Exploring the various groups in Syria opposed to the Syrian government, including rebel factions, extremist groups and political parties. https://www.newsdeeply.com/syria/opposition/rss en Displacement Opposition Groups & Rebel Forces Mon, 14 May 2018 12:20:00 +0000 Hashem Osseiran https://www.newsdeeply.com/syria/articles/2018/05/14/a-look-at-the-remaining-rebel-territory-in-syria https://www.newsdeeply.com/syria/articles/2018/05/14/a-look-at-the-remaining-rebel-territory-in-syria After recapturing the Eastern Ghouta suburbs of Damascus in April, the Syrian government has worked to retake a significant portion of formerly besieged rebel holdouts in the country. Government & Pro-Government Forces Human Rights ISIS Opposition Groups & Rebel Forces Tue, 01 May 2018 09:10:00 +0000 Youmna al-Dimashqi https://www.newsdeeply.com/syria/articles/2018/05/01/the-civilian-cost-of-syrias-new-battle-against-isis https://www.newsdeeply.com/syria/articles/2018/05/01/the-civilian-cost-of-syrias-new-battle-against-isis Civilians residing in the Yarmouk Palestinian refugee camp south of Damascus are caught in fierce fighting between government forces and ISIS militants, while being deprived of healthcare, food and medical supplies. ISIS Opposition Groups & Rebel Forces Thu, 26 Apr 2018 09:10:00 +0000 Neil Hauer https://www.newsdeeply.com/syria/community/2018/04/26/north-caucasian-militants-may-be-seeking-syria-exit https://www.newsdeeply.com/syria/community/2018/04/26/north-caucasian-militants-may-be-seeking-syria-exit They were once a formidable fighting force in Syria. But it appears that the era of North Caucasian jihadist fighters is drawing to a close, as many scale back on military activities in the country, writes intelligence analyst Neil Hauer. Displacement Government & Pro-Government Forces Opposition Groups & Rebel Forces Thu, 12 Apr 2018 14:20:00 +0000 Hashem Osseiran https://www.newsdeeply.com/syria/articles/2018/04/12/analysis-how-eastern-ghouta-fell-to-pro-government-forces https://www.newsdeeply.com/syria/articles/2018/04/12/analysis-how-eastern-ghouta-fell-to-pro-government-forces A look at how five years of siege, increased airstrikes, a fierce ground operation, a string of evacuation deals and a suspected chemical attack led to the fall of the rebel stronghold in the Damascus suburbs. Government & Pro-Government Forces Human Rights Opposition Groups & Rebel Forces Fri, 23 Mar 2018 12:20:00 +0000 Youmna al-Dimashqi https://www.newsdeeply.com/syria/articles/2018/03/23/we-are-waiting-for-death-voices-from-ghoutas-underground-bunker https://www.newsdeeply.com/syria/articles/2018/03/23/we-are-waiting-for-death-voices-from-ghoutas-underground-bunker Tens of thousands of people have fled the eastern Ghouta suburbs of Damascus in recent weeks. Many of the hundreds of thousands who remain, however, are hiding in underground shelters, with little access to food, water and sunlight. Opposition Groups & Rebel Forces Fri, 16 Mar 2018 13:30:00 +0000 Hashem Osseiran https://www.newsdeeply.com/syria/articles/2018/03/16/eastern-ghouta-rebels-on-the-brink-of-defeat https://www.newsdeeply.com/syria/articles/2018/03/16/eastern-ghouta-rebels-on-the-brink-of-defeat Seven years after residents of Eastern Ghouta took to the streets in anti-regime protests, pro-government forces are advancing on the rebel-held enclave in a significant step toward retaking control of the entire country. Government & Pro-Government Forces Human Rights Opposition Groups & Rebel Forces Thu, 08 Mar 2018 13:10:00 +0000 Lina Khatib https://www.newsdeeply.com/syria/articles/2018/03/08/beyond-the-endgame-in-eastern-ghouta https://www.newsdeeply.com/syria/articles/2018/03/08/beyond-the-endgame-in-eastern-ghouta The government’s endgame in Eastern Ghouta is to overtake the last opposition holdout near the capital. But the bloody strategy Damascus is using to get there is just as important, writes Lina Khatib of Chatham House. Government & Pro-Government Forces Human Rights Opposition Groups & Rebel Forces Fri, 23 Feb 2018 15:30:00 +0000 Hashem Osseiran, Alessandria Masi https://www.newsdeeply.com/syria/articles/2018/02/23/syrian-conflicts-deadly-week-in-eastern-ghouta