The Syrian civil war, which started in March 2011, is one of the most catastrophic conflicts in the 21st century with hundreds of thousands of casualties and millions of displaced people. In understanding this multi-dimensional crisis, one must dig into the roots of the conflict, how it evolved, and the numerous outside influences that have molded it into what itis today.
Originally, the Syrian civil war began as a popular protest movement based on the principles of the Arab Spring. Citizens with varied backgrounds were marching against President Bashar al-Assad’s dictatorship and the rule of tyranny. People marched for political reforms, free speech, and the eradication of corruption. Government actions of force and brutality toward protesting citizens hardened opposition into armed resistance. Toward the end of 2011, well-organized units like the FSA surfaced to destroy Assad's government.The internal conflict quickly attracted multiple external actors, each with its own motivations and interests.
Iran became a strong supporter of the Assad government, giving military aid and resources. This commitment was based on Iran's desire to maintain influence in the region and to preserve an ally that connects Tehran to Hezbollah in Lebanon. On the other hand, Sunni-majority countries like Saudi Arabia and Turkey started to back the opposition forces, in part, to balance the influence of Iran and to spread Sunni governance.The emergence of extremist groups, with ISIS (Islamic State of Iraq and Syria) being one such example, complicated the course of the conflict. Early stages saw these groups exploit the chaos and lack of hope among some sections of the opposition, taking control of much territory and resources. With the existence of ISIS came not only increased violence within the country but also international interest. The coalition of Western and Arab nations intervened to address ISIS.The United States, early on, favored the moderate opposition forces. Assad was seen as an obstacle to regional stability.
But as time went byand the war saw the rise of extremist forces, America changed its strategy. It no longer remained just about removing Assad but to dismantle ISIS. This strategy culminated in military operations that allowed Kurdish forces, such as the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), to gain significant ground against ISIS—adding another layer of complexity, as Turkey perceives these Kurdish fighters as terrorists linked to the PKK (Kurdistan Workers' Party).Russia's involvement in the conflict in 2015 was a critical turning point, as the Russian government aimed at strengthening its geopolitical position within the Middle East by militarily intervening in support of Assad. Russian airstrike and military supplies have helped the regime regain much of the space lost to rebels and the terrorist groups, thereby helping to reinforce the notion of yet another protracted stalemate that has characterized the conflict.
The Syrian civil war, up to 2023, has been unresolved with continued fighting in areas and humanitarian crises affecting millions of civilians. As estimated, over 12 million Syrians require assistance. Millions more have fled to neighboring countries and even further abroad. Complexity in foreign intervention, allegiances at local levels, and sectarian divisions mean the way to peace is filled with tough challenges.
In conclusion, the Syrian civil war is a multifaceted conflict in which local grievances are inexorably intertwined with global geopolitics. The legacy of foreign intervention and the struggle for power in a fractured society will continue to define Syria's future for years to come, leaving its people to face an uncertain path towards recovery and reconciliation.
