Syria
Constitutional Background
The ICL-Edition of Syria's Constitution only covers the initial 1973 version. We do not yet have information about amendments.
Syria has a Sunni muslim majority.
History and News
- 10 June 2000: Death of Assad; immediate proclamation of his son Bashar as new Baath leader and successor.
- 1982: Hama insurrection of Sunni muslims against the regime of President Assad, who is a member of a small Shia sect; thousands of civilians are dying in the bombardment of the city.
- 1973: Assad initially succeeds in a surprise attack on Israel.
- 1970: Defense Minister Hafez Assad succeeds in a military coup (the 10th during 20 years) and becomes President.
- 1967: Syria loses the Gloan Heights to Israel.
- 1963: Baath party comes to power.
- 1946: Independence from France after British rule, the country becomes a republic and a charter member of the United Nations (UN).
- 1922: League of Nations declares French mandate over Syria.
- 300: Syria becomes a Bycantine province.
- 64 B.C.: Syria becomes a province of the Roman Empire.
- 333 B.C.: Syria becomes part of Alexander the Great's empire.
- 1800 B.C.: Today's north-east city 'Tell Leilan' was established as the capital 'Shubat Enlil' by Assyrian King Shamshi-Adad I.
- 5000 B.C.: First habitations on the territory of today's Syria.