The recent seizure of two major Syrian cities by Islamist rebels has its roots in Syria's long history of civil war and rebellion. The ongoing civil war, which has lasted nearly 14 years, has resulted in over half a million deaths and millions of displaced people. The rebels' advance on the city of Hama brings them closer to Damascus, the stronghold of President Bashar Assad. Hama has a history of violence, including the infamous Hama Massacre in 1982, which left thousands dead and fueled resentment against the Assad regime. The conflict in Syria has also seen the entry and exit of the jihadist group Islamic State, as well as involvement from various allies and adversaries, including Iran, Hezbollah, Israel, and Russia.