Who are all the players and their interest in Syrian war

Introduction

The Syrian civil war involves multiple players with diverse interests, both domestic and international. Here’s an overview of the key actors and their motivations:

Syrian Government Forces

Bashar al-Assad’s Regime

Interest: Maintain power and control over Syria

Backed by: Russia and Iran

Controls

Major urban centers, including Damascus, and parts of central, southern, and eastern Syria

Opposition Groups

Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS)

Former al-Qaida affiliate, now rebranded

Interest: Overthrow Assad, govern northwestern Syria

Controls: Large portions of northwestern Syria, including parts of Aleppo

Turkish-backed Syrian National Army

Interest: Counter Kurdish forces, oppose Assad

Supported by: Turkey

Active in: Northern Syria

International Players

Russia

Interest: Maintain strategic presence in Middle East, support Assad

Actions: Provides air support, operates from naval and air bases in Syria

Iran

Interest: Extend regional influence, support Assad

Actions: Provides military advisors and proxy fighters

Turkey

Interest: Counter Kurdish autonomy, influence northern Syria

Actions: Controls portions of northern Syria, supports various rebel groups

United States

Interest: Counter ISIS, support Kurdish allies, limit Iranian influence

Actions: Supports Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), maintains troop presence in eastern Syria

Kurdish-led Forces

Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF)

Interest: Autonomy for Kurdish regions, fight against ISIS

Backed by: United States

Controls: Large areas of eastern Syria

Extremist Groups

Islamic State (ISIS)

Interest: Establish caliphate, oppose all other factions

Status: Largely defeated territorially, but still a threat

Other Notable Actors

Hezbollah

Lebanese militant group backed by Iran

Interest: Support Assad, extend Iranian influence

Iraqi Militias

Pro-Iranian groups

Interest: Support Assad, extend Iranian influence

Conclusion

The conflict is further complicated by the involvement of foreign fighters from various countries and the ongoing regional tensions, such as the Israel-Hamas conflict, which impact the dynamics of the Syrian war