Foreign Powers Intensify Involvement in Syria

The ongoing conflict in Syria has increasingly become a battleground for foreign powers, including Turkey, Iran, Russia, and the United States, each with varying objectives. Turkey has focused on weakening Kurdish groups it views as extensions of the PKK, while also managing the influx of Syrian refugees. Since 2011, Turkey has conducted multiple military operations, aiming to support rebel groups and counter Syrian government forces, particularly in Idlib. Meanwhile, Russia has significantly bolstered its military presence to support President Bashar al-Assad since 2015. The rise of extremist groups, such as Salafi-jihadists, is drawing parallels to historical events like the Khmer Rouge's emergence in Cambodia, raising concerns about the consequences of foreign interventions. These dynamics highlight the complexity of Syria's situation, where local issues are deeply intertwined with international politics.