all along the theoretical physicist keep searching for the magic by way of the hammer, mm! Not to worry the Artist has inherited the Earth and is guiding the spirit toward the light, to manifest a brighter day:)

Sertsis
Sertsis
10 years ago

I liked this one too. It provided a little background and context to current events. The reasons for the civil war in Syria are still a little perplexing to me, but sadly, it still seems to be a matter of religious/sectarian zeal, as it always has been,

wald0
wald0
10 years ago

Thanks for posting this, I have been searching for some background on what's going on in Syria. Its hard to have an informed opinion about something when you only know what they (the MS press and U.S. politicians) tell you about it.

Kev Coffey
Kev Coffey
10 years ago

Al Jazeera is controlled by the Qatar state which regards Syria as an enemy.

bumpercrop
bumpercrop
10 years ago

Historical review of events leading to present day war in Syria. 47 minutes

Carl Franklin Hendershot
Carl Franklin Hendershot
10 years ago

Thanks for sharing.

Guest
Guest
10 years ago

Its nice to finally learn something.