Who’s in the Ring- The Global Coalition Standing Up Against Syria’s Conflicts

Who is fighting against Syria? The ongoing conflict in Syria has drawn in a complex array of actors, each with their own motivations and goals. From regional powers to international organizations, the landscape of Syria’s war is multifaceted and ever-evolving. This article aims to explore the various entities that have taken up arms against the Syrian regime and the implications of their involvement.

The conflict in Syria began in 2011 as a popular uprising against President Bashar al-Assad’s regime. Initially, the rebellion was met with a violent crackdown, leading to a full-blown civil war. Since then, a myriad of factions have emerged, each with their own reasons for fighting against Syria. The following are some of the key actors involved in the conflict:

1. Syrian Opposition Forces: These are the groups that initially rose up against the Assad regime. They range from moderate rebels to Islamist factions. The most prominent among them is the Free Syrian Army (FSA), which has received support from various Western countries.

2. Islamic State (IS): Also known as ISIS, this jihadist group declared its caliphate in parts of Syria and Iraq in 2014. IS has been fighting against the Assad regime, as well as other opposition forces, in an attempt to establish its own Islamic state.

3. Kurdish Forces: The Kurdish People’s Protection Units (YPG) and the Kurdish Democratic Union Party (PYD) have been at the forefront of the fight against IS in Syria. They also seek greater autonomy for the Kurdish population in northern Syria.

4. Assad Regime: The Syrian government, led by President Bashar al-Assad, remains the primary target of the conflict. Backed by Russia and Iran, the regime has been fighting to regain control over the entire country.

5. Russia: As a key ally of the Assad regime, Russia has been actively involved in the conflict, providing military support and conducting air strikes against opposition forces and IS.

6. Iran: Iran has also been a strong supporter of the Assad regime, providing military advisors, arms, and financial aid. Tehran’s involvement in Syria is driven by its desire to maintain influence in the region.

7. Turkey: Turkey has been fighting against Kurdish forces, particularly the YPG, which it considers a terrorist organization. Ankara’s involvement in Syria is aimed at preventing the establishment of a Kurdish autonomous region along its border.

8. International Organizations: Various international organizations, such as the United Nations and the Arab League, have been attempting to mediate the conflict and provide humanitarian assistance to the affected populations.

The involvement of these diverse actors has made the conflict in Syria extremely complex. While some seek to remove the Assad regime and establish a democratic Syria, others are motivated by religious, ethnic, or nationalistic interests. The ongoing war has led to a humanitarian crisis, with millions of Syrians displaced both within the country and as refugees in neighboring countries.

In conclusion, the question of who is fighting against Syria is multifaceted, encompassing a range of actors with varying goals and motivations. As the conflict continues, the future of Syria remains uncertain, with the potential for further regional and international repercussions.