It would seem that Syria has become a three sided “proxy war”. Kind of like a three sided ass kicking contest with a civil war in the middle. So I’ll try to “break it down into crayon” and cut out the garbley gook as best as possible.
Syria is having a civil war or more realistically an armed rebellion. Syrian government vs. Rebels (western backed).
(at left Sen.McCain poses with Syrian rebels)
Russia‘s involvement vs. The West (ie U.S., France,U.K.)- Russia sends weapons to Assad regime to prop it it and defend itself against Western proxies (ie Israel, and Rebels). The U.S. arms Syrian rebels.
Israeli troops have been reported already in Syria and in light of air strikes in Syria from Israel this should not be surprising.
Iran vs. Saudi Arabia and Israel – Iran backing up Syria (fellow Shiite) and fighting Saudi Arabia-Sunni- through its proxies The Rebels). If the Sunni/Shiite sounds confusing see our article here that breaks down that mess.
An extension of the proxy fight between Israel and Syria through Hezbollah in Lebanon and Sunni Groups (covertly supported by Israel, along with Secular and Maronite factions)
There is the possibility that this could boil into a bigger war between all of these competing players. That’s why these kind of conflicts are considered “proxy wars“, the ability to wage wars using other players so not having to actually declare war themselves. Various players back opposing forces and use them instead of their own troops as an extension of their political will. So whats involved really? What’s at stake, whats in it for the major players? In no particular order here’s what’s at stake or involved for some of the key players:
Syria: The Assad regime.- the continuation of the Assad Regime of course! The Alawites (the ruling minority) want to stay in power.
(at left: The future Syria?)
Israel: another U.S. client state. Having one of their enemies in mass confusion can’t be a bad thing and just makes their position of power in the area that much more guaranteed.
“The West”: (aka U.K.,U.S.,France,etal)- getting rid of Assad who doesn’t cooperate with their desires and vision of the Middle East. Also having Syria out of the way helps out Israeli and Saudi interests. With isolation of Iran completes U.S. hegemony of the area. Not to mention all of those energy resources in Syria that are very lucrative to Western companies (being that Syrian oil companies are state owned). Perhaps a return to ye olde colonialist Middle East.
Saudi Arabia- The Saudis are a Sunni majority and don’t care for Shia-ism and it’s spread vis a vis Iran. On top of that they view Alawites as less than Muslim anyway. Saudi Arabia (U.S. client state) views Iran as the biggest threat in the Middle East.
Iran- besides being another Shia majority country. There is the agreement between Iran,Syria and Iraq for a pipeline deal that the U.S. was strongly against. In 2006 there was also a security agreement signed between Iran and Syria. Iran knows that if Syria falls it’s next being that Syria is it’s only ally in the region.
Russia- trade agreements, weapons shipments and having access to the Tartus Port is very important for Russia’s Geo-political interests and access to the Middle East. Tartus is also a deep water port and Russia’s only Mediterranean base.
Syrian Rebels: aka Syrian Opposition, interesting term making it seem legitimate and agreeable.Problem is it’s not united and cohesive. The Syrian Opposition is a blanket term for many groups and individuals fighting for toppling the Assad Regime. For some the goal is creating a “true” Islamic State, in the mix is Kurds who have their own ideas of independent statehood. Yet others want to topple an oppressive regime and others still for money and hoping to have power themselves in a post-Assad Syria. -EvS