Part 11/14:

Russia’s entry in 2015 tilted the balance, helping Assad regain control over much of Syria. Their strategic aim was to maintain a regional foothold, protect their military bases, and counter extremism.

Regional and Global Stakeholders

Syria is a geopolitical chessboard:

• Russia seeks to project power into the Mediterranean, support its ally Assad, and counter Western influence.

• The U.S. has oscillated between supporting moderate opposition, Syria’s Kurds, and pursuing strategic containment of Iran and Russia.

• Turkey aims to prevent Kurdish autonomous regions and influences jihadist factions to serve its security.

• Israel prefers a weak Syria, often opposing Iranian or Hezbollah entrenchment, while cautiously engaging with Assad to prevent total chaos.