re: The Russians say the chemical attack was by the rebels, America says by Assad.

quote:

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do we even know how many "sides" are really fighting in Syria right now?

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As briefly as possible:

Al-Saad (leader of Syria)


Supported by Iran due to religious ties- both are shiite - and Iran's number one rival is Saudi Arabia

Supported by Russia because destabilization is Syria immediately and severely affects Russian national security and because Russia holds the Port of Taurus on the Mediterranean Coast in Syria. Furthermore, Russia has economic interest in Al-Saad remaining in power.

Supported by China because China as economic interest in the Al-Saad regime and China has a long-standing policy of opposing regime change by outside forces.

Supported by Hezbollah because Hezbollah is shiite extremist group.

Rebellion

Free Syria Army is the moderate paramilitary group at the center of the Rebellion whose state interest is regime change for a more democratic Syria.

ISIS/ISIL is the Sunni Extremist paramilitary group who seeks regime change in Syria in order to establish a Sunni caliphate in the larger region and a nation of operations. They are funded by Saudi Arabia.

Al-Nusar is a Sunni Extremist paramilitary group seeking a regime change in Syria to establish a Sunni government. They are supported by Qatar.

75 other smaller extremist groups are engaged in the fighting as well.

Saudi Arabia is funding ISIS because it wants Al-Saad gone on religious grounds (Saudi Arabia is sunni) and to weaken Iran. Same for Qatar

The U.S. and its Western Allies support the rebellion and regime change supposedly because of war crimes by Al-Saad but more likely because our two allies - Saudi Arabia and Qatar - want him gone.