Challenges to Bashar al-Assad's Rule: Factors Contributing to Instability in Syria During the Civil War

The Syrian government’s response to the initial protests was characterized by violent crackdowns. Security forces used live ammunition against demonstrators, leading to casualties and heightened anger among the populace. This brutal response alienated many Syrians, including those who had previously supported the regime. As the violence escalated, protests spread rapidly across the country, transforming into a broader uprising against Assad’s rule.