Rather than coming out of nowhere, the dynamics that led to the HTS rebels' offensive in Syria have been building for a long time. The post The Rebel Offensive in Syria Was Hiding in Plain Sight appeared first on World Politics Review.

The 13-year civil war in Syria has roared back into prominence with a surprise rebel offensive on one of Syria’s largest cities and ancient business hub.

A lightning offensive in Syria last week broke a prolonged stalemate 13 years into Syria's civil war and emphasized the vulnerability of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's regime. Why it matters: Rebels last week reclaimed nearly all of Aleppo,

Syrians are generally repelled by extreme religious rhetoric. As jihadist groups came to dominate the rebellion after pro-democracy demonstrations were crushed after the first year or so of war after 2011, many Syrians either stayed neutral or sided reluctantly with the regime because they feared the murderous jihadist ideology of Islamic State.

Syrian opposition forces in recent days seized Aleppo, one of Syria's largest cities, reigniting a 13-year civil war.

Syrian rebels are advancing on Hama after capturing Aleppo, the country’s second-largest city. They’re challenging President Assad. Russia has joined the regime in counterstrikes.

Syrian government forces pressed a counterattack against Islamist-led rebels around the key city of Hama on Wednesday after suffering a string of staggering losses further north, a war monitor said. The Britain-based war monitor said government forces backed by air support launched a counterattack on the HTS rebels and allied factions in Hama province on Wednesday.