World
December 2, 2024 15:50
tel aviv - The Syrian civil war has intensified with various groups fighting against each other in Syria. The conflict has escalated with a major rebel offensive, leading to renewed clashes in the country.
The Syrian civil war has reignited with full force, as different factions battle each other in a complex web of conflicts. President Bashar al-Assad, who seemed to have firm control over a significant portion of the country, faced internal unrest and external threats. The conflict has led to mass displacement of Syrians and a wave of refugees to Europe.
With the support of Russia, Iran, and Hezbollah, Assad managed to secure his regime, although it is plagued by corruption and relies heavily on drug trade revenues. The recent rebel offensive, led by HTS in Aleppo and surrounding areas, poses a challenge to Assad's grip on power.
HTS, originating from Al-Qaeda and founded by Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, now operates independently but is still considered a terrorist organization by Western countries. The group exerts control in Idlib and pursues a radical Islamist agenda, including the implementation of Sharia law.
Another player in the conflict is the Syrian National Army (SNA), largely backed by Turkey. The SNA aims to overthrow the Syrian regime but often engages in conflicts with Kurdish forces, particularly the YPG.
The Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), supported by the US, have played a crucial role in combating ISIS but face opposition from Turkey, which views them as terrorists. The Kurds control significant territories in Syria and are preparing for potential escalations in the conflict.
Despite the decline of the ISIS caliphate, the group remains active in Syria, especially in remote areas and along the border with Iraq. Concerns persist about potential power vacuums that could enable ISIS resurgence and the presence of thousands of ISIS supporters in detention camps.
Russia's intervention in support of Assad has been instrumental in maintaining his rule, with Moscow using airstrikes to bolster the regime. However, Russia's focus on Ukraine may limit its ability to aid Assad amid escalating conflicts.
Turkey, motivated by its Kurdish containment policy and refugee management, seeks a significant role in Syria. President Erdogan's attempts to reach a diplomatic settlement with Assad have not yielded progress, and Turkey may be behind recent offensives to extract concessions from Damascus.
Iran considers Syria a vital part of its 'axis of resistance' strategy, supporting Assad to prevent a Sunni majority takeover that could weaken its regional influence. Iranian-backed forces, including Hezbollah, have been deployed in Syria but face challenges from Israel and internal conflicts.
The US presence in eastern Syria aims to counter ISIS and limit Iranian influence. However, the future of American troops in the region remains uncertain amid evolving geopolitical dynamics.
Regional players like Jordan, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia are reevaluating their positions on the Syrian conflict, with some showing willingness to engage with Assad. The shifting alliances and conflicts in Syria continue to pose complex challenges with regional and global implications.