This paper is aimed at discussing the ongoing Syrian Civil War which broke out in 2011. Much attention should be paid to the current outcomes of this confrontation and its impact on international relations. Moreover, it is critical to discuss the hypothetical development of this conflict. These are the main issues that should be discussed in greater detail.
Among the major sides of this conflict, one can distinguish the supporters of the supporters of Bashar al-Assad’s government, the rebels representing the opposition, and the so-called Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS). One should keep in mind that some organizations such as the ISIS have their own agenda that is not democratic or liberal. It should be noted that this confrontation split the international community. In particular, the opposition was supported by the United States, Turkey, and Qatar whereas the current Syrian government was backed up by Russia (Hashmi 269). Each of these countries provided weapons to the conflicting sides and to some degree, their strategies intensified the war.
It should be mentioned that this conflict affected other countries located in this region. One should first mention millions of refugees who had to flee to other counties such as Iraq, Jordan, or Turkey (Hammerstad 254). Moreover, one should mention that this confrontation profoundly affected Iraq. The main problem is that one of the conflicting sides known as the ISIS took control over the territories in this country. The main problem is that ISIS is now perceived by political leaders as a dire threat, even in comparison with the government of Bashar al-Assad. This organization is not recognized as a legitimate state; nevertheless, it becomes more powerful in terms of its military capacity. This is one of the dangers that should not be overlooked.
Overall, it is possible to argue that the Syrian Civil War has already led to disastrous outcomes. At first, one should speak about thousands of casualties that could have different political affiliations. Additionally, one should consider the destroyed infrastructure because this factor leads to the deterioration of living conditions. Moreover, international agencies speak about the spread of contagious diseases that were very rate in the past (Newman and DeRouen 110).
Finally, much attention should be paid the rising levels of crime throughout the country because in many regions, law-enforcement agencies became dysfunctional or virtually non-existent (Newman and DeRouen 110). Thus, it is possible that this conflict has significantly hindered the social and economic development of Syria and threatened its very survival as a state.
In turn, the future impacts of this conflict may not be easily predicted, because the confrontation has not come to an end. In this case, there is a great risk of a long-term war that can last for many years. Apart from that, other countries may eventually intervene in this war, and this intervention can increase the tensions in international relations.
On the whole, these examples demonstrate that a civil war cannot be limited within the boundaries of only one state. Such events usually influence neighboring countries. In particular, there is a considerable risk that the military conflict can spread across borders. Moreover, such confrontations usually affect non-combatant people who do not want to be involved in the conflict. The needs of these stakeholders should be viewed as the top priority. These are the main aspects that can be singled out.
Works Cited
Hammerstad, Anne. The Rise and Decline of a Global Security Actor: UNHCR, Refugee Protection and Security, Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2014. Print.
Hashmi, Taj. Global Jihad and America: The Hundred-Year War Beyond Iraq and Afghanistan, Delhi: SAGE Publications India, 2014. Print.
Newman, Edward, and Karl DeRouen. Routledge Handbook of Civil Wars, New York: Routledge, 2014. Print.