Final answer:
Many Free Syrian Army soldiers were former farmers. The Syrian revolution was motivated by desires for freedom, democracy, and food, exacerbated by economic struggles and drought. This reflects the complexities of the revolution that involved various social groups, including the middle social hierarchy.
Step-by-step explanation:
In Syria, Thomas Friedman visits some Free Syrian Army soldiers. Many of them are former farmers. When asked how important the drought has been in the Syrian revolution, the commander says "It is a revolution of freedom, and a revolution of hungry people." This statement underscores the multifaceted nature of the conflict, reflecting not only a struggle for democracy but also the impact of economic hardships such as those brought on by the drought, which hit the rural population particularly hard.
The Syrian revolution was driven by various factors. Economic stress compounded by drought and high unemployment, along with a lack of democratic reforms and civil rights, catalyzed the demonstrations and protests. The involvement of individuals from the middle of the social hierarchy, including educated youth and farmers who had higher expectations for their lives, is consistent with the Davies-J curve theory that revolutions are more likely when there is a significant gap between expected and actual need satisfaction.