Table of Contents
Who is allies with Syria?
Syria continues to foster good relations with its traditional allies, Iran and Russia.
Who is the Syrian war being fought between?
The war is currently being fought by several factions, including the Syrian Armed Forces and its domestic and international allies, a loose alliance of mostly Sunni opposition rebel groups (such as the Free Syrian Army), Salafi jihadist groups (including al-Nusra Front and Tahrir al-Sham), the mixed Kurdish-Arab Syrian …
Who is occupying Syria?
The Syrian Independence flag and the Turkish flag; both are widely used in the zone. The Turkish Armed Forces and its ally the Syrian National Army have occupied areas of northern Syria since August 2016, during the Syrian Civil War.
Who is Syrian President Bashar al-Assad?
Assad became President in 2000 after the death of his father Hafez al-Assad, who ruled for 30 years. Following the uprisings against rulers in Tunisia and Egypt during the 2011 Arab Spring, Syrians began to protest their authoritarian regime. Assad and his supporters cracked down on dissent violently and held on to power unlike leaders elsewhere.
Is Assad facing a fight on two fronts?
Assad is facing a fight on two fronts, first with the rebels and secondly with Islamic State who have lost much territory in Syria, including the strategic and historic site of Palmyra. And the messy, long and complicated war isn’t just a case of brave rebels versus an evil dictator either.
How did Bashar al-Assad play the political game?
Hafez al-Assad played the political game by redirecting resistance against Israel which won him support and funding from the Gulf countries. But Dr Shanahan said he felt the winds of change shifting and ended up supporting the west in the Gulf war. Bashar has fallen out of favour with the Saudis and also with Turkey.
How did Hafez al-Assad prepare Bashar al-Assad for taking over?
Soon after the death of Bassel, Hafez al-Assad decided to make Bashar the new heir apparent. Over the next six and a half years, until his death in 2000, Hafez prepared Bashar for taking over power. Preparations for a smooth transition were made on three levels.