The Syrian regime, Free Syrian Army, Syrian National Council, National Coordination Committee, International alliances, Foreign fighters, and Extremists are all main players in Syrian's civil war. U.S. officials and others worry that Syria could become a new foothold for insurgents inspired by al-Qaeda. On Assad's side are traditional Shiite allies Iran and Lebanon's Hezbollah and also has important political cover from Russia and China. The rebels have built an array of regional support that includes the wealthy Gulf states.