The ongoing conflict in Syria has been characterized by a complex web of factions fighting for control of the country. Among these factions are the rebels, who have been fighting against the Assad regime since the start of the civil war in 2011. As the rebels continue to gain ground in certain areas, questions have been raised about how they might govern if they were to seize power.
One area where the rebels have had significant control is Idlib, a province in northwestern Syria. Idlib has been under rebel control since 2015, when various rebel groups, including Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), took control of the province. Since then, the rebels have governed Idlib with varying degrees of success, providing a glimpse into how they might govern if they were to gain control of other parts of the country.
One key aspect of the rebels’ rule in Idlib has been their ability to provide basic services to the population. Despite facing numerous challenges, including a lack of resources and ongoing conflict with the Assad regime, the rebels have managed to maintain a level of stability in the province. They have set up local councils to provide services such as healthcare, education, and electricity, and have worked to maintain law and order in the region.
The rebels in Idlib have also implemented a form of Islamic governance, with HTS imposing Sharia law in the province. While this has led to concerns about human rights abuses and the restriction of freedoms, it has also helped to provide a sense of order and stability in the region. The rebels have also worked to provide social services to the population, including distributing aid and running schools and hospitals.
However, the rebels’ rule in Idlib has not been without its challenges. The province has faced ongoing conflict with the Assad regime, as well as infighting between different rebel factions. This has led to instability and insecurity in the region, and has raised questions about the rebels’ ability to govern effectively.
Overall, the rebels’ rule in Idlib offers some clues about how they might govern if they were to seize power in other parts of Syria. While they have shown an ability to provide basic services and maintain a level of stability, they have also faced challenges in terms of governance and security. If the rebels were to govern Syria, they would likely face similar challenges, and would need to work to address issues such as human rights abuses, corruption, and infighting among rebel factions.
In conclusion, the rebels’ rule in Idlib provides some insight into how they might govern if they were to gain control of other parts of Syria. While they have shown some ability to provide basic services and maintain stability, they have also faced challenges in terms of governance and security. As the conflict in Syria continues to evolve, it remains to be seen how the rebels will govern if they are able to seize power in other areas of the country.
