Syrian Conflict Through European News

A man carries a young girl injured in a regime barrel bomb attack in the Syrian city of Aleppo on June 3, 2014. Almost 500,000 people have lost their lives in six years of conflict AFP/Getty

The conflict in Syria has drawn in a multitude of major global powers, some supporting and others opposing current President Bashar al-Assad. This also includes the smaller rebel groups attempting to topple the current regime.

Let us take a look at the Syrian conflict by listing the major powers involved and their interests.

Russia

Having been a strong supporter of Syria and its government for years Russian interest are clearly being upheld by keeping Assad in power. Russia has been sending aid in the form of weapons and other supplies to the government while receiving pressure/criticism from the international community for years now.

During the September of 2015, Russia launched an air campaign against the rebels with the aim of "stabilizing" the government after a series of defeats.

One of Russia's largest interest int he country is a key Naval port which is of vital importance to Russia's Black Sea Fleet, being the only Mediterranean base under their control.

Putin himself has said the only solution would be a political solution.

United States 

The US supports Syria's main opposition alliance, the National Coalition, and provides limited military assistance to "moderate" rebels. Having accused Assad on multiple occasions for atrocities committed against his own people, the US wants Assad gone, but agrees that there should a negotiated settlement.

The United States has launched air strikes on multiple jihadist groups in Syria including the notorious IS, at the same time avoiding targets that may benefit the Syrian government.

Saudi Arabia

The Gulf Kingdom holds the strong belief that Assad cannot be part of any solution and must be removed from power and if necessary by force.

They provide major financial support to some of the rebel groups and are currently part of the US-led air campaign against IS in Syria.

Iran

The regional Shia power, Iran, is a huge supporter of Assad's Government. Giving military and economic aid to Syria. On multiple occasions have Iranian commanders assisted in the fight against the rebel forces.

Iran is looking for a peaceful solution in Syria and recently took part in talks in Vienna with other majors powers.

Turkey

Turkey, a strong supporter of the rebels, is a bit conflicted. It seeks to contain the Kurdish militia fighters that are battling IS as part of the US backed Syrian Democratic Forces. Turkey accuses the Kurdish militia members of being an extension of the banned Turkish Kurdistan Workers' Party.

On August 2016, Turkish troops backed a rebel offensive to remove IS militants from the Syrian side of the border not controlled by the Kurds.

Since then, they have taken control of large swathes of territory, according to the Turkish military which in turn forced the US to deploy troops to the town of Manbij to prevent clashes.