What began five years ago as a peaceful uprising by Syrians complaining about high unemployment, corruption, lack of political freedom and a state repression under President Bashar al-Assad has now left 250,000+ dead. A key factor in the escalation of violence has been intervention by regional and world powers. The military, financial and political support for government and opposition by Iran, Russia, Saudi Arabia, USA and the UK has contributed directly to the intensification and continuation of the fighting, which has turned Syria into a battleground. The UK has sent £100m through the Conflict Stability and Security Fund for non-humanitarian purposes, and heavily-armed members of the SAS have been photographed on patrol inside Syria. British special forces, operating from Jordan, have been working since the spring with the Syrian rebels to open a new southern front against IS. See: