Syria in crisis: The key players in the deepening conflict

Russia’s intervention into Syria has been described as a “game changer.” The conflict has attracted a kaleidoscope of local, regional, and international players all vying to prevail. Here's a guide to who’s who.

5. Do these rebel groups have external backers?

Pablo Martinez Monsivais/AP
President Barack Obama, Secretary of State John Kerry, and other officials meet with the representatives of Bahrain, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and United Arab Emirates – who participated in strikes against Islamic State targets in Syria – in New York, Sept. 23, 2014.

Yes, mainly regional actors such as Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey, which have provided varying degrees of support, including weapons and funds to different rebel factions. The United States has provided a limited amount of weaponry to vetted rebel groups, most notably TOW anti-tank missiles, which are being employed against the Syrian Army in a Russia-supported offensive in the northern Hama Province.

The CIA reportedly has run a covert program in Turkey and Jordan to train and arm moderate rebel forces against the Assad regime. The US lately has shelved a more ambitious three-year train-and-equip program to produce 5,000 fighters a year to battle the Islamic State (IS).

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