Description

Copyright infringement not intended

Picture Courtesy: https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/syria-civil-war-rebels-aleppo-russia-iran-middle-east-conflict-rcna182406

Context:

The Syrian Prime Minister confirmed that he would hand over power to rebel forces after President Bashar al-Assad left Syria.

About Syrian Civil War

The Syrian civil war started in 2011, when peaceful protests against President Bashar al-Assad's regime turned violent. The protests were part of the larger Arab Spring movement, which advocated for greater democracy, and the Assad regime responded with a brutal crackdown.

Main Players in the Conflict

President Assad controls most of the country, except for a few regions.

Kurdish-majority areas in eastern Syria are under Kurdish control.

Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS)-led rebel groups control Idlib province.

Extremist factions, including remnants of ISIS, control parts of Syria's southern desert.

External Influence

The United States supported the rebels against the Assad regime because of Assad's pro-Iran and anti-Israel stances.

Russia maintained a strategic interest in Syria, especially in the port city of Latakia, and provided military aid to the Assad regime.

Saudi Arabia and Turkey have supported opposition forces against Assad, complicating the conflict with ideological support.

Iran used Syria as a strategic ally to control the Levant region and strengthen its position against Israel, providing military support to Assad.

Hezbollah supported Assad, extending Iranian influence into Lebanon.

How did the fall of Assad's regime impact the Middle East?

Syrian rebels forced Assad to flee the country, signalling the end of his nearly 14-year rule. This has been followed by significant losses for Iran's regional allies, including Hezbollah leadership in Lebanon and Hamas, reducing Iran influence.

With the decline of Iranian and Russian influence, the US and Israel's interests in the region have grown. The United States may gain influence in the region, while Israel may adjust its military strategy in response to changing dynamics in Syria and the entire region.

What is India's stance on the Syrian crisis?

India has taken a neutral stance in the Syrian conflict, balancing relations with both the US and Russia.

India's strategic interests in the region include trade, energy security, and the welfare of its diaspora.

India did not vote on a UN General Assembly resolution calling for a cease-fire in Syria, and it continues to advocate for regional peace and security.

The Indian embassy in Damascus is still operational and in touch with Indian nationals in the country. It offers assistance to ensure their safety.

Must Read Articles:

REBEL OFFENSIVE IN SYRIA

ISRAEL SYRIA CONFLICT

Source:

Indian Express

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q.Consider the following statements:

1. Syria is part of the Levant region.

2. The Levant is a historical term for countries on the eastern Mediterranean coast.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

A) 1 only

B) 2 only

C) Both 1 and 2

D) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: C

Explanation:

Statement 1 is correct:

The Levant is a historical and geographical subregion that borders the Eastern Mediterranean Sea to the west and core West Asia, also known as the Middle East, to the east.

Statement 2 is correct:

The historical region includes modern-day Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, the Palestinian territories, and the majority of Turkey southwest of the Middle Euphrates.