Syrian Perspectives on the U.S. Intervention Against ISIS: Analysis of YouTube Videos

Author

Nelson Cleveland, University of MississippiFollow

Date of Award

Spring 5-10-2025

Document Type

Undergraduate Thesis

Department

Croft Institute for International Studies

First Advisor

Allen Clark

Second Advisor

Benjamin Jones

Third Advisor

Kenneth Negy

Relational Format

Thesis

Abstract

This thesis investigates Syrian public opinion surrounding the 2014 U.S.-led military intervention against ISIS through critical discourse analysis of Arabic-language YouTube videos. In light of the renewed interest and continued presence of U.S. troops in Syria following the Assad regime’s collapse in 2024, the study examines how Syrians originally responded to the coalition strikes and political context in which they occurred. Drawing on four primary videos including street interviews, protest recordings, and discussions from expert panelists, the analysis uncovers recurring themes of distrust towards the U.S. and other states who engaged in intervention, condemnation of perceived collusion and exploitation, and frustration because of the international community’s failure to act against the Assad regime. The study situates the perspectives presented in the YouTube videos inside of larger discourses of sectarianism, regional politics, and historical memory. The paper finds that some Syrians viewed the intervention as being politically motivated for the interests of the U.S. and other powers coming to take advantage of Syria instead of acting for the betterment of Syrians. Additionally, it is likely that Syrians saw intervention against ISIS as ineffective, viewing the Assad regime as the source, and failing to address the root causes of extremism. This research contributes to scholarship on third-party intervention, media analysis, and the experiences of civilians in civil war by elevating Syrian voices documented through social media.

Recommended Citation

Cleveland, Nelson, "Syrian Perspectives on the U.S. Intervention Against ISIS: Analysis of YouTube Videos" (2025). Honors Theses. 3363.
https://egrove.olemiss.edu/hon_thesis/3363