Geopolitical Chessboard: Major Foreign Actors in Syria

The Syrian Civil War has evolved into a complex geopolitical chessboard, with numerous regional and international powers intervening, each with distinct interests and objectives. These external interventions have significantly shaped the conflict's trajectory and its protracted nature.

Key International Players

1. Russia

Russia's military intervention in Syria began in September 2015, primarily to support the Assad regime against opposition forces and ISIS. Russia's objectives include preserving its naval base in Tartus, asserting its influence in the Middle East, and countering perceived Western hegemony. Its airpower and military aid have been crucial in turning the tide in favor of the Syrian government (Chatham House, 2020).

2. United States

The U.S. initially focused on supporting moderate opposition groups and later shifted its primary focus to combating ISIS, primarily through supporting the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). The U.S. has maintained a military presence in northeastern Syria to prevent an ISIS resurgence and to secure oil fields, though its long-term strategy in the region remains fluid (Congressional Research Service, 2021).

3. Iran

Iran has been a staunch ally of the Assad regime, providing significant financial, military, and advisory support through its Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and proxy militias like Hezbollah. Iran's goals include maintaining its "Axis of Resistance" against Israel and enhancing its regional influence (Institute for the Study of War, 2019).

4. Turkey

Turkey's involvement in Syria is multifaceted. It has supported various Syrian opposition groups, aimed to prevent the establishment of an autonomous Kurdish region along its border, and countered ISIS. Turkey has launched several military operations into northern Syria, including "Operation Euphrates Shield," "Operation Olive Branch," and "Operation Peace Spring" (Al Jazeera, 2022).

5. Israel

Israel's primary concern in Syria is to prevent Iran and its proxies (especially Hezbollah) from establishing a permanent military presence near its borders and to thwart the transfer of advanced weaponry to Hezbollah. Israel has conducted numerous airstrikes against Iranian targets and Hezbollah assets within Syria (Reuters, 2023).

Conclusion

The intricate web of foreign interventions has transformed the Syrian Civil War into a complex regional and international proxy conflict. The divergent interests of these actors make a comprehensive resolution difficult to achieve. How do these conflicting interests of foreign powers hinder a sustainable peace process in Syria? Ask our AI assistant for deeper insights!

References

• Al Jazeera. (2022). Turkey’s military operations in Syria: A timeline. Retrieved from https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/5/28/turkeys-military-operations-in-syria-a-timeline
• Chatham House. (2020). Russia’s War in Syria: What Next? Retrieved from https://www.chathamhouse.org/2020/09/russias-war-syria-what-next
• Congressional Research Service. (2021). U.S. Policy Toward Syria. Retrieved from https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/IF/IF11059
• Institute for the Study of War. (2019). Iran in Syria: The Escalating Challenge. Retrieved from https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/iran-syria-escalating-challenge
• Reuters. (2023). Israel intensifies strikes in Syria after border clashes. Retrieved from https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/israel-intensifies-strikes-syria-after-border-clashes-2023-11-20/