At this point, the conflict in Syria has become so convoluted and violent, it is nearly impossible to identify the root of all the violence. In an attempt to educate myself on the history of conflict in Syria, I read through a BBC timeline. From what I can gather, conflict between the government and different ethnic groups in Syria has brewed for decades. Not to mention, the ongoing international conflict with Israel, and perpetual international sanctions against nuclear weapons within the country. The conflict in Syria is disruptive, cruel, and destructive. With no apparent solution in sight, the conflict continues. Alone, conflict and violence are detrimental, but what are the other social impacts?

Within the last six months, nearly one million Syrians have fled the country. Refugees are forced to migrate to neighboring countries such as Lebanon and Jordan. The influx of Syrian refugees is staggering. Now, Jordanian and Lebanese governments and policy makers must figure out how to best cater to these refugees in a sustainable and humane way. With so many displaced, and more Syrians seeking refuge each day, serious issues such as education are called to question. International organizations are working to meet the educational needs of Syrians both in the country and those who have already fled, however their needs will be almost impossible to meet, “The U.N. Syria Regional Response Plan 4 anticipated and planned for coverage for up to 1.1 million refugees through the end of June, but this estimate has been surpassed and is projected to swell to 3.45 million by the end of the year.” Prior to the most recent outbreak of conflict in Syria, over “93 percent of children were enrolled in primary school and 67 percent in secondary school.” Now nearly 90 percent of Syrian children and youth have no means, no infrastructure, and no compelling motivation to go to school.

The international community is faced with a huge monetary burden to try and support Syrian refugees in countries like Lebanon. Brookings own colleague Kevin Watkins estimated that the international community would need to contribute $500 million to support displaced Syrians. Education is a crucial provision, even during times of war. Syrian society is already facing extreme social ramifications. The consequences of failing to educate the Syrian population will only lead to more degradation in the future. In addition, educational issues become exacerbated in times of conflict, and it is important when consulting and deliberating solutions that the international communities keep certain things in mind.

For example, unemployment in the Middle East is already extremely high. Syrians, now faced with conflict, forced to leave their homes, as well as overcome language barriers are even more affected by the pressures of unemployment. Additionally, conflict creates even more gender disparity. Both the discomfort of mixed gender schools and fear of student safety restrict Syrian girls from accessing education. As we learned previously in the term when discussing gender-based educational issues in Afghanistan, providing suitable access and options for female students is a conflict in and of itself. Overall, as more international actors become involved, and the number of Syrian refugees increases, it is crucial that the international community keep in mind the influence of education, despite brewing conflict, and find creative and innovative ways for implementing education access.

Acherman, Xanthe. “Responding to Syria’s Education Crisis: Critical Points for the International Community.” Brookings . 24 10 2013: n. page. Web. 24 Nov. 2013. <http://www.brookings.edu/blogs/education-plus-development/posts/2013/10/24-syria-education-crisis-ackerman?rssid=education plus development>.