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A New Syria? ⁢Former⁤ Rebels Embrace Bureaucracy in Idlib

IDLIB, SYRIA – After years ‌as a refugee ⁣in Lebanon, ⁤rami ‌recently returned to his hometown of Idlib, a city in northwestern Syria.He was struck by the efficiency and kindness he‌ encountered ‍while renewing his ID card.‍ “I was so surprised,” Rami said, “I told the director, ‘If you keep treating us this​ well, ⁤we’ll get used to it!'”

This sentiment, a mix of disbelief and cautious‍ optimism, is echoing⁢ throughout Idlib.‍ For decades, Syrians have associated their government with corruption, endless bureaucracy, and fear. ​Checkpoints were ⁢dreaded, often requiring bribes and carrying the risk of detention or forced‌ military service.

Now, the​ landscape is changing.Hayat Tahrir‍ al Sham (HTS), a Salafist militant group that‍ seized control of Idlib ⁢after ousting President Bashar ⁢al-Assad, is⁢ implementing ​a surprising strategy: embracing ⁤institutions.

“The Syrian revolution has won,” declared ⁤Abu Mohamad‍ al Julani, HTS leader, now ‌using ⁢his real name, ahmed Husein al⁣ Shara. “But Syria cannot be led with a revolutionary mindset. ⁣We ‍need laws and institutions.”

This shift is evident in the Alepo Provincial Government building, a towering structure scarred by years of fighting.‌ Inside, a ​bearded HTS policeman guards‍ the‍ entrance, while a clean-shaven former regime official serves tea. A triumvirate from Idlib has taken charge, attempting to revive the administration.

While ⁤they estimate that 95%‍ of ‌officials have⁤ returned to their posts, they ‍acknowledge the challenges ahead. “We are trying to ‌preserve and utilize the existing structures,” ​one official explained. “But corruption and nepotism were rampant under the⁣ Assad regime, so we don’t even know how many employees‍ we have.”

the success of HTS’s institutional approach‌ remains to⁣ be seen.‍ However, for many Syrians, the mere possibility of a​ functioning government, free from the abuses of the past, is a glimmer of hope in‌ a country⁢ ravaged by⁢ war.

Syrian Opposition⁢ Leaders Seek to⁢ Replicate​ Idlib Model in Aleppo

Aleppo, Syria – A new leadership⁤ triumvirate in Aleppo, formed by opposition figures ⁢Fawaz al Helal, Abd al Wahab Daas, and​ Zakaria Lababidi, aims to ⁤implement ‌the governance model established by Hayat Tahrir⁤ al-Sham (HTS) in Idlib province. This move comes as the ⁤Syrian civil war enters ⁣its twelfth year, with Aleppo,​ once Syria’s largest city, still bearing ⁢the scars of intense fighting.

The trio, who assumed ​interim control of ⁣Aleppo’s provincial delegation last Sunday, believe the Idlib model offers a‍ viable path ⁣forward for the war-torn region. “We want to⁤ apply the ​experience we have gained in Idlib, without violating any laws,” explains al Helal. Daas adds, “We aim⁤ to introduce ⁣the model ​and the experience⁣ we have followed in Idlib.”

Idlib, a small, conservative province bordering Turkey, fell under HTS control in ‍2019 after the group defeated⁢ other Islamist and rebel factions. HTS established the “Salvation Government” to administer the​ province.

During a 2020 visit⁣ to⁢ Idlib, ⁣this publication observed a region grappling with severe challenges. Basic services like water and‌ electricity ​were scarce, mobile phone coverage ‌was limited, and employment opportunities were virtually nonexistent. The province’s 3.5 million inhabitants, ​two-thirds of whom were internally⁤ displaced, struggled to survive.

The ⁣new leadership in Aleppo hopes to replicate Idlib’s governance structure, which, despite its limitations, has provided a semblance of‌ stability and order in a​ region ravaged by conflict. Though, it ​remains ⁣to be seen whether this model can be successfully implemented in⁤ aleppo, a city with a vastly diffrent demographic and political landscape.

The success of this endeavor hinges on several⁣ factors, including the ability of the new leadership to secure international support, address the humanitarian needs of‍ Aleppo’s residents, and navigate the complex web of‌ political and military factions operating in the region.