https://www.newsdeeply.com/syria/articles/2018/02/23/syrian-conflicts-deadly-week-in-eastern-ghouta A look at the major developments of one of the deadliest weeks in the besieged Damascus suburbs of Eastern Ghouta. Health Human Rights Opposition Groups & Rebel Forces Thu, 22 Feb 2018 11:40:00 +0000 Areeb Ullah https://www.newsdeeply.com/syria/articles/2018/02/22/braving-bombs-health-workers-struggle-to-save-lives-in-eastern-ghouta https://www.newsdeeply.com/syria/articles/2018/02/22/braving-bombs-health-workers-struggle-to-save-lives-in-eastern-ghouta The Syrian government has targeted a number of hospitals and medical clinics in East Ghouta recently, complicating attempts to provide life-saving care to the nearly 400,000 people trapped under bombardment, writes journalist Areeb Ullah. Diplomacy & Foreign Affairs Opposition Groups & Rebel Forces Tue, 23 Jan 2018 11:30:00 +0000 Ömer Özkizilcik https://www.newsdeeply.com/syria/articles/2018/01/23/analysis-why-turkey-wants-a-secure-zone-in-afrin https://www.newsdeeply.com/syria/articles/2018/01/23/analysis-why-turkey-wants-a-secure-zone-in-afrin Turkey’s operation on the Kurdish enclave of Afrin in Syria aims to halt YPG expansion near Turkey’s border, facilitate refugee returns and empower Ankara-backed FSA forces, writes analyst Ömer Özkizilcik. Diplomacy & Foreign Affairs Government & Pro-Government Forces Opposition Groups & Rebel Forces Solutions War Economy Sun, 21 Jan 2018 03:00:00 +0000 Kim Bode, Alessandria Masi, Hashem Osseiran https://www.newsdeeply.com/syria/articles/2018/01/21/deeply-talks-syria-outlook-2018 https://www.newsdeeply.com/syria/articles/2018/01/21/deeply-talks-syria-outlook-2018 In the first Deeply Talks of 2018, Syria Deeply talks with Faysal Itani of the Atlantic Council about the state of diplomatic negotiations, Syria’s economy and the escalation of violence across the country. Opposition Groups & Rebel Forces Fri, 19 Jan 2018 12:30:00 +0000 Neil Hauer https://www.newsdeeply.com/syria/articles/2018/01/19/the-impact-of-chechen-and-north-caucasian-militants-in-syria https://www.newsdeeply.com/syria/articles/2018/01/19/the-impact-of-chechen-and-north-caucasian-militants-in-syria Militants from Chechnya and the North Caucasus were estimated at around 4,000 in Syria at their peak. Despite their small numbers, they’ve had a meaningful influence on the jihadi scene in the country, according to intelligence analyst Neil Hauer. Diplomacy & Foreign Affairs Government & Pro-Government Forces Human Rights Opposition Groups & Rebel Forces Thu, 18 Jan 2018 09:00:00 +0000 Alessandria Masi https://www.newsdeeply.com/syria/articles/2018/01/18/syria-2018-the-major-issues-for-the-year-ahead https://www.newsdeeply.com/syria/articles/2018/01/18/syria-2018-the-major-issues-for-the-year-ahead This year, Syria Deeply will be keeping a close eye on the various wars being waged in Syria and the scale of foreign involvement in each, as well as war crimes and accountability, returns and displacement, and reconstruction and reconciliation across the country. Opposition Groups & Rebel Forces Wed, 06 Dec 2017 09:14:35 +0000 Mona Alami https://www.newsdeeply.com/syria/articles/2017/12/06/syrias-largest-militant-alliance-steps-further-away-from-al-qaida https://www.newsdeeply.com/syria/articles/2017/12/06/syrias-largest-militant-alliance-steps-further-away-from-al-qaida The Hayat Tahrir al-Sham Alliance is distancing itself from hard-line al-Qaida loyalists in its latest attempt to reinvent itself as a pragmatic local player among the opposition, writes Levant researcher and journalist Mona Alami. Civil Society Opposition Groups & Rebel Forces Tue, 28 Nov 2017 13:30:41 +0000 Luna Safwan https://www.newsdeeply.com/syria/articles/2017/11/28/opposition-media-activists-face-uncertain-future https://www.newsdeeply.com/syria/articles/2017/11/28/opposition-media-activists-face-uncertain-future The war in Syria significantly increased the number of so-called opposition media activists who documented alleged human rights abuses and war crimes. But as pro-government forces regain control of rebel-held territory, they fear for their future. ISIS Opposition Groups & Rebel Forces Wed, 15 Nov 2017 13:05:44 +0000 Nicholas A. Heras, Omar Abu Layla https://www.newsdeeply.com/syria/community/2017/11/15/the-security-vacuum-in-post-isis-deir-ezzor https://www.newsdeeply.com/syria/community/2017/11/15/the-security-vacuum-in-post-isis-deir-ezzor As ISIS pulls out of eastern Syria, U.S.