Who are the rebels in Syria? Why are they doing it

Several rebel groups have fought against the government of President Bashar al-Assad in the Syrian civil war that began in 2011. These rebels come from different backgrounds, have different goals and their involvement in the conflict has made the situation in Syria very complicated.

Beginning of the rebellion

The war began with peaceful protests against Assad’s government, which were violently suppressed. As the situation worsened, the protests turned into armed resistance and several groups began fighting against the Syrian army. These groups were made up of ordinary citizens, defected soldiers and activists.

Types of rebel groups

• Moderate rebels

These groups are primarily made up of fighters who want democratic reforms and an end to Assad’s rule. They are generally secular, which means they do not want a government based on religion. Some of the most well-known moderate rebel groups include the Free Syrian Army (FSA).

• Islamist insurgents

A significant portion of the insurgent groups in Syria are Islamist, meaning they want the country to be governed by Islamic law. Some of these groups, such as the al-Nusra Front (now part of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham), are affiliated with al-Qaeda. Others, such as Ahrar al-Sham, focus more on local governance but still adhere to a strict interpretation of Islam.

• Kurdish insurgents

The Kurds, an ethnic minority in Syria, have their own insurgent groups, such as the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). They seek autonomy and control over Kurdish areas in northern Syria. The Kurds have often been in conflict with both the Syrian government and other insurgent groups.

• Other groups

Other smaller factions also exist, and many of them receive support from foreign countries. Some insurgent groups are backed by the United States, while others receive support from countries such as Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Iran.

Complexity of the conflict

The situation becomes even more complicated because the different insurgent groups have conflicting goals. Some are fighting to oust Assad, while others are seeking regional independence or an Islamic state. Outside countries have also become involved, often supporting different rebel factions, which has made Syria a battleground for international powers.

In conclusion, Syrian rebels are a diverse group with varying political, religious, and regional interests. Their role in the ongoing war has made Syria one of the most complex conflicts in modern history.