The coming months will be crucial in determining whether the Idlib model can offer a viable path towards peace and stability in Aleppo and, potentially, other parts of war-torn Syria.

Idlib’s Conversion: ‌From War zone to Bastion of Stability Under HTS Rule

Idlib, syria – Once synonymous with chaos and destruction,​ the northwestern Syrian province ‌of Idlib ⁣is undergoing a remarkable transformation. Under the administration ⁤of the Hayat⁣ tahrir al-Sham ⁤(HTS) government, the ‌region has seen a surge in stability, infrastructure⁣ development, and⁣ a renewed ‍sense of normalcy.

The change is⁣ palpable. Gone are the⁤ ubiquitous tents housing displaced families, replaced by newly‍ constructed homes.‍ Supermarkets are stocked with goods, even boasting the latest iPhone models. Workshops and factories ⁢hum with activity, and two local mobile phone companies have emerged.

“It’s all so different ⁤now,” says Rahiha, a 50-year-old ⁢woman who⁤ recently returned to Idlib. “It’s more ‍civilized, there’s more security. I’m proud‍ of the men in charge.”

The streets, once patrolled by a patchwork of militias, are now overseen by the HTS-affiliated police force‌ in their new vehicles. While HTS’s origins are rooted in jihadist ideology, its governance in Idlib has taken on a ⁣distinctly pragmatic tone.

mohamed al asmar,head of communications for the HTS government’s ‌Ministry of Media,emphasizes the group’s commitment to good governance. “We have instructed our personnel not⁣ to ‍accept⁤ bribes and to build trust ‌with the population,” ⁢he says. “Even in a state of war,⁣ we developed the province, and people⁤ saw⁣ they ‌could rely on us.”

The HTS ‍government,‍ according to ⁢al ‍Asmar, is chosen through a council of notables and representatives from various professions, all men.‍ While this structure⁤ may not be representative of HTS’s ultimate vision for Syria, al​ Asmar insists that elections will‌ be held once the war subsides.

“We couldn’t hold elections in the ‍context of⁣ war, but that has ‍changed,” he promises.

Even religious leaders, who might be expected to ⁤be wary of an Islamist government, express cautious optimism.

“What ​gives me hope is that they are educated people,” says Denys Antoine Shahda, the ​Syriac Catholic Archbishop. “Although ​some⁣ outside say they are a terrorist group, we haven’t seen that here. We’ve spoken with dignified and ⁣cultured individuals.”

This shift towards pragmatism is‌ attributed to ⁢HTS ​leader Ahmed al Shara’s strategic approach, according to Syrian analyst⁢ Haid Haid.

“He ⁣uses a gradual strategy⁤ that mixes patience, coercion, and persuasion,” Haid writes on X (formerly Twitter). “This has allowed him to implement his objectives step by step, adapting to the population’s reactions to minimize ‍negative responses.”

A key⁢ example of this strategy is HTS’s approach to religious minorities. In Idlib, the group has returned land and restored shrines belonging‌ to druze and Christian communities, a stark contrast to the actions of other islamist militant ‌groups.

While the future of Idlib and HTS’s⁣ role in Syria remain uncertain, ‍the province’s transformation offers a glimpse ⁢into⁣ the potential for pragmatic governance even in the moast challenging‍ circumstances.

From Battlefield to​ bureaucracy: How​ HTS Became a Power player​ in Syria

Idlib,‍ Syria ‍ – In the war-torn landscape of Syria, hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) has emerged ‍as a dominant force, controlling the northwestern province of ⁤idlib. Once a radical ⁤offshoot of al-Qaeda,⁢ HTS has undergone a transformation, evolving into a complex entity that ⁤governs, provides⁢ services, and ⁣maintains ⁤a formidable military presence.

This evolution is largely‌ attributed⁢ to the leadership of Abu Mohammed al-Jolani, known within HTS as “Al Shara.” A seasoned commander who has led the group as its days as⁤ the Nusra Front, Al Shara is described ‍by those who know​ him as a “charismatic and intelligent” ‌leader who is open to criticism and willing to engage in dialog.

“He is ‍a leader, not a dictator,” says a source ‍close to⁣ HTS, ​who requested anonymity.”when his leadership has been questioned, he has offered to step down, but his commanders‍ have ⁣always ultimately ⁢reaffirmed their support.”

