Fourteen years after the start of protests, Syria’s civil war evolves with new leadership under Ahmad al-Sharaa, following the ousting of Bashar al-Assad. Violence and sectarian tensions continue, amid complex foreign involvement and humanitarian challenges, suggesting a tumultuous path ahead for national unity in Syria.
This year marks the 14th anniversary of the civil unrest in Syria, which escalated into a multifaceted civil war. For the first time, the country faces this anniversary without Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, who was unseated from Damascus three months earlier following a rapid insurgent offensive. The new president is Ahmad al-Sharaa, formerly a figure in the ISIS hierarchy, who seeks to unify a deeply divided nation despite ongoing violence.
Assad’s swift removal highlighted the vulnerabilities within his government, particularly with allies like Iran and Russia preoccupied with conflicts elsewhere. Both nations had played critical roles in propping up his regime, yet their inability to intervene promptly in the recent upheaval allowed for a significant shift in power dynamics. Much of Syria has seemingly preferred Sharaa’s leadership, leading to a temporary decline in loyalty to the Assad regime.
However, the stability brought by Sharaa faces immediate challenges. Reports of attacks from Assad loyalists against Sharaa’s forces suggest a violent backlash, which has claimed numerous lives, primarily among Alawites. This surge in sectarian violence represents Sharaa’s first significant test in maintaining control and promoting a more pluralistic governance structure amidst growing divisions.
International responses to the turmoil have varied. Iran, having lost its key ally in Assad, is witnessing the emergence of new militant groups aligned with its interests. Conversely, Russia continues to maintain its military presence in Syria and is engaged in diplomatic conversations with Sharaa’s government, while also advocating for UN involvement in addressing ongoing violence.
The United States has expressed a complex stance regarding Syria. Although President Trump has expressed reluctance to deepen American involvement, his administration remains engaged, particularly through diplomatic efforts involving the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). A recent agreement between the SDF and the interim government illustrates this delicate balance, but these alliances are complicated by Turkey’s opposition to Kurdish autonomy, making the situation increasingly intricate.
In addition to these tensions, Israel has actively opposed Sharaa’s interim administration, instead working to safeguard the rights of the Druze sect. Amidst Israel’s expanding military operations in Syria, reports of conflicts between Druze communities and interim forces have intensified, complicating the region’s negotiations for stability and power.
Meanwhile, the specter of ISIS looms as a potential beneficiary of the ongoing chaos. While the group suffered significant territorial losses, it has retained an operational presence and conducted attacks across Syria. The instability following Assad’s fall has further empowered ISIS factions, prompting renewed U.S. military operations against them, while Trump seeks broader regional stability amidst other pressing conflicts.
The current state of Syria, fourteen years into conflict, is characterized by a critical power shift as Bashar al-Assad has been ousted and replaced by interim president Ahmad al-Sharaa. Despite initial appearances of unity, sectarian violence persists, fueled by lingering loyalty to Assad and foreign intervention complexities. Both Iran and Russia recalibrate their strategies in light of new leadership, while the U.S. maintains its cautious involvement through diplomacy with Kurdish forces. The threat posed by ISIS remains potent, as instability provides fertile ground for resurgence in violence.
Original Source: www.newsweek.com
