How Might the Rebels Govern Syria? Their Ruling History in Idlib Offers Clues

The ongoing conflict in Syria has left the country in a state of chaos and instability. With the Assad regime still in power in many parts of the country, rebel groups have emerged as key players in the fight for control. In the northwestern province of Idlib, rebel groups have established a de facto government, offering a glimpse into how they might govern if they were to take control of the entire country.

Idlib, which is the last major rebel-held stronghold in Syria, has been under the control of various rebel groups since 2015. These groups, which include Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) and the National Liberation Front (NLF), have worked together to govern the province and provide essential services to the civilian population.

In Idlib, rebel groups have set up their own courts, police forces, and local councils to administer the province. They have also established a system of taxation to fund their operations and provide for the needs of the population. This system of governance, while imperfect, has allowed the rebel groups to maintain a degree of stability in the province and provide some semblance of order to the civilian population.

However, the rebel groups in Idlib have also been accused of human rights abuses and violations of international law. Reports of arbitrary arrests, torture, and extrajudicial killings have surfaced, raising concerns about the rebels’ commitment to democratic principles and human rights.

If the rebels were to govern Syria as a whole, it is likely that they would face similar challenges in terms of governance and administration. The diverse array of rebel groups in Syria, each with its own agenda and ideology, would need to work together to establish a unified government and provide for the needs of the population.

In addition, the rebel groups would need to address the issue of security and stability in the country. The presence of extremist groups such as ISIS and al-Qaeda in Syria would pose a significant threat to the rebels’ rule, and they would need to work to eliminate these groups and establish a secure environment for the civilian population.

Overall, the rebels’ ruling history in Idlib offers some clues as to how they might govern Syria if given the opportunity. While they have shown some ability to provide essential services and maintain a degree of stability, they have also been accused of human rights abuses and violations of international law. It remains to be seen whether the rebels would be able to govern Syria effectively and responsibly if they were to take control of the country.