Imagine an ancient city that has preserved thousands of years of history and culture; then imagine it being torn to the ground by Russian and Syrian airstrikes in an attempt to stop a rebellion. Unfortunately, that is the situation in Aleppo, Syria as rebel forces struggle to gain independence from the Russian-backed Syrian regime led by Assad. The city declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has been in turmoil since 2012 due to all the fighting. The fighting in Aleppo is part of the larger Syrian Civil War that has already killed over 470,000 people and has caused over 7 million people to be displaced.

What started as a civil war in Syria was quickly thrown onto the world stage as international powers started to intervene. Many countries, including Iran, France, Turkey, and the United States have backed the combatants by giving them financial and humanitarian aid. Russia, however, has had an active role in the war by committing air strikes on the rebels. The reason for Russia’s role in the war is to keep Assad and his regime in power to prevent the spread of U.S. influence in the Middle East.

Despite many attempts by the U.S. to pull Russia out of the war, Vladimir Putin, the President of Russia, intends to strengthen Russian control in Syria. On October 10, 2016, the Russian military announced a plan for a permanent naval base in Syria that will allow Russian forces to work indefinitely in Syria. The base will be located in the port city of Tartus, Syria. Tartus is already the home of a Russian supply port that dates back to the Soviet Union. While the plans have not been approved by Russian lawmakers, Russia has already sent anti-air missile systems to the port along with engineer and support officers.

While Russia has helped the crumbling regime of Assad, they have put themselves at odds with the U.S. Both countries are struggling to find common ground and restore peace in Syria as the fighting continues. The United Nations is also having trouble ending the fighting in Syria as a U.N. Security Council resolution made by France regarding Syria was vetoed by the Russians. Russian proposals struggle to get half of the votes required for them to pass.

Despite a diplomatic standstill, some light was seen for the residents of Aleppo as Russia and Syria halted their airstrikes since October 18 to allow insurgents to give up while they can. Despite this act, the rebels continue to fight the government forces on the ground. A ceasefire on Thursday, October 20 was also made, however, the fighting has continued since.

Despite the fight that the rebels are putting up in Syria, Russia and Assad also face another problem, ISIS. The Islamic State invaded Syria and Iraq back in 2014 and has been causing many problems for the two countries since. While Iraq is now pushing ISIS out of their borders as they are fighting to liberate Mosul, the last ISIS-held city in Iraq, Syria has been less effective at dealing with the Islamic State. Russia has pledged to help Syria in getting rid of ISIS. However, they have a long way to go as they face opposition from the U.S.-led coalition.

Despite the constant horrors that are originating from the Syrian Civil War, the conflicting powers seem persistent in continuing the fighting until one party wins.