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Major Protests Begin
Syrians protest for greater freedom and the end of political corruption. The "Day of Dignity" protest is held in the Syrian capital city of Damascus, in which the release of political prisoners is demanded. The "Day of Rage" rally also occurs in Daara. Deaths caused in the protests lead to unrest among Syrians. -
US Involvement
The United States begins its involvement with Syria when Washington send in troops. This is in response to the bloody retalliation to the rebels who are fighting the government. However, many US citizens are against this action. -
Civil War
Rebel brigades form to battle the Syrian government. They fight to take back control of cities, towns, and the countryside. Fighting soon reaches the cities of Damascus and Aleppo. -
Referendum
President Assad issues a referendum to approve a new constitution. It claims that the ruling Baath Party is the "leader of the state and society". The opposition denounced this action. -
Government and Hezbollah Offensives
Government forces breach a six-month rebel blockade in Wadi al-Deif, near Idlib. Heavy fighting is reported around the town of Babuleen after government troops attempt to secure control of a main highway leading to Aleppo. The break in the siege also allows government forces to resupply two major military bases in the region which had been relying on sporadic airdrops. -
Chemical Weapons Attack
A chemical weapons attack on the outskirts of Damasus kills hundreds of Syrians. The United States pulls back from launching military strikes, however Assad has to become defensive. The president is forced to destroy Syria's chemical weapons. -
Airstrikes
The US launches airstrikes inside Syria. This is in an attempt to "degrade and ultimately destroy" ISIS. However, the coalition avoids attacks that would benefit Assad's forces. -
Russian Involvement
Russia begins its involvement in the crisis. This is due to a formal request by the Syrian government for help against rebel and jihadist groups. The activities consisted of air strikes primarily in north-western Syria against militant groups opposed to the Syrian government, -
Peace Efforts
UN advisor Lakhdar Brahimi's successor, Staffan de Mistura focuses on establishing a series of local ceasefires. His plan for a "freeze zone" in Aleppo was rejected. However, a three-year siege of the Homs suburb of al-Wair is successfully brought to an end. -
Proximity Talks
The conflict with ISIS lends fresh impetus to the search for a political solution in Syria. The US and Russia lead efforts to get representatives of the government and the opposition to attend "proximity talks" in Geneva to discuss a Security Council-endorsed road map for peace. This includes a ceasefire and a transitional period ending with elections.
