The Syrian Civil War, reignited by recent rebel advances, continues to draw in an array of international actors, each vying for influence in the region. The US-backed Kurdish-led coalition has clashed with the Syrian army, with airstrikes targeting Iran-backed militias. These developments have opened new fronts for President Bashar al-Assad, as rebels, including Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), captured Aleppo, causing significant shortages and displacing tens of thousands.
The ongoing conflict suggests a complex geopolitical chess game, with Russia, Iran, and Turkey deeply involved. Moscow has bolstered Assad's forces with airstrikes, while Iran has sent military advisors to support counteroffensives against the rebels. Meanwhile, Turkey seeks to leverage its influence over Assad to control Kurdish separatists and maintain its interests in northern Syria. The situation is further complicated by Israel's strikes on Iran-backed forces near Damascus, indicating a broader regional tension.
The European Union is considering establishing a protected zone in Aleppo to allow refugees to return safely, highlighting the humanitarian impact of the conflict. Additionally, the fighting threatens to affect Russia's infrastructure in Syria, which has already begun reallocating military resources to Ukraine.
This conflict also holds global implications, as the United States and Russia clash in the United Nations Security Council over their respective roles and strategies in Syria. The evolving dynamics in Syria not only exacerbate the humanitarian crisis but also present potential shifts in regional power structures, affecting alliances and influencing conflicts beyond the Middle East.
