The Middle East has often been the epicenter of political unrest, conflicts, and geopolitical struggles. The past decade in Syria epitomizes these complexities, with its civil war having far-reaching consequences not just for the country, but for the entire region and even the world.
The Genesis of Conflict
It all began over a decade ago when Syria found itself caught in the whirlwind of the Arab Spring. Countries like Tunisia and Libya had already witnessed anti-government protests, demanding democratic reforms and a departure from authoritarianism. Syria wasn’t immune to this wave of public dissent. Protests erupted against President Bashar al-Assad, the leader who had been at Syria’s helm since 2000, succeeding his father’s rule, which started back in 1971.
Assad had promised a new era for Syria, an era filled with democratic reforms and multiparty elections. But, as time unfolded, these promises faded, replaced by the grim reality of a regime that clamped down on dissidence. The peaceful protests quickly escalated, transforming into a gruesome civil war that tore the fabric of Syrian society.
