Context : Syria’s civil war, which began during the Arab Spring of 2010, has become one of the longest and most devastating conflicts in modern history. Triggered by protests against President Bashar al-Assad, the war has drawn in numerous regional and global powers, making it a complex, multi-faceted crisis.

Renewed Conflict

The war has gained renewed global attention following a major rebel offensive. Insurgents have seized Aleppo, Syria's largest city, along with several nearby towns and villages, marking the most intense clashes since the 2020 ceasefire. Rebels have also taken full control of Daraa province, their third major conquest after Aleppo and Hama, with plans to advance into Homs and Sweida.

Origins of the War

• Began during the Arab Spring, with protests against Assad's regime.
• Social media platforms, especially Twitter, helped spread pro-democracy movements.
• Global powers like the U.S. and Russia intervened based on strategic interests.

Current Conflict Status

While Assad’s regime controls most of the country, some regions remain contested:

• Rebel-controlled areas in parts of the north and south.
• Kurdish-majority areas in the east.
• Islamic State offshoots in fragmented zones.

The 2020 Ceasefire

A ceasefire in Idlib, brokered by Turkey and Russia, brought temporary calm:

• Turkey supports Syrian rebels and shields Idlib from large-scale attacks.
• Russia backs Assad’s regime, with Syrian and Russian forces targeting rebel areas.

Key Players

1. Syrian Government: Assad, backed by Russia, Iran, and Hezbollah, has regained most lost territory.
2. Rebels: Include groups like Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), which controls Idlib.
3. United States: Focused on combating the Islamic State and supporting Kurdish forces.
4. Turkey: Targets Kurdish-led groups while supporting Syrian rebels.
5. Russia: Assad’s key ally, providing airstrikes and military aid.
6. Iran and Hezbollah: Critical in opposing U.S. influence and Israel.
7. Israel: Focused on weakening Hezbollah and Iranian assets in Syria.
8. Kurdish Forces: The U.S.'s main ally in fighting the Islamic State, but targeted by Turkey.

New Phase of the War

A surprise rebel offensive launched on November 27 has intensified the conflict:

• Rebels captured Aleppo after battles in Idlib, Hama, and surrounding areas.
• Assad’s allies, Iran and Russia, responded with airstrikes on rebel-held zones.

Key Implications

• Rebel resurgence: The offensive is their strongest in years, but Assad’s regime has experience quelling similar efforts.
• Regime vulnerabilities: Assad’s allies, like Iran and Hezbollah, face other crises, and Russia remains focused on Ukraine.
• Regional instability: Violations of the Israel-Lebanon ceasefire highlight persistent tensions.