Syrian opposition
Syrian opposition groups started forming during the rule of Hafez al-Assad and the Ba’ath party. The Ba’ath party, which advocates for a unified Arab state based on pan-Arabism and Arab nationalism, experienced internal divisions over issues such as the economy, foreign policy, and national unity, leading to the formation of military and civilian wings based on personal loyalty. The military wing emerged as the dominant force in Syria and played a significant role in Hafez al-Assad's rise to power. In February of 1982, Syrian government forces carried out a violent operation in the town of Hama, resulting in the deaths of an estimated 30,000 Syrians over a 27-day period. This event, along with other reported human rights violations, spurred the emergence of opposition groups.