The ongoing civil war in Syria, which has resulted in over 300,000 fatalities and forced nearly 6 million people to flee the country since 2011, is having profound implications across the Middle East and beyond. Initially sparked during the Arab Spring in 2011 by pro-democracy protests against authoritarian President Bashar al-Assad, the conflict escalated as Assad’s forces brutally suppressed the opposition, leading to the formation of armed rebel groups.
Supported by various foreign powers, including Turkey, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and the United States, the opposition forces aimed to topple Assad. In response, Assad’s allies Iran and Russia increased their support, with Russian warplanes aiding the Syrian Air Force and Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps assisting on the ground. As extremist groups, notably ISIS, gained prominence within the opposition coalition in 2014, an international coalition focused on eliminating ISIS without directly confronting the Syrian regime.
The conflict saw a significant development in 2020 when Russia and Turkey agreed to a ceasefire in Idlib, the last opposition-held province. Despite this, recent renewed fighting has occurred as rebels formed a new coalition and advanced on Aleppo, claiming control of much of the city. The rebels cited government attacks and actions by pro-Iranian militias as justification for their offensive.
This latest escalation in the conflict highlights the complex and ongoing nature of the Syrian civil war, with various factions and foreign powers involved in a protracted struggle for control.
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