Clashes between Syrian government forces and the Kurdish-led SDF have resumed in Aleppo amid stalled efforts to integrate the SDF into Syria's military. Despite a ceasefire, tensions persist as both sides blame each other for violence, with regional actors warning of potential escalation before the December 31 deadline for the deal's implementation.
The recent escalation underscores the fragility of Syria's political landscape. The ceasefire orders are unlikely to hold long-term, as both Damascus and the SDF remain distrustful. The core issue is the SDF's desire to maintain autonomy, which conflicts with Damascus's push for full integration. Regional actors like Turkey see Kurdish forces as a threat and have threatened military intervention, further complicating negotiations. The failure to implement the March 2025 deal risks reigniting conflict, potentially drawing in Turkey and destabilizing the region further. The situation suggests that without significant confidence-building measures, the current deadlock will persist, and violence will continue to threaten stability.
In 2013, Aleppo was the first major city to oppose Bashar al-Assad, later falling under ISIS control in 2014. The town was recaptured by Kurdish-led forces in 2017 after a coalition campaign. The March 2025 deal aimed to integrate Kurdish forces into the Syrian government, but implementation has stalled amid ongoing clashes and regional tensions, especially with Turkey opposing Kurdish autonomy.
-
What’s Behind the Recent Clashes in Aleppo and How Are Tensions Being Managed?
Recent fighting in Aleppo has raised concerns about regional stability and the potential for renewed conflict in northern Syria. With clashes involving Syrian government forces and Kurdish-led groups, many are asking what caused these tensions and what’s being done to de-escalate the situation. Below, we explore the key questions about the recent violence, regional implications, and ongoing diplomatic efforts.
-
Can Syria and Kurdish Forces Maintain Peace After Recent Clashes?
Recent clashes in Aleppo have raised concerns about the future stability of Syria's region. With tensions between Syrian government forces, Kurdish-led SDF, and Turkey escalating, many are wondering if peace can hold. In this page, we explore what’s next for Syria, the prospects for long-term stability, and what this means for civilians caught in the crossfire.
-
How Are Iran, Israel, and the US Shaping Middle East Security?
The Middle East remains a hotspot of tension, with Iran rebuilding missile capabilities, Israel considering military action, and the US closely monitoring developments. These actions are shaping regional security and raising fears of escalation. Curious about what’s really happening and what it means for civilians? Keep reading to understand the key players, risks, and possible solutions in this complex geopolitical landscape.
-
Why Do Tensions Keep Flaring in the Middle East?
The Middle East remains a hotspot of ongoing conflict, with tensions flaring repeatedly in countries like Syria, Iran, and Turkey. Understanding the root causes and current developments can help explain why these conflicts persist and what might happen next. Below, we explore key questions about the cycle of violence, regional influences, and the potential for larger conflicts.
-
Why is Iran conducting missile drills now?
Iran's recent missile drills have raised concerns across the Middle East and beyond. These exercises come amid escalating tensions with Israel and the US over Iran's missile and nuclear programs. Many wonder what Iran's motives are and what this means for regional stability. Below, we explore the reasons behind Iran's missile activities and what might happen next.
-
What Are the Main Conflicts in the Middle East Right Now?
The Middle East is currently experiencing a series of escalating tensions and conflicts that have caught global attention. From Iran's missile activities to clashes in Syria and regional disputes over settlements, understanding these issues is crucial. Below, we explore the key conflicts, the involved countries, and what the future might hold for this volatile region.
-
What Do Recent Middle East Developments Mean for Global Security?
Recent events in the Middle East, including Iran's missile activities, escalating Syria-Kurdish tensions, and international reactions to Israeli settlement expansion, are shaping the future of regional and global security. These developments raise important questions about potential conflicts, international involvement, and diplomatic efforts. Below, we explore the key questions and what they mean for the world stage.
-
What’s the Future of Middle East Peace and Conflict?
The Middle East remains a hotspot of tension and diplomacy, with recent developments shaping the prospects for peace and stability. From Iran’s missile activities to regional clashes and international reactions to settlement expansion, many questions arise about what’s next. Here, we explore the key issues and what they mean for the future of the region.
-
Why Are M23 Rebels Withdrawing from Uvira?
The recent withdrawal of M23 rebels from Uvira has raised many questions about regional stability and ongoing conflicts in eastern DRC. Despite claims of a staged retreat, reports suggest that violence continues, and tensions remain high. Understanding the reasons behind this withdrawal, the regional tensions involved, and the potential for escalation is crucial for anyone following this crisis. Below, we explore the key questions surrounding this developing situation.
-
What’s Causing the Recent Fighting in Aleppo?
Recent clashes in Aleppo between Syrian government forces and Kurdish-led groups have raised concerns about escalating violence. Many wonder what’s behind these renewed hostilities and what they mean for the region. Below, we explore the key questions about the conflict, its causes, and potential outcomes.
-
What’s Next in Middle East and Global Security?
The geopolitical landscape is rapidly evolving, with escalating tensions in the Middle East and shifting dynamics worldwide. From conflicts involving Iran, Israel, and the US to regional clashes in Syria and economic pressures in Venezuela, many are asking what the future holds. Here, we explore the key questions shaping global security and what to watch for in the coming weeks.
-
The Syrian Democratic Forces is an alliance in the Syrian Civil War composed primarily of Kurdish, Arab, and Assyrian/Syriac militias, as well as some smaller Armenian, Turkmen and Chechen forces.
-
Aleppo is a city in Syria, which serves as the capital of the Aleppo Governorate, the most populous Syrian governorate. With an official population of 4.6 million in 2010, Aleppo was the largest Syrian city before the Syrian Civil War; however, it is now
-
Hakan Fidan is a Turkish politician currently serving as the Minister of Foreign Affairs since June 2023. He was previously the director of the National Intelligence Organization from March 2010 until June 2023.
-
An Islamic state is a state that has a form of government based on Islamic law. As a term, it has been used to describe various historical polities and theories of governance in the Islamic world.
-
Bashar Hafez al-Assad is a Syrian politician who has been the President of Syria since 17 July 2000. In addition, he is commander-in-chief of the Syrian Armed Forces and Regional Secretary of the Arab Socialist Ba'ath Party's branch in Syria.