The Arab Baath Movement and The Rise of the Baath Party...

Contrary to popular beliefs, civil activism and civil society has managed to thrive in the Middle East. Social movements on a variety of topics have occurred despite the lack of democracy and democratic institutions in certain countries. One popular movement was the Arab Ba’ath Movement which eventually led to the formation of the Baath Party. By analyzing the movement’s history, ideological stance, goals, the actors, dissenters, and international aspect, one can determine how and why the movement flourished in Syria. Syria was granted de jure independence from the French in 1941. However, the country was not truly independent until 1946. For the next twenty-five years, the country would be launched into extreme political instability and†¦show more content†¦They were attracted to the idea of equality on the basis of being an Arab and the promise of social reform, something that was desperately needed in the countryside. Additionally, the nationalist ideals the Baath promoted would neither exclude nor destroy the middle class and the positions they held (Galvani 4). The Baath also had a base in the military. Therefore, they were able to help members of rural communities join and gain prestige in the military. The Baath Party had two goals: to unite the Middle East into one Arab nation and to create a new set of political elites completely comprised of the rural, lower class to replace the tradition urban elites (Antoun and Quataert 33). They wanted to reverse the effects caused by imperialist intervention and the agrarian crisis in the 1950s. Therefore, when they took power, transformation – a reformation from the top down – occurred. The new regime took a more revolutionary turn and incorporated extreme leftist elements such as the idea of a one party system. It also had the state play a major role in national development, social welfare services, labor rights, regulation of private business in the national interest, and agrarian reform (Hinnebusch 680). What made the Baath Movement so successful was its ability to bring together various classes of society that divided Syria. It did this by promoting movements that were alignedShow MoreRelatedThe Is A Humanitarian Catastrophe1276 Words   |  6 PagesSyria Aleppo is a humanitarian catastrophe. Frequent air and chemical attacks leaves the average Syrian civilian in fear for their lives on a daily basis. With the Western half controlled by the Bashar al-Assad government and the Eastern half in controlled by anti-government rebels bloodshed always lingers. For years, power has shifted between the two sides with many outside forces joining, tipping the power balances. With no end in sight, massive loss of life is becoming a universal issue. InspiredRead MoreThe Conflict Of The Middle East1237 Words   |  5 Pagesparts in history occurred, whether it be different treaties or the fight for a Jewish State. The first main occurrence all started with Zionism, which was essentially was begining of the dispute over Israel. Zionism was a nationalist and political movement of the Jewish culture that supported the reestablishment of the Jewish Peoples original land in Israel. Due to the fact that a Jewish land was wanted and in need, an event occurred were The Balfour Declaration was created in 1917 when Secretary Arthur