Abstract. The article explores the causes, main stages and consequences of the Syrian armed conflict, its negative impact on the entire system of regional security and stability in the Middle East. The author pays special attention to analyzing the prerequisites for the outbreak of a civil war in Syria, to large-scale interference of foreign states and non-state actors in the face of radical Islamist groups in this conflict. It is emphasized that Iran, Turkey, Russia and the USA have become the main external forces participating in the Syrian conflict. The role and importance of the Kurdish factor in the northern and north-eastern regions of Syria are also considered. The author concludes that, despite the defeat of the largest terrorist groups and the establishment by the Government of the Syrian Arab Republic of control over most of the country’s territory, it is too early to talk about resolving the conflict. The country remains split into several enclaves, most of the Syrians find themselves in a position of refugees abroad or reside in territories not controlled by Damascus. The most promising way to normalize the situation in the SAR seems to be the intensification of negotiations between representatives of the Assad government and the opposition in Geneva format, where one of the main issues on the agenda is the coordination of the draft future constitution. The author also believes that the defeat of the “Islamic State” in Syria in previous years can significantly reduce the foreign military presence in this country.