Syria’s Multilayered Conflict: A 14-Year Overview and Current Dynamics

Syria’s conflict has entered its 14th year, marked by the ousting of President Bashar al-Assad. Ahmad al-Sharaa has assumed leadership amid sectarian violence and foreign interference. The new interim government faces challenges from Assad loyalists and extremist groups, while Iran and Russia’s roles in the conflict evolve. The Kurdish population and the Druze community further complicate the struggle for unity. As ISIS remains a threat, the international community’s involvement will be crucial moving forward.

The Syrian conflict, which originated fourteen years ago with nationwide protests, continues to evolve. This anniversary is marked by the recent ousting of President Bashar al-Assad from Damascus, replaced by Ahmad al-Sharaa, the current interim president. Sharaa’s previous affiliations with jihadist groups raise concerns as he calls for peace amid ongoing violence and foreign interventions in a country ravaged by civil war.

Assad’s sudden downfall highlighted the vulnerabilities of his government, particularly with support from allies like Iran and Russia strained by other regional conflicts. Both countries’ involvement in earlier phases of the war was critical, yet they were unable to effectively counter the rapid rebel advances now threatening the interim government’s stability. The resistance to Sharaa’s leadership is notable, even in traditionally loyal Alawite regions.

The increasing violence, marked by sectarian clashes leading to numerous civilian casualties, poses significant challenges for Sharaa’s governance and ambitions for a pluralistic Syria. Reports indicate a violent backlash from Assad’s loyalists aiming to destabilize the interim administration, which has drawn international scrutiny and condemnation.

As the situation unfolds, Iran faces diminishing influence over Syria following Assad’s fall, giving rise to new militia factions that echo the strategies used in Lebanon and Iraq. These groups have vowed retribution against the interim government, even as Russia attempts to negotiate its role and address the escalating violence through UN channels.

The Kurdish population in Syria, constituting around 10% of the populace, complicates matters further. The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) continue to be supported by the United States, aiming for integration into the central government while also confronting threats from Turkey, which views the SDF as tied to domestic separatist movements.

In contrast, Israel continues to focus on securing rights for the Druze community while facilitating military actions against remnants of the Assad regime. Recent shifts in Israeli strategy signal a desire to maintain a military presence in southern Syria amid tensions involving Druze militias and the interim government.

Amid these dynamics, ISIS has managed to maintain a foothold in the region even post-defeat, posing an ongoing threat under Sharaa’s leadership. This resurgence, paired with external threats from ISIS affiliates worldwide, presents a significant risk to US objectives in Syria, wherein President Trump expressed a desire for reduced US involvement.

The intertwined conflicts within Syria pose complex challenges for the interim government led by Sharaa, influenced by local and foreign actors, as well as sectarian factions. The future remains uncertain, with questions surrounding governance, sectarian violence, and international alliances continuing to shape the trajectory of Syria’s protracted crisis.

The situation in Syria remains fraught with complexity, stemming from the recent power shift to interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa. The violence and sectarian conflict reveal significant challenges to establishing stability and governance, influenced by the presence of foreign powers and internal factions. As Sharaa grapples with the legacy of Assad and rising extremist threats, the future of Syria and its varied communities hangs in a delicate balance, demanding careful diplomacy and intervention.

Original Source: www.newsweek.com