Understanding the Syrian War: A Comprehensive Overview

Beginning in 2011, the Syrian War initially emerged from peaceful protests against President Bashar al-Assad's regime. These protests were part of the wider Arab Spring, but escalated into a multifaceted conflict involving various global powers.

The war evolved beyond a binary conflict, involving ISIS, Kurdish forces, and other rebel groups. It essentially became a proxy war, with Russia and Iran supporting the regime, and the USA and allies backing certain rebel factions.

Syria's war is notorious for the alleged use of chemical weapons by the Assad regime. Despite joining the Chemical Weapons Convention in 2013, there have been numerous reported chemical attacks on civilians since.

The conflict has led to one of the largest refugee crises in history. Over 5.6 million Syrians have fled the country, with 6.7 million displaced internally, profoundly impacting neighboring countries and beyond.

Syria, rich in ancient history, has seen irreversible damage to its cultural heritage. UNESCO World Heritage sites like Palmyra faced destruction, with the loss echoing the profound cultural impact of the war.

The rise of ISIS in Syria attracted an international coalition aimed at its destruction. By March 2019, ISIS had lost its final territory, although cells remain active, posing ongoing challenges.

Beyond human suffering, the war has had environmental consequences. Infrastructure destruction has led to water contamination and agricultural decline, affecting Syria's long-term resilience and food security.