What happened in 2014 that made the ongoing civil war in Syria even more complicated?
In 2014, the ongoing civil war in Syria became even more complex due to several key developments:
1. Rise of ISIS: The emergence of the extremist group called the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) significantly complicated the conflict. In 2014, ISIS captured vast territories in Syria and Iraq, establishing a self-proclaimed caliphate. They clashed with both the Syrian government forces and other rebel factions, exacerbating the existing violence and adding another layer to the complexity of the war.
2. Increased international involvement: 2014 witnessed increased involvement of regional and international actors in the Syrian conflict. Countries like Iran and Russia stepped up support for the Syrian government forces, while various Gulf states and Turkey supported different rebel groups. This further fueled the fighting and added to the complexities of the war.
3. Kurdish push for autonomy: During this period, Kurdish forces capitalized on the chaos and fought against both the Syrian government and ISIS. They established semi-autonomous regions in northeastern Syria, leading to a new front in the war. The Kurdish push for autonomy added a critical dimension to the ongoing conflict.
4. Chemical weapons attacks: Despite the international community's efforts to remove chemical weapons from Syria in 2013, reports of continued chemical attacks emerged in 2014. Multiple incidents suggested that both the Syrian government and rebel groups had employed chemical weapons, leading to further international condemnation and complexities in the conflict.
These factors, among others, added intricate layers to the ongoing Syrian civil war in 2014, making it even more contentious and difficult to resolve.