Introduction
Entering its fourth year events coined as the “Arab Spring” still unfold in Middle East particularly in Syria. Conflict in Syria dominated by Sunni failed to topple Assad’s Alawi regime leading to a civil war unlike other Arab countries where regimes have been brought down. Syria’s response to the civil war was not to the interest of the people rather to protect its self resulting to a crisis of confidence. Syria enforced the use of excessive force (weapons of mass destruction) against the rebels leading to genocide on highly populated areas with minimal rebel presence (Bokhari, 2012).
Dispute between the West, China, Russia and the US due to political allegiances encouraged Assad’s government to pursue aggressive and inhumane means to curb the insurgency. Jihadist and Islamist militia served to intervene with international military to defend Syrian people. The crisis is evident of a failed state since many factors are unlike any experienced in other Arabic countries; government’s aggressive response, radicalization and affiliation of the opposition and failing structure of governance are but a few. The future of Syria is vague since most Islamist militia who are acting as the military have declared loyalty to Al-Qaida (Tocci, 2013).
In terms of sectarian conflict, Iran and Syria entered a long term alliance that has lasted to date and Iran seems to be the only country in support of the current Syrian government. Role of jihadist in Syria is of concern since they share similar goals with Al Qaeda aimed at removing secular Arab regimes and Impose their Islamic Sharia. Thus the two utilized the state of unrest for their own benefit. The jihadist is focused on attacks targeted to create crisis to various countries such as Pakistan and Yemen in a bid to create enough disorder and eventually seize power. The international community is reluctant to support the armed opposition due to chaos and lack of accountability as most jihadists affiliated to Al Qaeda have control over many war zones. No matter how the conflict is resolved either diplomatically or via military intervention, major security ramifications will be imposed (Friedman, 2011).
Areas of concern beyond the civil unrest are; growth of Syria Islamists armed militias in terms of tactics, special armament (technologically advanced). And the mobilization of foreign Islamist fighters recruited to fight alongside the opposition. Number of the foreign jihadists going to Syria as freedom fighters is increasing. According to the Washington Times:
“Foreigners make up about 80 percent of Jabhat al-Nusra’s leadership, and as much as 20 percent of its 6,000 to 7,000 fighters are from other nations.
About 40 percent of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria’s 4,000 to 5,000 fighters are foreigners, and its leadership is about 80 percent foreign, according to the Syrian Support Group, which distributes U.S. supplies to opposition rebels.
Several dozen Syrian rebel groups split from the Syrian National Coalition earlier this month, and about a dozen rebel groups formed an Islamist bloc with Jabhat al-Nusra late last month. Those radicalized fighters will pose a threat to their home countries when they return, said Michael Scheuer, a former CIA analyst” (Washington Times, 2013).
Jihadists equipped with combat skills form a major threat to U.S. The jihadists despite peace coming to Syria may not return due to fear of persecution.
References
Bokhari, K. (2012). Jihadist Opportunities in Syria. Viewed on November 3, 2013. Retrieved from http://www.stratfor.com/weekly/jihadist-opportunities-syria?topics=306
CNN. (2012). Obama warns al-Assad against chemical weapons, declares 'the world is watching'. Viewed on November 2, 2013 Retrieved from http://www.cnn.com/2012/12/03/world/meast/syria-civil-war/
Daoudy, M. (2011). The Arab Spring: Implications for British Policy. London: The Conservative Middle East Council.
Friedman, G. (2011). Syria, Iran and the Balance of Power in the Middle East
Stratfor. Syria, Iran and the Balance of Power in the Middle East. Stratfor Global Intelligence.
Tocci, N. (2013). Turkey, Europe and the Syrian Crisis: Edging towards a new consensus? Viewed on November 10, 2013. Retrieved from http://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/opinion/2013/11/turkey-europe-syrian-crisis-edging-towards-new-consensus-201311510320978326.html
