Syria is only slightly larger than Missouri, but it has become, in many ways, the center of the world. Even before President Obama's commitment of US military force to the conflict, the Syrian civil war had become a focal point for tensions far outside its borders. Indeed, much of the world is engaged, either directly or by proxy, in the conflict. We break it down: WHAT COUNTRIES ARE INVOLVED? Syria United States Russia Iran Israel Saudi Arabia Iraq Lebanon Turkey The EU Jordan The Gulf states THE (recent) HISTORY IN CONFLICT Islamic Revolution in Iran Iran-Iraq War The Gulf War The Iraq War The Arab Spring RELEVANT LAWS Geneva Conventions