I had no idea until today that a 14 year old boy, being jailed and horrifically tortured, for demanding basic human rights for his country, was the spark that lit protests to have him freed. Over time the military started randomly shooting protesters and a full force rebellion began. He has a fascinating story...
The Boy Who Started the Syrian War
"It wasn't, of course, the fault of this 14-year-old boy and his three friends who joined him in this moment of adolescent disobedience - a prank which would have enormous consequences beyond their understanding. But when they were arrested by the police and tortured in a most horrendous way, a line was crossed from which there would be no turning back.
When their parents and families arrived at the police station to plead for their freedom, they were told: "Forget these children. Go home to your wives and make some more. If you can't manage, send us your wives and we'll do it for you."
Anger rose. The fuse had been lit and, when police started randomly killing marchers in the demonstrations that followed, armed resistance became an inevitability."