On March 15, Syria marked the 11th anniversary of the start of the country’s civil war. The conflict began with peaceful protests against President Bashar Assad’s government but quickly escalated into a full-scale war that has resulted in hundreds of thousands of deaths and displaced millions of Syrians.
Assad has managed to hold onto power despite numerous predictions of his imminent downfall over the years. The international community has had mixed reactions to his continued rule. Some countries, like Russia and Iran, have supported Assad, while others, including the United States and many European nations, have called for his removal from power.
In Syria, the war has caused widespread devastation. Cities have been reduced to rubble, and basic services like healthcare and education are virtually non-existent in many parts of the country. The humanitarian crisis has been exacerbated by the use of chemical weapons and barrel bombs against civilians.
As the conflict enters its second decade, there is no end in sight to the suffering of the Syrian people. The challenges of rebuilding the country, providing assistance to those in need, and achieving a lasting peace seem insurmountable. The legacy of the war will be felt for generations to come, both in Syria and around the world.