Syria’s Ongoing Conflict: The Resurgence of Rebel Forces Against Assad’s Regime

The Syrian conflict, reignited by regional instability after the October 7 Hamas attacks, sees a vigorous rebel offensive led by HTS, capturing significant territory from Assad’s regime. Despite recent victories for rebel forces, Assad’s government maintains core support and strategic alliances, complicating the conflict landscape amid urgent calls for political resolution from the international community.

The ongoing conflict in Syria, reignited by regional instability following the Hamas attacks on Israel on October 7, exemplifies how the war remains a significant issue in Middle Eastern geopolitics. Bashar al-Assad’s regime, which survived a decade of civil strife through brutal tactics, now faces a resurgent coalition of rebel groups, notably under the command of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS). The recent offensive by HTS has not only captured key areas like Aleppo but has also underscored the volatile nature of Assad’s control in Syria.

Despite the changing dynamics, Assad’s regime retains a degree of stability, largely due to its relationships with allies such as Russia, Iran, and Hezbollah, even as these partners face their own challenges. The swift maneuvers of rebel forces in northern Syria reveal the fragility of the Assad government, which had previously managed to maintain control over urban centers and essential routes. The complex web of local and international actors further complicates any resolution to the conflict, with HTS attempting to rebrand itself to gain broader support from the Syrian populace.

Further complicating the situation, the international community remains apprehensive about the escalation of violence, urging that neither military actions nor current factions can resolve the deep-rooted issues in Syria. The failure to implement UN Security Council resolution 2254 highlights the persistent political impasse, while over 500,000 casualties underline the brutal reality of Assad’s regime’s unwillingness to relinquish power. Despite the apparent vulnerabilities, many Syrians may still view Assad’s rule as a lesser evil compared to the extremist elements of the rebellion.

The conflict in Syria originated in 2011 amidst the Arab uprisings, as protests against Bashar al-Assad’s regime escalated into a full-blown civil war. Despite numerous interventions by external powers and various internal factions, the regime has remained in power, largely due to its support from allies such as Russia, Iran, and Hezbollah. The recent flare-up is a product of regional tensions following the Hamas attacks, which have shifted the balance and revived hostilities between rebel groups and the Assad regime.

In conclusion, while the recent rebel offensive highlights significant changes in the Syrian conflict landscape, it does not yet signify the end of Bashar al-Assad’s regime. The Assad government continues to rely on military and political alliances to maintain its grip on power, even as challenges mount from various rebel factions. The international community’s call for a comprehensive political solution remains unfulfilled, casting further uncertainty on the future of Syria.

Original Source: www.bbc.co.uk