Syrian Civil War: History, Causes, Impacts & More | UPSC Notes

Syria, the west asian country has been entangled in the Civil War since 2011. This Syrian Civil War has displaced numerous people and has thrown Syria into a deep political chaos. Geographically, Syria is bordered by Turkey, Israel, Iraq, Lebanon, Jordan and Mediterranean Sea on its west. The Syrian civil war is a continuing, multi-faceted conflict in Syria. It is being waged between the Syrian Arab Republic, led by President Bashar al-Assad and supported by both domestic and foreign allies, and a diverse array of domestic and foreign forces. These opposing factions not only resist the Syrian government but also contend with each other in ever-changing alliances.

The Syrian Civil War is an important topic under International Relations as West Asian developments directly affect India’s interests. The Syrian Civil War topic can be asked in General Studies- Paper 2 for UPSC CSE Exam.

About Syria

Syria, officially known as the Syrian Arab Republic, is a country located in the Middle East. It shares borders with Lebanon, Israel, Jordan, Iraq, and Turkey. Syria has a rich history and cultural heritage, with historical sites such as Palmyra and Damascus reflecting its ancient civilization. Prior to the civil war, Syria had a population of around 22 million people and a diverse ethnic and religious makeup, including Arab, Kurdish, and Assyrian communities.

The Present Government in Syria

The present government in Syria is led by President Bashar al-Assad. He assumed office in 2000 after the death of his father, Hafez al-Assad. The government is characterized as an authoritarian regime with a dominant role for the Ba'ath Party. The civil war and its aftermath have significantly impacted the governance structure and territorial control in the country.

The Syrian Civil War

The Syrian Civil War is a complex and protracted armed conflict that began in 2011. It emerged as a result of the Arab Spring protests demanding political reforms and an end to authoritarian rule. The conflict evolved into a multi-sided war involving various factions. This included the Syrian government, rebel groups, extremist organizations, and Kurdish forces. The war has caused immense human suffering, massive displacement, and significant destruction of infrastructure.

History of Syrian Civil War

The conflict has its origin in the regime of 19th Syrian President Bashar Hafez al-Assad. Absence of political freedom, high rates of unemployment, and corruption initiated pro-democracy demonstrations in Deraa City in 2011. There were many instances of uprisings in neighboring countries which inspired these demonstrations. The Syrian government suppressed the movement with brutal force, which initiated protests across the nation demanding the President’s resignation. The agitation against the Government spread, which was followed by intensified stern measures. People reciprocated by taking up arms, and this retaliation escalated the violence, and the country subsided into the Civil War. Multiple rebel groups emerged, and foreign powers got involved in it by supplying man, money, and weapons. The situation became worse with the involvement of extremist organizations like the Islamic State (IS) group and al-Qaeda.

Study in detail the Afghanistan Crisis here!

Causes of Syrian Civil War

The Syrian Civil War has multiple causes. This includes political repression, socioeconomic grievances, and sectarian tensions. The government's harsh response to peaceful protests in 2011 further fueled the conflict. Other factors that contributed to the war include the historical marginalization of certain communities, the influence of external actors, and the rise of extremist groups. The combination of these factors created a volatile environment conducive to the outbreak of the civil war.

Study in detail the Iraq War here!

Key players and factions involved

The Syrian Civil War involves numerous players and factions with diverse interests. The key players include:

• the Syrian government led by President Assad,
• opposition groups ranging from moderate to Islamist rebels,
• extremist organizations such as ISIS and al-Qaeda affiliates, and
• Kurdish forces seeking autonomy.

External actors, such as Russia, Iran, Turkey, and various Gulf states, have also exerted significant influence by supporting different factions and pursuing their own geopolitical interests.

Study in detail the Arab League here!

Impact of Syrian Civil War

Syria has been impacted on all fronts because of the civil war, major ones being the economy, social life and human development.

• The GDP of Syria dropped more than 50% between 2011 and 2019. It would take 20 more years for Syria to bounce back to its GDP values of pre conflict times.
• Syrian currency has depreciated continuously leading to higher inflation. People have been pushed into poverty and access to basic necessities like food, shelter, clothing, health services and electricity has become a luxury.
• More than 3 lakh Syrian people have died and millions of them are forced to migrate and have contributed to the refugee crisis. Approximately 80 percent of children have been affected because of this war.
• Infrastructural damage has been the most visual part of this story. Roads, schools, water supply, electricity and bridges have been damaged which would take a huge time for its reconstruction.

Study in detail the United Nations peacekeeping here!

International involvement

The Syrian Civil War has witnessed extensive international involvement. Foreign powers have supported various factions, both directly and indirectly, often exacerbating the conflict. Russia has been a major ally of the Syrian government, providing military support. Iran has also backed the Assad regime. On the other hand, Western countries, including the United States and European nations, have supported opposition groups. The involvement of regional powers like Turkey and Gulf states further complicated the conflict.

Study in detail the Chinese Civil War 1927 -1949 here!

Syrian Crisis and India

The Syrian crisis has had implications for India in several ways. 

• India has had historical and cultural ties with Syria, and the escalation of the conflict has led to concerns about the safety and well-being of Indian citizens residing in the country.
• The crisis has also impacted India's energy security, as Syria was once a significant source of crude oil imports.
• Syria has maintained its stance on Kashmir being the bilateral issue between India and Pakistan and Syria also supports India’s permanent membership at United Nations Security Council (UNSC).
• India has maintained its commitment of non-interventionism, avoided military intervention within Syria and supported Syria led political process for resolving the crisis. This is also a shared position by BRICS members.
• Syria and India share common views on many regional and international matters. Both the countries are members of Non-Aligned Movement (NAM). 
• Furthermore, India has been involved in humanitarian efforts, providing assistance to Syrian refugees and supporting the reconstruction process.

Study in detail the Oslo Peace Accord here!

Way Forward

Resolving the Syrian crisis and achieving lasting peace requires a comprehensive and inclusive approach. It involves addressing the root causes of the conflict and promoting dialogue among all stakeholders. It would be necessary to find a political solution that reflects the aspirations of the Syrian people. International cooperation, including the United Nations and regional actors, is crucial in facilitating a negotiated settlement. Additionally, efforts to rebuild the war-torn country, promote reconciliation, and ensure the protection of human rights are essential for the way forward.

Testbook is an online learning platform for any competitive exams. Testbook with live sessions, exam study materials and online mocks can enhance your preparation. You can download the Testbook App now to check out various other topics relevant to the UPSC IAS Exam. For further information and an explanation of the topic visit UPSC CSE Coaching here!