The Syrian civil war is an ongoing conflict that started on March 15th, 2011. The significant belligerents in the conflict are Syria, the Syrian Opposition, and the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria. As 2021 approaches, the war will be entering its 10th year of civil unrest.
The winter and spring of 2011, nicknamed the "Arab Winter" and the "Arab Spring," saw protests erupt across the Middle East, demanding the removal of undemocratic regimes and oppressive governments. On March 15th, 2011, protests took place in cities across Syria after the release of Suhair Atassi, a politician who would later become a key figure in the Syrian opposition. In response, President Bashar al-Assad delivered a national address speaking on how the government has failed to listen to its people. Following his speech, several countries worldwide, including the United States, many in the EU, and the Arab league, isolated and suffocated Syria with heavy embargoes and restrictions.
In the following years, rebels continue to clash with the government. The result, dozens of failed peace plans, ignored ceasefires, an estimated 400,000 lives lost, over 5.4 million refugees, and 6.2 million Syrians displaced internally. In recent years the conflict has shifted from one led by Syrians fighting for change to a series of proxy wars between the United States and Russia and between Iran and Saudi Arabia.
The original goals of the Arab Spring and uprisings in Syria have been lost amongst the chaos created by nations hungry for power and influence. Is the Syrian civil war about creating sustainable change for Syrians? Or is it just another country fallen victim to the West's and ISIS's malicious well-hidden intentions?
Written by Casey Bakarani
Artwork by Izzy Johns
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