The Syrian Civil War has been a long and bloody conflict that has entirely transformed the once peaceful nation. Throughout its duration, one notable aspect has been the rise and eventual fall of rebel factions attempting to dethrone the Assad regime. In this article, we will take an in-depth look at the forces behind the uprising, how they managed to gain momentum, and ultimately, the factors that led to their decline.
Syria’s civil war began in 2011 as protests erupted against President Bashar al-Assad’s rule, stemming from the long-standing issues of corruption, political repression, and economic instability. As the protests grew increasingly violent, rebel groups emerged, comprised of both locals and foreign fighters. These rebels included the Free Syrian Army, Jabhat al-Nusra, and later the Islamic State, along with many other smaller groups.
One challenge in chronologically charting the instability is that these groups were constantly forming, merging, and fracturing. The Free Syrian Army was founded in July 2011 and received assistance early on from neighboring nations such as Saudi Arabia and Turkey. Throughout its existence, it sponsored more moderate political opposition, which was essential in gaining the support of various foreign governments.
Towards the end of 2012, Jabhat al-Nusra, a branch of al-Qaeda, started gaining notoriety and rapid growth. The group was renowned for their military prowess and ability to successfully conduct attacks against the Syrian government. By early 2013, they had garnered substantial support from Syrians who were disenchanted with the ineffectiveness of less radical opposition groups.
The Islamic State, originally known as ISIS, emerged in April 2013 and quickly grew into a powerful and brutal force. In June 2014, the group declared the establishment of a caliphate, which incorporated swathes of territory in both Syria and Iraq. Although ISIS severely weakened the rebel factions, their brutal rule and countless atrocities against civilians led to a growing rejection from the local populations.
In 2015, Russia joined the conflict by directly intervening in support of the Assad regime. This military backing significantly altered the balance of power, allowing government forces to gradually reclaim territory. Over time, Russia’s involvement proved crucial in boosting the government’s efficiency and bolstering its troops, turning the tide of the war.
Gradually, the situation on the ground shifted, forcing rebel factions to either negotiate settlements or opt for territorial surrender. As the Syrian regime secured more ground, the autonomy of opposition-held districts dwindled. By the end of 2018, the Syrian government aided by its Russian and Iranian allies managed to retake most rebel bastions.
One of the most decisive events leading to the decline of the rebel forces was the Turkish military operation, dubbed “Operation Olive Branch”, against Kurdish forces in January 2018. This maneuver resulted in a temporary collaboration between Turkey and the Syrian government, which saw the latter retake key territories. Subsequently, the U.S. abandoned their Kurdish allies, marking the downfall of an essential support network for several rebel factions.
Throughout this entire ordeal, external powers played a haywire role in fuelling conflict and backing opposing sides. Proxy wars led to a chaotic battlefield where it became increasingly unclear which groups were backed by whom. This confusion further complicated the situation for the rebel factions, making it difficult for them to consolidate aid and resources.
Finally, the poignant collapse of the rebel forces can be attributed to their inability to establish a unified front. Their constant disunity prevented them from collectively operating in a coordinated manner, which weakened their position when facing the well-organized and supported Syrian government.
The decline of the main rebel factions does not signify the end of the Syrian conflict, but rather a major shift in its dynamics. While the international community grapples with the consequences of this ongoing humanitarian disaster, it is crucial to remember the complex and intricate nature of the forces at play in this protracted war.