-backed forces will have to contend with stabilizing this territory. But without local allies, the security of SDF-held territory will be challenged, write journalist Omar Abu Layla and security expert Nicholas A. Heras. ISIS Opposition Groups & Rebel Forces Mon, 06 Nov 2017 12:47:23 +0000 Yasser Allawi https://www.newsdeeply.com/syria/articles/2017/11/06/conversations-fleeing-isis-conscription-in-deir-ezzor https://www.newsdeeply.com/syria/articles/2017/11/06/conversations-fleeing-isis-conscription-in-deir-ezzor When ISIS ordered the forced conscription of all men of fighting age in Deir Ezzor, Ali knew he had no other choice but to enlist a smuggler and escape the eastern province. Opposition Groups & Rebel Forces Wed, 01 Nov 2017 11:33:38 +0000 Hashem Osseiran https://www.newsdeeply.com/syria/articles/2017/11/01/turkey-eyeing-further-expansion-in-northern-syria-say-rebels https://www.newsdeeply.com/syria/articles/2017/11/01/turkey-eyeing-further-expansion-in-northern-syria-say-rebels Turkey said last week that its campaign in Idlib was nearly complete, but recent talk over further expansion in Aleppo’s countryside signal that its operations in northern Syria may be far from over. Civil Society Human Rights Opposition Groups & Rebel Forces Fri, 27 Oct 2017 13:29:48 +0000 Yasser Allawi https://www.newsdeeply.com/syria/articles/2017/10/27/inside-rukban-camp-one-of-syrias-most-desperate-settlements https://www.newsdeeply.com/syria/articles/2017/10/27/inside-rukban-camp-one-of-syrias-most-desperate-settlements The situation in the Rukban camp for internally displaced persons near the border with Jordan is rapidly deteriorating. International humanitarian groups are close to being overwhelmed, despite local NGOs and rebel groups trying to help out as well. Diplomacy & Foreign Affairs ISIS Opposition Groups & Rebel Forces Wed, 25 Oct 2017 13:15:15 +0000 Aron Lund https://www.newsdeeply.com/syria/community/2017/10/25/analysis-what-the-reconstruction-of-raqqa-could-mean-for-syrias-war https://www.newsdeeply.com/syria/community/2017/10/25/analysis-what-the-reconstruction-of-raqqa-could-mean-for-syrias-war After the dangerous process of demining Raqqa is completed, the question of who will govern and rebuild the city will become even more crucial and could impact the endgame of the war, writes Syria expert Aron Lund in IRIN News. Diplomacy & Foreign Affairs Opposition Groups & Rebel Forces War Economy Wed, 25 Oct 2017 11:53:06 +0000 Barak Barfi https://www.newsdeeply.com/syria/community/2017/10/25/washingtons-partner-problem-in-syrian-battle-against-isis https://www.newsdeeply.com/syria/community/2017/10/25/washingtons-partner-problem-in-syrian-battle-against-isis Radicalization, attrition and defections mean only questionable partners remain for the U.S. government in the campaign against ISIS in Syria, warns New America Foundation fellow Barak Barfi. Opposition Groups & Rebel Forces Mon, 23 Oct 2017 07:00:11 +0000 Wissam Frangieh https://www.newsdeeply.com/syria/articles/2017/10/23/hostility-toward-militants-grows-in-idlib-as-turkey-deploys-troops https://www.newsdeeply.com/syria/articles/2017/10/23/hostility-toward-militants-grows-in-idlib-as-turkey-deploys-troops Residents of Syria’s Idlib province have welcomed Turkey’s latest cross-border campaign and many say they would side against HTS militants if a confrontation were to occur. ISIS Opposition Groups & Rebel Forces Thu, 19 Oct 2017 14:14:06 +0000 Aaron Y. Zelin https://www.newsdeeply.com/syria/community/2017/10/19/after-raqqa-isis-still-seeks-to-govern https://www.newsdeeply.com/syria/community/2017/10/19/after-raqqa-isis-still-seeks-to-govern ISIS has not released any propaganda pictures or videos demonstrating its ability to govern in nearly a month, which might suggest the group is retreating from its