Who is Syria fighting with? This question has been at the heart of the ongoing conflict in Syria, which has raged on for over a decade. The answer is not straightforward, as Syria’s conflict involves multiple parties with varying goals and motivations. This article aims to shed light on the complex web of alliances and adversaries that have emerged in Syria’s battlefield.
Syria’s conflict began in 2011 as a popular uprising against President Bashar al-Assad’s regime. However, it quickly escalated into a full-blown civil war, involving various factions and external actors. The Assad regime, backed by Russia and Iran, has been fighting against a diverse array of opponents, including rebel groups, jihadists, and Kurdish forces.
One of the most significant allies of the Assad regime is Russia. Since 2015, Russia has played a crucial role in supporting the Syrian government’s military efforts. Russian air strikes, military advisors, and advanced weaponry have been instrumental in bolstering the regime’s position. Additionally, Iran has provided financial, military, and political support to the Assad regime, considering it a key ally in the region.
On the other hand, the Assad regime’s primary adversary is a loose coalition of rebel groups known as the Syrian opposition. This coalition includes various factions, such as the Free Syrian Army (FSA) and various Islamist groups. The opposition seeks to overthrow the Assad regime and establish a more democratic government. Turkey, a NATO member, has also been a significant player in the conflict, supporting some opposition factions and fighting against Kurdish forces, which it considers a terrorist organization.
Another major adversary of the Assad regime is the Islamic State (IS) group. Although the group has lost much of its territory, it continues to pose a threat in scattered pockets across Syria. The Assad regime, Russia, and its allies have been engaged in a relentless campaign to eliminate IS from the region. However, the group has shown remarkable resilience and remains a formidable opponent.
The Kurdish forces, represented by the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), have also emerged as a significant player in the conflict. The SDF has been instrumental in combating IS and has received support from the United States. However, Turkey views the Kurdish forces as a threat due to their links with the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), which has been engaged in a separatist conflict with Turkey for decades.
Additionally, the conflict has seen the involvement of various jihadist groups, such as Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) and Ahrar al-Sham. These groups have fought against the Assad regime and other opposition factions, but their ultimate goals and ideologies vary widely. HTS, for instance, seeks to establish an Islamic state in Syria, while Ahrar al-Sham aims to topple the Assad regime and establish a more moderate Islamic state.
The complexity of Syria’s conflict is further compounded by the involvement of various regional and international actors. The United States, France, and the United Kingdom have provided support to the Syrian opposition and Kurdish forces, while Israel has conducted numerous strikes against Iranian targets in Syria. The Gulf states have also provided financial and military assistance to various factions, further fueling the conflict.
In conclusion, Syria’s conflict is marked by a complex web of alliances and adversaries. The Assad regime, backed by Russia and Iran, is fighting against a diverse array of opponents, including the Syrian opposition, jihadists, and Kurdish forces. The involvement of various regional and international actors has only added to the complexity of the conflict, making it one of the most challenging and protracted conflicts of the 21st century. Understanding the various parties involved is crucial to grasp the full extent of the conflict and the challenges it poses for the future of Syria.
