Part 2/10:
To fully understand the recent developments, it is essential to appreciate Syria's multifaceted history, which dates back to ancient times, spanning various empires and colonial claims until its modern inception. The situation escalated post-2011, when protests against Assad’s government devolved into a Civil War, resulting in staggering casualties and displacement, bifurcating the nation's demographic and political landscapes. As the Assad regime struggled against various factions, it managed to retain control largely through foreign assistance, particularly from Iran and Russia.