How USA and Russia Fought the Biggest Proxy War in Syria: The Fall of Dictator Assad

The Syrian Civil War, which began in 2011, has evolved into one of the most complex and devastating conflicts of the 21st century. At the heart of this brutal war is not just the fight between President Bashar al-Assad’s regime and opposition forces but a larger, more strategic battle between global powers. The United States and Russia have emerged as key players, backing different sides in a high-stakes proxy war that has drawn the world’s attention. In this article, we’ll delve into how the USA and Russia fought the biggest proxy war in Syria and the eventual fall of dictator Assad.

The Origins of the Syrian Civil War

The Syrian Civil War erupted in March 2011 when protests inspired by the Arab Spring demanded reforms and greater freedoms from the Assad government. What began as peaceful demonstrations quickly escalated into a full-scale conflict after the Assad regime’s violent crackdown on protesters. The country soon became a battleground for various factions, including moderate rebels, Kurdish forces, jihadist groups, and loyalists to the Assad regime.

As the war intensified, it attracted the involvement of outside powers with competing geopolitical interests, turning Syria into a key stage for a proxy war between the United States and Russia.

USA’s Involvement: Supporting Opposition Forces and the Fight Against ISIS

The United States became actively involved in the Syrian conflict soon after the war broke out. Washington, aligning itself with the opposition forces, was initially focused on pushing for the removal of Assad. The U.S. viewed Assad’s regime as part of the broader axis of authoritarianism in the Middle East, along with Iran and Hezbollah, and sought to weaken his rule.

The U.S. began providing financial support, military aid, and training to moderate rebel groups. By 2014, when ISIS (the Islamic State) emerged as a major threat in the region, the U.S. refocused its efforts on defeating the jihadist group. Operation Inherent Resolve, launched by the U.S.-led coalition, aimed to dismantle ISIS, and American airstrikes played a critical role in pushing back the terrorist organization.

While the U.S. initially supported a broad range of opposition groups, the complexity of the situation led to growing frustration. Many rebel factions were ineffective in pushing back Assad’s forces and some were even infiltrated by extremist elements, complicating America’s strategic goals.

Russia’s Involvement: Backing Assad and Maintaining Influence

On the other side of the conflict, Russia has been a staunch ally of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. Moscow’s support for Assad has been rooted in long-standing geopolitical interests, particularly the desire to maintain its influence in the Middle East. Syria is one of Russia’s few remaining allies in the region, and the Russian government has been determined to prevent the fall of Assad, seeing his regime as a vital ally in the global balance of power.

Russia's military intervention in Syria began in September 2015, when Russian President Vladimir Putin decided to directly intervene in support of Assad. Moscow provided significant military assistance, including airstrikes, artillery, and advisers, to bolster Assad’s forces. Russian airpower was instrumental in recapturing key territories from opposition groups, particularly in Aleppo, which marked a turning point in the war.

Russia's support also extended beyond military aid. Moscow used its diplomatic leverage at the United Nations and in peace negotiations to ensure that Assad remained in power and to limit U.S. influence in the peace process.

The Escalating Proxy War

The U.S. and Russia quickly found themselves on opposite sides of a protracted and destructive war. Their involvement was not limited to direct military support but extended to influencing regional allies and proxies. The United States formed alliances with Kurdish groups like the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), while Russia allied itself with Iran, Hezbollah, and other Shiite militias.

These competing alliances further intensified the proxy nature of the conflict, with both powers indirectly clashing on the ground through their respective partners. This made the war even more complicated and deadly, with civilians often caught in the crossfire of these rival superpowers' struggles.

The Fall of Assad: Was It Inevitable?

Despite initial hopes in Washington that Assad would soon fall, the Russian intervention significantly altered the course of the war. By providing air support and military advisers, Russia helped Assad regain control of key cities, including Aleppo in 2016, and later, Daraa and Eastern Ghouta. The balance of power shifted, and the rebel forces were pushed into smaller pockets of resistance.

Assad’s eventual victory cannot be entirely attributed to Russian intervention, as the Assad regime’s own brutal tactics, including the use of chemical weapons, also played a significant role in weakening the opposition. However, Russia’s backing was crucial in preventing a full collapse of the regime.

By 2018, Assad had regained control over most of the country, though significant opposition remained in parts of the northwest (Idlib) and northeast (held by the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces). The conflict, however, had left Syria in ruins, with hundreds of thousands of people dead and millions displaced.

The Aftermath: A Pyrrhic Victory for Assad

While the fall of Assad was initially a key goal for the United States, the Russian-led intervention ensured that the Syrian president remained in power. However, this victory has been far from a triumph for Russia or Assad.

Syria has been left in a state of devastation, with much of the country’s infrastructure destroyed, a crippled economy, and a population deeply divided. Russia’s heavy investment in Syria has strained its own resources, and despite maintaining influence in the region, Moscow has faced international condemnation for its role in exacerbating the humanitarian crisis.

For the United States, the situation is similarly complex. Although it has succeeded in eradicating ISIS in Syria, the broader geopolitical situation remains uncertain. The U.S. has faced challenges in managing relations with its Kurdish allies, while also dealing with the lingering presence of Iranian and Russian forces in the country.

Conclusion: A War Without a Clear Winner

The conflict in Syria remains one of the most emblematic examples of a modern proxy war between global superpowers. The United States and Russia have fought, indirectly but aggressively, to shape Syria’s future, with the fall of dictator Assad proving elusive for the U.S., despite its best efforts. Russia, meanwhile, has ensured that Assad stays in power but at a significant cost, both financially and in terms of international reputation.

As the war continues to wind down, with Assad holding onto power in Damascus, the long-term consequences for the region remain unclear. The proxy war between the USA and Russia may have led to the survival of the Assad regime, but it has also set the stage for continuing instability, both in Syria and the broader Middle East.

The story of Syria’s war is not just about military victories and defeats; it’s about the political maneuvering, proxy battles, and strategic interests that continue to shape the future of the region. The lessons from Syria will likely have far-reaching consequences for international relations in the years to come.