The Syrian Civil War unfolded in 2011 due to protests among citizens of the nation of Syria calling for political reform. The Arab Spring protest movement against the Assad regime started in March 2011, and following the violent suppression of demonstrators in 2011, militias began forming in order to oppose the government. Increasing militaristic tensions finally expanded into a civil war by 2012. This topic will tackle bringing together oppositional factions and appointing a leader, structure, and one shared goal.

Since the beginning of the Arab Spring protests and uprising, the Syrian opposition has been in need of foreign support. This topic focuses on finding support and aid from countries like the neighboring Türkiye, Gulf States, the United States, and European countries. Delegates will have to overcome ideological differences to consider alliances that all opposition parties are in support of. As a result of this war, millions are still being affected, with many displaced and without aid and no basic needs and services being fulfilled. The Syrian opposition has  utilized social media to document and share atrocities, fundraise, and overcome challenges of government censorship to find international support. This topic addresses the need for viable international partnerships and building a Syrian image for foreign support.

Thomas Short, a junior at Maggie Walker, is thrilled to be a co-chair of GSMUN XXVII’s Pokemon Committee. Thomas has been involved in MUN since 8th grade and has been a chair and vice chair previously at GSMUN. Thomas enjoys playing soccer, playing volleyball, and learning about business, finance, and economics. He is the parliamentarian of the school’s FBLA club. Thomas looks forward to meeting all of the delegates at GSMUN this spring! 

Devansh Kumar, a current sophomore at Maggie Walker, is eager to co-chair the JCC: Revolutionaries Committee in his second year of GSMUN and his 5th year of participating in Model UN. He loves discussing various topics, whether in committee or with his friends at lunch. Along with Model UN, Devansh participates in several clubs such as the Red Cross Club and Operation Smile. Otherwise, he often picks up his trumpet to play when he isn’t taking photos and videos around RVA. He can’t wait to meet you all and hear some great discussion!