The Syrian Civil war began in the spring of 2011 after nationwide protests against the government of President Bashar al-Assad resulted in armed conflict. After rebels seized control of several major cities, ISIS forces moved in and took over control of many regions of northern Syria. The government of Assad responded by carrying out airstrikes resulting in over 70,000 civilian deaths. Proponents of overthrowing Assad argue that he is a brutal dictator who must be removed from power before he carries out any more atrocities on innocent Syrian civilians. Opponents of regime change, including President Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel, argue that removing Assad will result in a power vacuum that will destabilize the Middle East.
34% Yes |
66% No |
19% Yes |
57% No |
8% Yes, but only if we join an international coalition |
9% No, this would allow ISIS to control Syria |
6% Yes, but we should defeat ISIS first |
0% No, and we should avoid foreign conflicts that are not an immediate threat to our security |
1% Yes, Assad is a brutal dictator and must be removed from power |
0% No, Assad is their elected leader and we have no right to overthrow the leaders of sovereign nations |
See how support for each position on “Overthrow of Assad” has changed over time for 1.6m America voters.
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See how importance of “Overthrow of Assad” has changed over time for 1.6m America voters.
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Unique answers from America users whose views extended beyond the provided choices.
@3NMD7FB3yrs3Y
The unrest in the Middle East is caused by a lack of power. You can overthrow this dictator, but must maintain a presence to keep power and keep ISIS away.
@3NLJZVB3yrs3Y
No, but if a bomb aimed at ISIS accidentally killed him, well, oops.
@3NLJV2N3yrs3Y
I don't think we can separate Assad and ISIS. First we must defeat ISIS and then negotiate with the Russians on the best way to remove Assad.
@3NMYZT73yrs3Y
No, but we should work toward a diplomatic solution that would lead to his departure.
@3NMRZFR3yrs3Y
No, it's none of our business and we really need to cut our military spending.
@3NMRLBG3yrs3Y
No, Assad is a brutal dictator but can only be removed by a diplomatic process and elections by the Syrian people.
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@ISIDEWITH1yr1Y
Active 6 days agoCountries that have mandatory retirements for politicians include Argentina (age 75), Brazil (75 for judges and prosecutors), Mexico (70 for judges and prosecutors) and Singapore (75 for members of parliament.)
