The Syrian Civil War began in 2011 as an uprising against the regime of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. The conflict started as peaceful protests against the government, but the harsh crackdown on protesters inflamed public anger. The uprising was inspired by the Arab Spring uprisings in Tunisia and Egypt. Lack of freedoms and economic woes drove resentment of the Syrian government. The violence rapidly escalated, and the country descended into civil war. Hundreds of rebel groups sprung up, and foreign powers began to take sides, sending money, weaponry, and fighters. The conflict quickly became more than a battle between Syrians for or against Mr. Assad. The conflict is driven by three campaigns: coalition efforts to defeat the self-proclaimed Islamic State, violence between the Syrian government and opposition forces, and military operations against Syrian Kurds by Turkish forces. The Syrian government, backed by Russia and Iran, is fighting against anti-government rebel groups, backed by the United States and a rotating number of U.S. allies, including European allies like France, the United Kingdom, and Italy, as well as regional players like Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Jordan, and the UAE. The conflict has left half a million people dead, devastated cities, and drawn in other countries.