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The ongoing conflict in Syria between government forces, acting on behalf of President Bashar al-Assad, and rebel groups continues to result in violent attacks on towns and provinces across the country. The fighting has resulted in severe numbers of casualties and the displacement of millions more from their homes, and whilst diplomatic attempts to end the fighting are ongoing, the complicated dimensions of the conflict have meant that expectations of an imminent resolution are slim. In addition, the situation in Syria has been increasingly affected by the rise of Islamic State, who have sought to control a number of towns and territories in the country.  This In Focus provides brief analysis of the conflict’s impact on the country and its population, and highlights some of the recent developments.

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