A brief guide to who supports who in Syria
In a conflict involving countries far beyond the Syrian borders, we take a look at the nations involved and the sides they are on
Syria's conflict is often called a civil war, but the reality is it spills across the country's borders and involves some of the most powerful countries in the world.
So who is backing President Bashar al-Assad and his government and who believes peace can only be achieved by the removal of his regime?
Supporting the Syrian government
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Russia
That Assad has survived while presiding over six years of civil war in Syria is due in large part, says CNN, to the military, diplomatic and economic support provided by Russia. Syria has for decades been one of Moscow's strongest allies in the Middle East.
Russian President Vladimir Putin's apparently unwavering support for his Syrian counterpart has had the effect of boosting Russia's reputation as an international power and Putin's standing as a leader to be reckoned with.
Iran
The Syrian conflict is, among other things, a proxy war through which the regional Shia-Sunni Muslim rivalry between Iran and Saudi Arabia has been played out. The fact that a high-ranking Iranian politician four years ago referred to Syria as "the 35th province of Iran" reflects its strategic importance for Tehran.
Although it denies the presence of its combat troops in Syria, Iran has provided arms, military advisers and financial support to the Assad regime. Meanwhile, Lebanon's Tehran-backed Hezbollah movement has sent thousands of fighters to Syria.
Opposing the Syrian government
The US
The United States was consistently critical of the behaviour of the Assad regime under Barack Obama but did not take any direct military action. US air strikes in Syria from 2014 were aimed at Islamic State and not the regime.
Days before the Idlib chemical weapon attack, Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said the "longer-term status of President Assad will be decided by the Syrian people" - but Donald Trump's administration may now be reviewing its policy on the country.
Turkey
Turkey is a crucial regional component in the conflict, sharing a long and porous border with Syria through which thousands of fighters and hundreds of thousands of refugees have flowed.
Turkish support for rebel groups fighting in Syria is complicated by the presence of the Kurdish People's Protection Units, the YPG. The Kurds, like Turkey, have been battling IS, but Ankara is worried that Syrian Kurds could establish a contiguous autonomous region along its border, strengthening the position of Kurds inside Turkey itself.
Saudi Arabia
Alongside other Gulf states and Jordan, Saudi Arabia has provided money and weapons to insurgent groups fighting the Syrian regime and Islamic State. The Saudi position, says the BBC, is that Assad cannot be part of a solution to the conflict and must hand over power to a transition administration or be removed by force.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
'It may not be surprising that creative work is used without permission'
Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
By Justin Klawans, The Week US Published
-
5 simple items to help make your airplane seat more comfortable
The Week Recommends Gel cushions and inflatable travel pillows make a world of difference
By Catherine Garcia, The Week US Published
-
How safe are cruise ships in storms?
The Explainer The vessels are always prepared
By Devika Rao, The Week US Published
-
Has the Taliban banned women from speaking?
Today's Big Question 'Rambling' message about 'bizarre' restriction joins series of recent decrees that amount to silencing of Afghanistan's women
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
Cuba's energy crisis
The Explainer Already beset by a host of issues, the island nation is struggling with nationwide blackouts
By Rebekah Evans, The Week UK Published
-
Putin's fixation with shamans
Under the Radar Secretive Russian leader, said to be fascinated with occult and pagan rituals, allegedly asked for blessing over nuclear weapons
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
Chimpanzees are dying of human diseases
Under the radar Great apes are vulnerable to human pathogens thanks to genetic similarity, increased contact and no immunity
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
Deaths of Jesse Baird and Luke Davies hang over Sydney's Mardi Gras
The Explainer Police officer, the former partner of TV presenter victim, charged with two counts of murder after turning himself in
By Austin Chen, The Week UK Published
-
Quiz of The Week: 24 February - 1 March
Puzzles and Quizzes Have you been paying attention to The Week's news?
By Sorcha Bradley, The Week UK Published
-
Will mounting discontent affect Iran election?
Today's Big Question Low turnout is expected in poll seen as crucial test for Tehran's leadership
By Sorcha Bradley, The Week UK Published
-
Sweden clears final NATO hurdle with Hungary vote
Speed Read Hungary's parliament overwhelmingly approved Sweden's accession to NATO
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published