The Facts
Anti-government protests in southern Syria, specifically the predominantly Druze governorate of Sweida, have entered their second week, with demonstrators burning banners of Syrian Pres. Bashar al-Assad and shutting down several offices of the ruling Baath party.
Protests erupted last week in Sweida city in response to the government's decision to cut fuel subsidies, leading to an increase in prices amid already deteriorating living conditions. Protests have spread to other regions of Syria, such as neighboring Daraa.
The Spin
Narrative A
As Syrians from all walks of life continue to demand freedom and dignity, the Assad regime has only become more authoritarian and barbaric, killing hundreds of thousands and destroying its own country just to stay in power. As Syria's financial condition worsens and the state fails to provide basic amenities, such protests will only escalate. Assad's grip on power is hanging by a thread.
Narrative B
It is critical that one focuses on the Iranian element of the protests in southern Syria. Iran, which supports terror groups throughout the Middle East, is one of the leading causes of Syria's instability as it funds gangs and smugglers who traffic illicit narcotics throughout the region, primarily from their bases in the country's south. Iran must be expelled from Syria.
