Where’s the Money?

Sources of funding and influence in the Syrian Conflict

1.       The Assad Regime

A)     Iran/Hezbollah: Iran and its regional ally, Hezbollah, have always been staunch backers of the Assad regime. However, they have recently become active participants in the war as well. In June a battle that was internationally seen as signifying a change in momentum from the rebels to the regime was fought over the strategic town of Qusayr. However, the battle was planned and fought in large part by Hezbollah, under orders from Iran.

B)      Russia: Syria is Russia’s only remaining ally in the middle east, as well providing its last naval base there. Accordingly, Russia has provided everything short of overt military involvement, including weapons sales and U.N. assistance. Interestingly, however, Russia cooperated with the U.S. on destroying Assad’s chemical weapons.

2.       The Rebels

A)     Saudi Arabia/Qatar: Saudi Arabia and Qatar are Iran’s regional rivals. While Iran arms and supports the Shiite Assad regime Saudi Arabia and Qatar fund several Sunni Islamist rebel groups, although they have not yet directly involved themselves militarily. Funds come from both governments and private individuals, with governments outwardly supporting more moderate groups and individual funds flowing to more radical Jihadists, including Al-Qaeda affiliates.

B)      Al Qaeda: Al-Qaeda supports several Sunni militias in Syria, most notably Jahbat Al-Nusra (The Nusra Front). Additionally, the Al-Qaeda affiliate ISIL (The Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant) is actively fighting in Syria and in fact attempted to merge with the Nusra front before the merger was rejected by the leaders of the Nusra front and mainstream Al-Qaeda.

C)      The U.S.: Although America does not have a direct stake in the civil war (outside of ensuring thsat chemical weapons do not fall into the wrong hands), it opposes the Assad regime for humanitarian reasonsAmerica has not intervened directly in the conflict, especially as the opposition has gone from largely secular to increasingly Islamicized. However, it has provided assistance, arms and training to the rebels, with funds being funneled through the Syrian National Council (a secular government-in-exile) and the Free Syrian Army (the largest moderate/secular group rebel militia).