Shift of power in Syria

0 Comments 140 PDF Preview Add Reading List

Shift of power in Syria

Context: Syrian rebels have taken over the capital, Damascus, effectively ending Bashar al-Assad's rule as president of Syria.

2011: Pro-democracy protests during the Arab Spring lead to violent government repression, sparking civil war. The Free Syrian Army (FSA) is formed, and the U.S. and EU call for Assad's resignation.
2012: The conflict escalates into a multi-faction civil war, with Russia and Iran backing Assad.
2013: Extremist groups, including ISIS, gain territory, raising global concerns.
2014: A U.S.-led coalition forms to combat ISIS, while Kurdish forces, notably the YPG, play a significant role in the fight.
2015: Russia launches military intervention in Syria to support Assad; Iran increases aid.
2016: The Battle for Aleppo ends with Assad regaining control after intense bombardment.
2017: U.S. missile strikes follow a chemical attack. Syrian forces, supported by Russia, reclaim eastern territories, and ISIS is pushed back.
2018-2021: Assad regains most of Syria with Russian and Iranian aid, though parts remain under rebel control.
2024: Rebels take major cities, including Damascus, forcing Assad to flee.

Location: Middle East, west of Asia.
Borders: Turkey (north), Iraq (east), Jordan (south), Israel and Lebanon (southwest), Mediterranean Sea (west).
Significance: Acts as a link between the Levant and the Arab world, historically vital for its cultural, religious, and political importance.

Friendly Relations: Under Assad, Syria maintained good ties with India, supporting India’s stance on Kashmir and rights to the Golan Heights.
Strategic Engagement: India avoided sanctions on Syria and supported its sovereignty at the UN.

Geopolitical Shifts: New leadership may alter Syria’s alliances with Russia, Iran, and Turkey, affecting Middle East stability.
Humanitarian Hope: A new regime could bring changes in human rights policies and initiate reconstruction efforts.
Regional Dynamics:
- Iran: Loss of Syria weakens its supply routes to Hezbollah.
- Israel: While Assad’s fall is welcomed, challenges arise with the rebel group’s extremist affiliations.
- Turkey: Faces uncertainty as Kurdish forces might exploit the power vacuum near its borders.

This transition marks a significant shift in Middle Eastern geopolitics, with both risks and opportunities for regional and global players.