Why is the Syrian civil war still happening? This question has baffled the international community for over a decade. The conflict, which began in 2011, has evolved into a complex web of interwoven conflicts involving multiple factions, regional powers, and global actors. Despite numerous peace initiatives and ceasefires, the war continues to rage on, claiming countless lives and displacing millions of Syrians. This article aims to delve into the root causes and contributing factors that have kept the Syrian civil war alive and well into the 2020s.
The origins of the Syrian civil war can be traced back to the Arab Spring, a series of uprisings that swept across the Middle East and North Africa in early 2011. Protests in Syria initially started as peaceful demonstrations against President Bashar al-Assad’s regime, which had been in power since 2000. However, the Assad government’s violent crackdown on these protests quickly escalated the situation into a full-blown conflict.
One of the primary reasons why the Syrian civil war persists is the presence of multiple factions with divergent interests. The Assad regime, supported by Russia and Iran, remains a key player in the conflict. The opposition, on the other hand, includes various rebel groups, including the Free Syrian Army, Kurdish forces, and Islamist factions like Hayat Tahrir al-Sham. Additionally, the war has drawn in external powers such as Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United States, each supporting different factions and pursuing their own strategic goals.
Another factor contributing to the protraction of the war is the lack of a unified and coherent international response. The United Nations has been unable to mediate a lasting peace agreement, and the conflicting interests of major powers have only complicated the situation. The international community’s inability to reach a consensus on how to resolve the conflict has allowed the Assad regime and its allies to maintain a foothold in the war-torn country.
Furthermore, the rise of jihadist groups such as the Islamic State (IS) and al-Qaeda’s affiliate, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, has added another layer of complexity to the conflict. These groups have exploited the power vacuum created by the civil war to establish control over territory and recruit fighters. Their presence has not only prolonged the war but also increased the risk of radicalization and the spread of terrorism in the region.
The humanitarian crisis resulting from the conflict has also played a significant role in prolonging the war. The displacement of millions of Syrians, both within the country and as refugees in neighboring countries, has created a fertile ground for the proliferation of violence and instability. The suffering of the Syrian people has further polarized the conflict, making it difficult to find a viable solution.
In conclusion, the Syrian civil war continues to persist due to a combination of internal and external factors. The presence of multiple factions with conflicting interests, the lack of a unified international response, the rise of jihadist groups, and the humanitarian crisis have all contributed to the protraction of the conflict. As long as these factors remain unresolved, the Syrian civil war is likely to continue, with devastating consequences for the Syrian people and the region.
