The many conflicts in Syria

The many conflicts in Syria

Introduction:

• The Syrian crisis is escalating with the regime beginning a new phase of the war in Idlib province.

Syrian crisis escalating further:

• The new phase of the war is controlled by rebels and al-Qaeda-linked jihadists; Turkey sending troops across the border to fight the Kurdish rebels; and the U.S. seemingly determined to stay in Syria for a longer term.
• Like the first phase of the civil war, this phase is also multidirectional.

Multidirectional phase:

• The regime, backed by Iran and Russia, is fighting against the rebels and jihadists in Idlib, Eastern Ghouta, and some southern enclaves.
• Turkish proxies, backed by the air force, are attacking Kurdish militias in Afrin, a border town.
• The U.S. continues to support the Kurdish militias in several other towns in the border region.
• Turkish and Israeli jets are now carrying out airstrikes in Syria.
• With more powers in the war, finding a solution is becoming more complicated.