Author: Yeddu Meghana, Osmania University
One of the bloodiest and longest wars of the modern era, the Syrian Civil War started in 2011 during the Arab Spring and continues to this day in 2024. Beginning with calls for political change and an end to authoritarianism, the conflict developed into a complex crisis with local, regional, and international players.
The main causes of the current conflict is that the Assad regime’s refusal to hand up power or implement real reforms sparked a popular revolt and armed rebellion. Alawites, Kurds, Sunni Arabs, and other ethnic groups’ divisions also fuelled local conflicts that were later influenced by other forces. The struggle was also made more intense and extended by the conflicting interests of regional states (like Iran and Turkey) and global powers (like the United States and Russia). The infrastructure, economy, and basic services of Syria were severely damaged by years of war, leaving a large portion of the populace destitute and displaced.
The Syrian crisis started in 2011, and its underlying causes are still very complicated and multidimensional, and they will continue to have an impact on its current difficulties in 2024. An outline of the causes of the crisis and its contributing elements is The Assad family’s decades of autocratic leadership, which began with Hafez al-Assad in 1971 and continued with his son Bashar al-Assad in 2000, bred enormous discontent. Public annoyance was heightened by the policies that favoured a select few and the corruption that made socioeconomic disparities worse. Due to the devastating effects of one of Syria’s worst droughts, hundreds of thousands of rural families were forced to relocate to cities. As a result, unemployment and poverty increased, fuelling instability.
While urban elites benefited from neoliberal reforms like economic liberalisation measures like reducing subsidies, the poor in rural areas were disproportionately affected. Additionally, the 2010–2011 Arab Spring Syrians demanded political reforms, freedom, and economic fairness in response to the wave of pro-democracy uprisings that swept the Arab world. Tensions in Syria increased after the regime’s harsh response on the initial, peaceful rallies.
The tiny Alawite sect, which controlled the Assad regime, was increasingly resented by Sunni-majority regions. As the battle progressed, sectarian tensions were taken advantage of and made worse. Political and cultural marginalisation was another long-standing concern of ethnic minorities, such as the Kurds.
The escalation of the conflict, such as a result of the regime’s harsh response to demonstrations, which included using live bullets, armed resistance groups were established. After a while, these groups broke up and were penetrated by radical elements. Additionally, there is regional and international involvement, such as in the dynamics of the proxy war, where opposition organisations were funded by Gulf states such as Saudi Arabia and Qatar and Turkey, while regional powers like Iran and Hezbollah supported the Assad regime. The United States led the fight against ISIS and gave aid to some opposition forces, while Russia militarily entered in 2015 to back Assad as part of the Global Powers. Additionally, the battle became even more complex with the rise of extremist organisations like al-Nusra Front and ISIS.
Millions of Syrians live in appalling conditions or as refugees, and more than half of the country’s population is still displaced. The Geneva process and the Astana talks are two examples of peace negotiations that have not resulted in a permanent agreement. The Syrian economy is in ruins as a result of economic collapse brought on by sanctions, war damage, and continuous instability. Progress is nevertheless hampered by conflicting interests among foreign entities, such as Turkey’s worries about Kurdish autonomy.
As of December 2024, the situation in Syria is still grave and complicated, with several continuing crises, 85% of Syrians, or more than 15.3 million people, are in need of humanitarian aid. There are about 6.5 million children and 7.25 million internally displaced people. It is the greatest refugee crisis in the world, with over 6 million Syrians having fled the nation. With 80% of the people living in poverty and inflation rates up to 90%, economic misery is still present. Basic necessities including food, water, and medical care are difficult for many families to afford. In terms of conflict and security, violence persists, especially in the northwest and north. The already precarious humanitarian situation has been made worse by recent escalations that have targeted civilian infrastructure. The instability is exacerbated by the existence of numerous armed groups and foreign players.
International Engagement like as Russia and Iran still support forces that support the regime, but rebels have acquired help from Turkey and other allies. The recent setbacks, however, point to the Assad regime’s foreign aid program becoming less effective. With thousands of people displaced and civilians killed by airstrikes in northwest Syria, the current humanitarian crisis has been made worse by the return of hostilities. The resurgent fighting is still seriously impeding relief efforts.
Government of Syria, the government, led by President Bashar al-Assad and backed by Russia and Iran, is in charge of the majority of the nation, including Aleppo and Damascus. Once united against Assad, the opposition forces are now fragmented rebel organisations that are split between moderate factions and extremist groups like Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS). Supported by the United States, the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) concentrate on fighting ISIS remnants and protecting regions with a Kurdish majority. Russia and other foreign powers help Assad keep its access to naval bases in Tartus and its strategic presence in the Middle East. Additionally, Iran supports the Syrian regime militarily and economically in an effort to increase its power in the area.
Turkey allegedly fights Kurdish forces it considers a threat by conducting military operations in northern Syria. United States maintains a limited presence to support the SDF and counter ISIS resurgence.
he majority of the combat in 2024 will take place in northern Syria, specifically in Idlib and along the Turkish border. Instead of a united front against Assad, the conflict has become more localised, with conflicts over resources and territory. In the face of growing inflation and economic collapse, displaced populations receive little relief, making the humanitarian disaster worse.
Significant events have caused the Syrian Civil War to drastically re-intensify, changing the nature of the conflict: the Rebel Advances, In November, the Syrian National Army, which is supported by Turkey, and Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) launched a significant offensive as part of a coalition of opposition groups. The insurgent campaign is the largest since the ceasefire in 2020. The opposition has taken control of important cities like Aleppo, Hama, and Homs, and on December 8, the capital, Damascus, was taken, bringing an end to President Bashar al-Assad’s 13-year rule. Collapse of the Government by Disarray and extensive retreat resulted from the rebels’ quick advances, which revealed serious flaws in Assad’s army. With the collapse of the Assad family’s five-decade rule, this has been called a crucial turning moment.
Conclusion: With continuous conflicts and possible changes in the balance of power as several factions fight for dominance in the wake of Assad’s overthrow, the situation is still unstable. But now that the opposition has taken control of the major cities, there is a hope! A hope for the new chapter of happiness in its own story, a hope for the betterment of their lives for good, a hope of seeing a new beginning in their lives, a hope of new dawn in their freezing life, a hope for getting back to their home, a hope for their children’s tomorrow, a hope for the new normalcy. A Government might be formed but change only begins when its people work towards it and shape their future. It might seem as a bed of roses to the spectators to handle a new regime but there are thorns hidden underneath, they need to deal with it cautiously.
FAQS
*Why is YouTube banned in Syria?
In multiple instances YouTube access was blocked in Syria by the Syrian government and blackouts caused by the Syrian civil war. YouTube has been blocked since August 2007 after videos were circulated denouncing the crackdown on the Kurd minority.
*How did Assad family come to power?
The Assad family ruled Syria from 1971, when Hafez al-Assad became president under the Ba’ath Party, until Bashar al-Assad was ousted on December 8, 2024. Bashar succeeded his father after Hafez’s death in 2000.
