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.
Response rates from 1.6m America voters.
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 |
Trend of support over time for each answer from 1.6m America voters.
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Trend of how important this issue is for 1.6m America voters.
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Unique answers from America voters whose views went beyond the provided options.
@3NLJZVB4yrs4Y
No, but if a bomb aimed at ISIS accidentally killed him, well, oops.
@3NMD7FB4yrs4Y
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.
@3NMRLBG4yrs4Y
No, Assad is a brutal dictator but can only be removed by a diplomatic process and elections by the Syrian people.
@3NLJV2N4yrs4Y
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.
@3NMYZT74yrs4Y
No, but we should work toward a diplomatic solution that would lead to his departure.
@3NMRZFR4yrs4Y
No, it's none of our business and we really need to cut our military spending.
@3NML9F94yrs4Y
Yes, only with a clear set goal and an understanding that we will not meddle or install puppet governments or takes sides in any elections. The balance has to be worked out without foreign intervention. The balance must be achieved by the Syrian themselves only then will you have stability. We should also remain as a peace keeping force only to maintain an environment for change.
@robertsalmen4yrs4Y
How other nations do/do not rule their own is none of our concern. ISIS is our concern because they are directing attacks on our home soil.
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