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