* Unsustainable population growth By 2012 the population of Syria had doubled since 1986, despite massive emigration. A huge chunk of the country was under 30.

* Unsustainable population growth By 2012 the population of Syria had doubled since 1986, despite massive emigration. A huge chunk of the country was under 30. This lead to problems with employment, housing, water, food, etc. Which in tern led to escalating sectarian tensions.