Battle for Aleppo: How Syria Became the New Global War

Foreign fighters have converged on Syria, especially Aleppo, and reporters describe the many languages and goals on the war’s frontlines for Spiegel: “Aleppo, the destroyed, divided city, has become a symbol for the horrors of the air war that the Syrian regime and its allies are waging against the Sunni rebels, as well as a symbol for the impotence of the West.” Russia backs the authoritarian Assad regime, turning much of Aleppo into an “apocalyptic wasteland.” Fighting – through proxies Russia and the United States, Saudi Arabia and Iran – has destabilized the wider region. Analysts suggest that Assad and Russia feigned intentions to attack the Islamic State and strive for diplomacy. The United States, aiming for diplomacy, hesitates to risk direct confrontation with Russia and expand the war. The US has withdrawn from peace talks, and Russia has walked away from a deal for disposing weapons-grade plutonium. Europe lacks the will for sanctions against Russia or military intervention. The many Shiite fighters descending on Syria is a force that could threaten Assad’s grasp on power. No party seems capable of controlling Syria yet most oppose partition. – YaleGlobal