While HTS still ​harbors elements of radical Islamism, Al Shara has‍ worked ⁤to steer the group away from exporting‌ jihad, differentiating it from more extreme groups like ISIS.

“There are two⁢ types ‌of jihad,” explains the ⁤source. “Expansive jihad, which aims to spread Islam to other​ countries,⁣ is no longer necessary because everyone has access to​ details ​online. Defensive ​jihad, on the other hand, was necessary​ to protect ourselves from the Assad regime.”

HTS’s military prowess is undeniable. The‍ group has repeatedly defeated Syrian⁢ government forces, despite being substantially outnumbered and outgunned.⁤ This success can be attributed to ‍years of training,a strict hierarchical structure,and a military academy established⁢ in Idlib.

Furthermore, HTS has cultivated a reputation for‍ discipline and integrity, contrasting sharply with other rebel groups plagued by infighting and⁣ corruption.

“Turkey has seen the difference between our model and the territories they support, which are governed by other groups,” the source says. “they​ have seen the difference in governance, economy… so relations with Turkey have improved.”

While HTS denies receiving direct financial support⁣ from Turkey, the group’s funding primarily comes from taxes, import duties, and trade, including the ⁤smuggling of goods into regime-controlled areas.

“Our weapons ‌are Russian, captured from the Syrian army,” the source adds.

Some analysts, like Turkish academic Selim Koru, believe that the ⁣influence⁤ of Turkish Islamists is evident in HTS’s approach.

“The lesson of the AKP [Turkey’s ruling party] is ​to conceal one’s Islamism and take a gradual approach,” Koru observes.

As HTS continues to ​consolidate its power in Idlib, its future ⁢trajectory remains uncertain. Will it maintain its pragmatic approach, or will its‌ more radical elements reassert themselves? ‍The answer will have significant implications for the ongoing‌ Syrian conflict and the wider region.

Idlib’s Transformation: A Glimmer of Hope or‌ a Mirage?

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The Syrian civil war has raged for over a decade, leaving a trail of devastation and despair across the country. But amidst⁤ the rubble and⁢ ruins, a surprising narrative is emerging from the northwestern province of Idlib. Under the control ​of ‌Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), a former Salafist militant ⁤group, Idlib is undergoing a remarkable transformation, leaving many ‌to‌ wonder if ‍this could ​be a blueprint for a “new Syria.”

From ⁣Chaos ‍to Stability:

Our​ correspondent on the ground reports a stark contrast⁣ between ⁢the​ Idlib of today and the⁣ war-torn province of yesterday. Gone are the makeshift camps and ubiquitous checkpoints. Instead, newly constructed homes dot⁢ the landscape, ⁢supermarkets brim with goods, and workshops ⁤hum with activity.

HTS, once ‌associated with extremist ideology, has⁣ adopted ⁢a pragmatic approach ⁢to​ governance, focusing ‍on‍ restoring​ basic services and ensuring security. This has earned them the cautious praise of ‌even religious leaders who initially feared ⁢their rule.

A Model‌ for​ aleppo?

Inspired by the relative stability in⁣ Idlib,‌ opposition leaders in ‍Aleppo are now seeking to replicate the HTS model. ⁣ They hope to establish a similar governance structure, bringing much-needed order‍ and security to ‍the battered city.

Challenges ​and Uncertainties:

While the transformation in ⁣Idlib is undeniable,it’s crucial ‍to ‌acknowledge the ⁣challenge⁣ of replicating this success elsewhere. ‍Aleppo, with its diverse population and⁢ complex political landscape, presents a different set ⁤of hurdles.

Moreover,HTS’s origins remain rooted in extremism,and questions ⁤linger about the group’s​ long-term political ambitions. While they claim to believe in elections, their promise hasn’t materialized yet.

A Glimmer of⁤ Hope?

Despite the uncertainties, the developments in Idlib offer a glimmer of hope in a country ravaged by war.

The success of the Idlib model, ​should it be replicable, could provide a blueprint for rebuilding Syria, albeit one with a ‌unique set of ‌challenges and complexities.

Moving Forward:

It’s too early to declare Idlib a success story, but it undeniably presents a fascinating case study. As the Syrian conflict enters its twelfth year,⁣ we will continue to ​track developments in ​Idlib ⁤and Aleppo, providing ​our readers with insightful analysis and on-the-ground reporting.