1. For SYRIA, give the following information:

1. capital
2. location/the countries that share its borders
3. the religious breakdown of the population
4. the type of government
5. the chief of state (and head of government if different) If monarch or dictator, since what date has he/she ruled? – include name of heir apparent for monarch
6. the population

Find the answers at the CIA World FactBook website. For each country, answers can be found under the “Geography” “People” and “Government” headings.

NOTE: Before answering the following questions, read the info under “Background” below.

2. For SYRIA:
a) list the who, what, where and when of the news item
b) What is the U.S. asking the UN Security Council to do?
c) What is the purpose of the UN Security Council?
d) What did President Trump say about the chemical attack on Syrian civilians?
e) Who did the White House say is behind the attack?
f) How did Russia (one of the 5 permanent UN Security Council members) react to the attack?
g) In April 2017, the Syrian government carried out a chemical weapons attack that killed more than 80 civilians. The Trump administration carried out a missile strike in Syria in response to the attack. At that time, President Trump said, “Tonight, I ordered a targeted military strike on the air base in Syria from where the chemical attack was launched. It is in this vital national security interest of the United States to prevent and deter the spread and use of deadly chemical weapons.”

If the UN refuses to act against Syria, do you think the U.S. should launch a similar targeted military attack? Explain your answer.