territorial aspirations. However, Aaron Y. Zelin, fellow of the Washington Institute, argues otherwise. Government & Pro-Government Forces Opposition Groups & Rebel Forces Religious & Ethnic Groups Tue, 17 Oct 2017 13:48:16 +0000 Federica Marsi https://www.newsdeeply.com/syria/articles/2017/10/17/amid-war-women-are-starting-to-make-a-mark-on-syrian-politics https://www.newsdeeply.com/syria/articles/2017/10/17/amid-war-women-are-starting-to-make-a-mark-on-syrian-politics The conflict in Syria has shifted traditional roles within communities and more women are starting to play roles in politics at all levels. But their overall influence remains minimal, leaving Syria’s destiny in the hands of men. Diplomacy & Foreign Affairs Opposition Groups & Rebel Forces Tue, 10 Oct 2017 08:46:47 +0000 Hashem Osseiran https://www.newsdeeply.com/syria/community/2017/10/10/turkeys-operation-in-idlib-may-not-bring-all-out-war-with-al-qaida https://www.newsdeeply.com/syria/community/2017/10/10/turkeys-operation-in-idlib-may-not-bring-all-out-war-with-al-qaida Turkey’s discussions with al-Qaida-linked militants ahead of its deployment in Syria’s Idlib province indicate that a wide-scale offensive against the militant group may not be Ankara’s primary objective, according to Charles Lister of the Middle East Institute. Opposition Groups & Rebel Forces Thu, 05 Oct 2017 10:28:18 +0000 Lizzie Porter https://www.newsdeeply.com/syria/articles/2017/10/05/analysis-unified-rebel-army-is-too-little-too-late https://www.newsdeeply.com/syria/articles/2017/10/05/analysis-unified-rebel-army-is-too-little-too-late After months of defeats, Syria’s opposition is trying to unite under the umbrella of a national army to fight pro-government forces. But internal divisions, the geographic distribution of rebel groups and involvement of foreign powers undermine its chance of success. Civil Society Opposition Groups & Rebel Forces Thu, 07 Sep 2017 07:38:26 +0000 Wissam Zarqa https://www.newsdeeply.com/syria/articles/2017/09/07/looking-for-democracy-in-idlib-diary-entry https://www.newsdeeply.com/syria/articles/2017/09/07/looking-for-democracy-in-idlib-diary-entry After being forced to flee eastern Aleppo in December, Wissam Zarqa moved to Idlib. Although the insurgent-held province is not known as a bastion of democracy, Zarqa will always remember it as the place where he voted in his first democratic election. Opposition Groups & Rebel Forces Thu, 10 Aug 2017 13:45:08 +0000 Wissam Frangieh, Hashem Osseiran https://www.newsdeeply.com/syria/articles/2017/08/10/idlib-residents-split-over-support-for-al-qaida-linked-militants https://www.newsdeeply.com/syria/articles/2017/08/10/idlib-residents-split-over-support-for-al-qaida-linked-militants Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham’s military dominance in Idlib has not been translated into total popular support. Today, the province is split between those who accept the extremist group and those who are pushing back against its rise to prominence. Opposition Groups & Rebel Forces Thu, 03 Aug 2017 14:19:03 +0000 Hashem Osseiran https://www.newsdeeply.com/syria/articles/2017/08/03/why-one-of-syrias-biggest-rebel-groups-reordered-its-leadership https://www.newsdeeply.com/syria/articles/2017/08/03/why-one-of-syrias-biggest-rebel-groups-reordered-its-leadership Ahrar al-Sham’s decision to replace its top command this week offers a glimpse at how the outgunned rebel group is adjusting to the ascendancy of al-Qaida-linked factions in Syria, and the changing nature of the insurgency against president Bashar al-Assad. Diplomacy & Foreign Affairs Opposition Groups & Rebel Forces Wed, 02 Aug 2017 06:10:38 +0000 Taylor Luck https://www.newsdeeply.com/syria/articles/2017/08/02/analysis-dropped-by-cia-syrian-rebels-could-join-jihadists https://www.newsdeeply.com/syria/articles/2017/08/02/analysis-dropped-by-cia-syrian-rebels-could-join-jihadists The Trump administration’s decision to end a covert CIA program that provided arms and training to Syrian rebels may prompt the country’s battered opposition to side with jihadists in pursuit of a common goal: the overthrow of the Syrian government.