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?

Syria seems like one of the most complex wars ever, post WWII

all the different interests for the different proxy wars makes it exponentially worse

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There are several main 'sides'.

USA/EU/Saudis/Al Queda: Want Assad gone so because he said no to building a pipeline from Saudi Arabia to Europe to give Europe cheaper LNG than currently getting from Russia

Russia/Iran/Assad: Do not want pipeline built, because it increases Saudi Arabia's power over Europe and in the Middle East, and decreases Russia's influence in Europe and Iran's in the middle east.

ISIS: Was part of US/EU/AQ side but is now more of a liability.

Kurds: frick the Turks, gas the Arabs, race war now

Turkey: Various motivations, not really on anyone's side, but not really against anyone either. I think they're just having fun because they get to kill Kurds, Arabs, and spend US money.

This image should be the first thing that comes up for "Why is there war in Syria?"