An in depth analysis of the different regional and imperialist forces involved in the war in Syria. Although there are positive developments towards resolving the conflict there are vested interests which will not give up the objective of destroying Syria as a unitary Arab nationalist state. The US, Israel and Turkey play major roles in this and are ranged against the Syrian government, Russia and Iran. The conflict demonstrates that the US cannot effect regime change now as easily as it did in other countries in the region.