Syria's Rebels Lose Support When They Need It Most

MIN READJul 25, 2016 | 09:30 GMT

Locals survey the damage in an area of Aleppo city held by forces loyal to Syrian President Bashar al Assad. Al Assad's backers continue to receive substantial aid from their foreign allies, while rebel forces are losing support from theirs.

(GEORGE OURFALIAN/AFP/Getty Images)

Shifts in momentum have marked the Syrian civil war since it began in 2011. At different times, the rebels and the loyalists have each held the upper hand on the battlefield. But lately, the most decisive element determining who maintains the advantage has been the degree of outside assistance each side has received. Consequently, flagging support for the rebellion at a time of unwavering aid for the Syrian government bodes ill for the rebels' prospects in the months ahead....