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Iran's Islamic revolution
This change in government sparked countless events in years since. By making government in the Middle East a religious conflict, it escalated already uneasy relations between the Sunnis and Shias.
We can see this aftermath decades later in events that have occurred from 2001 to today. -
Al-Qaeda strikes against U.S.
Islam extremist group Al-Qaeda kills thousands in the U.S. in terrorist attack. This was likely a retaliation against U.S. foreign policy regarding Middle East conflicts. This event essentially brought the U.S. further into these conflicts of the Middle East. -
U.S. removes Saddam Hussein
The U.S. led an invasion that resulted in the removal of Saddam Hussein from his position as dictator of Iraq. This shifted the power out of the hands of the Sunnis and into the hands of the Shias in that area. This caused the Sunnis to fight even harder. -
al-Askari Mosque bombing
The bombing of this Shia shrine in Samarra started a cycle of sectarian violence in Iraq, forcing citizens there to take sides. This is one of the first documented examples of Sunni vs. Shia violence on a large scale. -
Saddam Hussein is executed
This execution brought in more conflict because Hussein began to be regarded as a martyr among Sunnis as the Shias began to rise to power in that region. Violence erupted between the two groups as they struggled over political control. -
Protests began in Tunisia
These protests ecalated unrest in surrounding Sunni governments like Saudi Arabia. This eventually led to the democratization of Tunisia, which set an example for other governments in the Middle East to strive for peace. -
The civil war in Syria begins
The Syrian war started with peaceful protests regarding the Assad regime that had ruled there since 1970. However, these protests and government brutality revealed sectarian tensions which exploded and spread throughout the region. -
Bombing in Damascus
This is one of the most notorious events in the Syrian conflict. The national security headquarters in Damascus was bombed, killing many top military and security officers such as the Syrian Defense Minister. -
ISIS becomes a major player in the war
The group formally declared themselves as "caliphate" or supreme government in accordance with Islamic law. They demand that Muslims across the globe swear allegiance and migrate to territory under its control. ISIS is responsible for many acts of violence and violations of human rights in Syria and other areas of the Middle East. -
Iran becomes involved in Syria
Iran-backed group Hezbolla enters the war in support of the Syrian army. This is significant because this is the first country to send physical forces on the ground to aid Syria. However, Iran's motives seem a bit unclear. -
Death toll in Syria at 90,000
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Chemical warfare introduced
Hundreds were killed in Syria after rockets filled with a chemical were shot at agricultural districts around Damascus. This made the conflict in Syria that more dangerous to combat. -
Al-Qaeda expels ISIS
Al-Qaeda formally announces that it has no ties with ISIS. This means Al-Qaeda no longer has representation in Iraq. ISIS is slowly becoming the largest jihad group in the Middle East. -
ISIS seizes Mosul
ISIS took control of Mosul, the second largest city in Iraq. This was a major move in ISIS control in the Middle East, making ISIS more of a global threat. -
Death toll in Syria 191,000
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Death toll in Syria 250,000
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Russia intervenes with air strike campaign
This active involvement from another country sends a message of support to the Syrian government. However, we have yet to see a greater impact from these strikes. -
Syrian military takes back Aleppo air base
Pro-government forces finally reached an airbase that has been under seige by the Islamic State since 2013. This is a big step forward for the Syrian government and the liberation of Syria from ISIS control.
