DANISH CARTOON RIOTS (Syria, 2006)
Investigations by the United Nations indicated that Syria apparently had a hand in the assassination of Lebanese president Hariri. International sanctions followed, at which point the Syrian government opted for confrontation. It carried out policies that were intended to stir up anti-Western sentiments among its population. In that light, the Danish cartoon riots just fit the bill, because with them the enemy got a face that was simple to use in reinforcing anti-Western feelings. Although Syria has a tough secret police, demonstrators were able to burn down the Danish embassy unhindered.
