Is Syria an enemy of the US?
Diplomatic relations between Syria and the United States are currently non-existent; they were suspended in 2012 after the onset of the Syrian Civil War. Priority issues between the two states include the Arab–Israeli conflict, the Golan Heights annexation, and the Iraq War.
Who is behind Syria War?
In the country’s north-east, Turkish forces and allied Syrian rebels launched an offensive against the SDF in October 2019 to create a “safe zone” clear of Kurdish YPG militia along the Syrian side of the border, and have occupied a 120km (75 miles) long stretch since.
What religion is Assad?
However, since the early 2000s, Western scholarship on the Alawite religion has made significant advances. Since Hafez al-Assad took power through the 1970 Corrective Movement, the government has been dominated by a political elite led by the Alawite Al-Assad family.
Who supports Assad in Syria?
The Syrian Ba’athist government is politically and militarily supported by Iran and Russia, and actively supported by the Lebanese Hezbollah group, the Syrian-based Palestinian group PFLP-GC, and others.
Why does Russia support Assad in Syria?
Economic importance and history of arms sales Russia has been able to showcase its old and new weapons in the conflict which helped boost its arms sales to $15bn in 2015. Russian economic interests in Syria, including arms sales, are offered as one of the reasons for its support of the government.
Why is Israel bombing Syria?
State media earlier reported the Israeli attack also hit the town of Hifa, east of Latakia, and Misyaf in Hama province. Israel has said its goal is to end Tehran’s military presence in Syria, which Western intelligence sources say has expanded in recent years.
Is there still war in Iraq?
Continued ISIL insurgency (2017–present) Following ISIL’s defeat in December 2017, the group has continued an insurgency mostly in the rural parts of the country. However they have been greatly weakened and violence in Iraq has been sharply reduced in 2018.