Syria’s civil war remains a convoluted mesh of local and international interests, power struggles, and a shifting strategic landscape. Over the weekend, the conflict witnessed a renewed surge in violence. Recent developments have rekindled international attention, particularly focusing on rebel forces capturing Aleppo and Hama. Aleppo has been a critical focal point in the civil war. The city had remained under government control after a devastating siege in 2016, but fell to rebel forces on Saturday. This surprise offensive was led predominantly by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS). The rebel offensive seemingly caught the Syrian government off guard. Assad’s forces, traditionally bolstered by Russian air support and Iranian-led militias, found themselves in retreat, a tactical withdrawal aimed at regrouping for a counteroffensive – albeit if they can mount one at this stage. This unexpected rebel advance has laid bare the strained resources and divided attention of Syria’s primary backers ie Russia, Iran and Hezbollah. While Aleppo has captured headlines, the fall of Hama to rebel forces has added another layer to the evolving scenario. Hama, historically a symbol of resistance against Assad’s regime dating back to previous uprisings, represents not just a strategic gain for the rebels but also psychological blow to the Syrian government. The capture of these two cities accentuates the rebels’ expanding influence and the waning grip of Assad’s forces across key territories. Continued advancement of rebel forces towards other towns would mark a critical moment in the conflict’s dynamics. As Syrian government troops continue to withdraw and reorganize, the ability of rebels to seize and hold territory suggests a shift in momentum that could redefine territorial control in northern and central Syria. The fluidity of alliances in Syria has created a landscape where today’s allies can easily become tomorrow’s adversaries. The resurgence of rebel operations, particularly by groups like HTS, continues to raise concerns about extremist affiliations. HTS, despite its attempts at rebranding and distancing from al-Qaeda, remains a potent force with radical ideologies. The rebel coalition encompasses groups with various ideologies but are united by the shared determination to overthrow Assad. The relationships between regional actors are complex but the core of their mission has remained unchanged since the early days of the uprising. Nevertheless, the fluidity of alliances in Syria has created a landscape where today’s allies can easily become tomorrow’s adversaries. Amidst the ongoing turbulence, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s visit to Moscow highlights his critical reliance on Russian support, underscoring the strategic importance of the Assad – Putin alliance. Russia’s involvement in Syria has been a cornerstone of Assad’s survival and the alliance remains vital for the regime, which benefits significantly from Russia’s Air Assets and military resource. However, the situation has shifted notably with Russia’s military getting bogged down in Ukraine. Moscow’s capacity to provide extensive military reinforcements is uncertain, given its embroilment in Ukraine – a conflict that has substantially strained its military capabilities and strategic focus. While Russian airstrikes have supported Syrian government forces by targeting rebel positions in Aleppo, the sustainability and efficacy of such support in altering the conflict’s dynamics immediately, remains ambiguous. With Moscow’s primary attention diverted to European engagements, there is an evident potential dampening of its military projection capabilities in the Middle East. From Moscow’s viewpoint, the fall of an ally in Syria would be a perilous development but Russia’s interests in Ukraine are of paramount importance. Consequently, the ongoing conflict in Syria faces further uncertainty, as the Assad regime’s preeminent ally grapples with competing priorities on the global stage. The Syrian regime’s dependency on Iranian support is increasingly fraught with challenges. Iran, entangled in its own geopolitical struggles, is distracted by ongoing tensions with Israel, the war in Gaza, and the looming threat of further clashes. This context tempers Iran’s ability to commit the same level of support to Syria as in the past, though statements coming out of Tehran underscore a continued, albeit resource strained, effort. Historically, Iran and Hezbollah have been steadfast allies of Assad; however, they now confront setbacks. Hezbollah, weakened by persistent Israeli offensives in Lebanon, faces reduced capacity to influence the Syrian theatre. Similarly, Iran’s support, although crucial, is stretched thin as it attempts to balance its regional ambitions with internal pressures and potential escalations involving Israel. Iran’s strategic presence in Syria is a calculated endeavour, aiming to bolster Assad’s regime while navigating the difficulties of wider regional dynamics. Despite mounting logistical and operational hurdles, Tehran’s diplomatic overtures, highlighted by the Foreign Minister’s announced visit to Damascus, reflect a determined effort to uphold influence in Syria. With the resurgence of intense fighting in Aleppo and Hama, the humanitarian situation has deteriorated rapidly. The renewed conflict threatens to exacerbate the humanitarian crisis in Syria, where millions remain displaced, and essential services are disrupted. The civilian population caught in the crossfire faces dire conditions, with limited access to food, water, and medical aid. The closure of Aleppo airport will further isolate the population, hampering relief efforts. The international community, already struggling with conflict fatigue and shifting priorities, will struggle to address immediate humanitarian needs while considering sustainable long-term solutions. Various NGOs continue to call for a humanitarian pause, though achieving and maintaining this remains challenging amid the entrenched positions of all involved parties. Amid the renewed conflict, Western powers, and regional actors find themselves reassessing their roles in influencing the Syrian conflict. The United States, with its positions in northeastern Syria and support for Kurdish forces, has a vested interest in the region’s future. Recent U.S. airstrikes against Iranian-backed militias highlight America’s ongoing military involvement and its strategic interests beyond the immediate civil war. Meanwhile, Turkey continues to plays its own strategic game, balancing its backing of opposition groups with its broader regional aspirations. Ankara’s stance will be particularly pivotal, as its alignment and commitments can sway the balance of power on the ground. As the Syrian conflict enters yet another phase, the path forward remains fraught with challenges. The territorial shifts and military escalations highlight the war’s unpredictable nature. While the current situation is precarious, it also presents opportunities for renewed dialogue. The European Union, China and other international entities could try to revive diplomatic efforts and explore avenues for negotiation, stressing that military conflict will not resolve the deep-rooted issues that fuel the civil war. The complex interdependencies of the warring parties, along with the involvement of global powers, underscore the necessity for a reinvigorated diplomatic push. The question now arises: can key international and regional actors engage in a meaningful dialogue to move towards a negotiated settlement? This would require concessions and compromises from all sides – opposition factions, the Assad regime, and their respective international backers. The answer, so far, is a solid no. For the Syrian people, the prospect of peace remains distant but not absolutely unattainable. Continued international attention, humanitarian aid, and diplomatic efforts are essential in alleviating the immediate suffering and paving the way for a more stable Syria. The events in Aleppo and Hama, while highlighting the depths of division, also serve as a stark reminder of the human stakes involved. It remains to be seen whether the Syrian government can push back against the Rebels. The unfolding drama in Syria emphasises the complications of a conflict that defies easy solutions. While the military dynamics on the ground shift with each new development, the underlying realities of the Syrian Civil War necessitate a multidimensional approach that integrates immediate humanitarian concerns with long-term political strategies. As regional and global actors continue to play their roles, the real challenge lies in finding pathways that prioritize peace, stability, and above all, the well-being of the Syrian people. The writer is a freelance columnist.