Syria’s 14-year conflict began with peaceful protests in Daraa against Bashar al-Assad’s rule, which were met with a violent crackdown. The unrest escalated into an armed insurgency, with various factions receiving international backing. Key events included battles in Aleppo, chemical attacks in Eastern Ghouta, and the rise of ISIL, which declared a caliphate in 2014. Russia’s intervention in 2015 bolstered Assad’s regime, while Turkiye, the US, and Kurdish forces took opposing actions. The prolonged war displaced millions and entrenched battle lines, ultimately ending in 2023 after a swift rebel offensive from Idlib toppled Assad’s rule. Al Jazeera’s Stephanie Dekker reflects on Syria’s long journey to regime change. Subscribe to our […]