The Historical Context

During the tumultuous period of the First World War, Great Britain and France forged an alliance against the Ottoman Empire. Their victory led to the enactment of the Sykes-Picot Agreement, which essentially divided the Ottoman Empire's territories between these two colonial powers. Among the regions affected, Syria became a focal point of French colonial ambitions. The French established arbitrary boundaries for their new territories, including Syria, and attempted to impose French culture—specifically Catholicism and the French language—upon the predominantly Sunni Muslim population.

This imposition of foreign cultural elements was part of a broader strategy to control the Sunni majority. However, the French policies of xenophobia and nationalism ultimately failed to create the cohesive society they had envisaged. The Syrian state as we know it today emerged only after British interference led to the expulsion of French control from Syria.

Syrian Identity and Nationalism

With the French army's departure, the territories they once claimed gained autonomy, allowing them to establish themselves as modern nation-states. The nationalistic tendencies of French rule persisted in shaping the sentiments of creating a Syrian state. Given that the majority of the Syrian population were Arabic-speaking Sunni Muslims, the identity of a Syrian became intrinsically linked with the Muslim Arab identity—specifically the Sunni-Muslim identity. This left minority groups vulnerable, as Syrian nationalists viewed them as obstacles to forming a unified state. The identity crisis Syria faced was torn between becoming a religious, theocratic state, supported by the Muslim Brotherhood, or a nationalist state, supported by the Baath party, although these ideas were not necessarily mutually exclusive. This perceived vulnerability in forming a cohesive Syrian state allowed the al-Assad family, part of the Alawite minority, to assume control.

The Al-Assad Regime

The Alawite minority, to which the al-Assad family belongs, allied with the Baath party because the Muslim Brotherhood perceived Alawites as heretics. Hafez al-Assad rose to power in 1970, supported by the secular, nationalist visions of the Baath party. His rise to power angered the Muslim Brotherhood, leading to riots and protests against his regime. Despite the hostility, Hafez al-Assad remained determined and demonstrated his authoritarianism by suppressing dissent. His son, Bashar al-Assad, initially sought reconciliation with the Muslim Brotherhood after his father's death. However, a severe drought beginning in 2006 significantly impacted Syria's agricultural sector, displacing farmers who became "economic" or "climate" refugees in urban areas. This competition for resources and jobs fueled tensions, and al-Assad's crackdown on protests during the Arab Spring only exacerbated the situation, leading to the Syrian civil war.

Syrian Civil War and Refugee Crisis

The Syrian civil war is widely seen as having started with military crackdowns on anti-government protests during the Arab Spring. Fighting concentrated along the eastern border and in major cities like Aleppo, Douma, Homs, and Raqqa. Many Syrians fled the violence, seeking refuge by crossing the Mediterranean into Greece, hoping for safety. The distinction between asylum seekers and refugees becomes crucial here. An asylum seeker is someone seeking international protection whose claim has not been finalized, while a refugee, as defined by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), is someone forced to flee their country due to a well-founded fear of persecution. Understanding these distinctions is vital, given the varied protections and conditions each status entails.

Refugee Resettlement in the United States

Syrian refugees aiming for resettlement in the United States face an extensive screening process that can take upwards of two years. This process involves applying through the UNHCR, which protects and assists refugees. Applicants must prove they are fleeing persecution. If eligible, a refugee may be referred to the United States, where a thorough screening process involving multiple federal agencies takes place. However, despite the rigorous process, the U.S. accepts only a small fraction of refugees. For instance, in 2016, the U.S. resettled nearly 15,500 Syrian refugees, but this number dwindled to 3,024 in 2017 and only 39 in 2018 under the Trump administration.

Resettlement Agencies and Challenges

Once admitted to the U.S., refugees face numerous challenges during resettlement. Nine domestic resettlement agencies, including Church World Services (CWS) in Durham, handle logistics. These agencies provide essential services such as legal assistance, English classes, employment services, and case management. However, the funding they receive from the government only supports refugees for a limited time, often three months. Local grassroots organizations like the Refugee Support Center (RSC) and Refugee Community Partnership (RCP) help fill the gaps left by resettlement agencies, emphasizing empowerment and self-sufficiency.

Community Support and Education

English education services are a priority for these organizations, as language barriers significantly impact refugees' ability to integrate and succeed. Programs like RSC's tutoring service and RCP's Bridge Builders and Youth Education Empowerment initiatives address educational gaps. However, mental health services remain a critical area for improvement, as many Syrian refugees have experienced significant trauma.

Conclusion

The complexities of refugee resettlement involve a multifaceted approach that combines government support with grassroots initiatives. While significant strides have been made in providing foundational services, there is a pressing need to enhance mental health support and refine empowerment strategies to ensure they do not inadvertently promote assimilation. Ultimately, refugee resettlement is about fostering self-sufficiency and belonging, ensuring that refugees can rebuild their lives while retaining their cultural identities. As the global refugee crisis continues, examining and improving resettlement practices remains an ongoing and essential endeavor.

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