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

The emergence of extremist groups within the opposition added another layer of complexity to the situation. As the civil war dragged on, various factions, including the Islamic State (ISIS), exploited the chaos to gain territory and power. The presence of such groups not only posed a threat to Assad’s regime but also raised concerns among international powers about the potential for a failed state in Syria, which could lead to broader regional instability.