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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.

2. Foreign Shiite forces also are fighting for Assad’s regime, right?

Mohammed Zaatari/AP
Hezbollah fighters stand by the coffin of senior Hezbollah commander Hassan Hussein al-Haj during his funeral procession in the southern Lebanese village of Loueizeh, Lebanon, Monday, Oct. 12, 2015. Local media said al-Haj was killed in Syria in the northwestern province of Idlib.

Yes, there are Shiite paramilitary forces from Lebanon – the powerful Hezbollah organization – and from Iraq, Afghanistan, and Pakistan. They all operate under the command of the Quds Force, the external wing of Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps. These forces, especially Hezbollah, which has 30 years of experience fighting Israel, have played a critical role in safeguarding the Assad regime, supplementing the hard-pressed Syrian Army.

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