RESISTING HAYAT TAHRIR AL-SHAM
Syrian Civil Society on the Frontlines by Haid Haid CONTENT
Editorial 3
Summary 4
01 Introduction 5
02 Restrictions imposed on civil society 6
03 Nonviolent resistance strategies against Hayat 9 Tahrir al-Sham
04 Using governance and services as tools 12 of resistance 16 05 The role of peaceful resistance in the context of armed confrontations with HTS 18 06 Conclusion: Applying lessons learned 20 About the Author 20 Acknowledgments EDITORIAL إدلب IDLIB Idlib, a north-western province of Syria, is a rural area and was considered one of the poorest and most conservative regions of the country before the war. In recent years, ATARIB أتارب thousands of civilians and militants from all parts of Syria have been displaced to Idlib under so-called „evacuation Atarib, located some 25 kilometers west of the city of agreements“. Three out of four people in the region today Aleppo, serves as a strategic transport hub between the are dependent on humanitarian aid. city of Aleppo, the northern countryside of the neighboring Idlib governorate, and the Bab al-Hawa border crossing on the Syrian–Turkish border. Starting in 2013, scores of Syrian By contrast, this study dares to fo- cities fell under the control of radi- cus on a detailed close-up: The “big cal Islamist groups such as the Al- picture” is set aside for a clear view Nusra Front or the “Islamic State on local political disputes. That (IS)”. Some cities, however, succee- renders differentiation a necessity. ded in warding off the attempts of This analysis reveals that the milita- QAMISHLIjihadist groups at expanding their ry dominance of a militia in an area territories. Moreover, their success does not necessarily mean that the SARAQIB can evidently not be attributed to militia also exerts political power رساقب Saraqib is a city in northwestern Syria military factors alone: Wide parts over that territory. And it demonst- located east of Idlib. It serves as a strategic of the populations of Atarib and rates that, as disconcerting as it may transport hub between the city of Maarat Al-Nu’man, for instance, sound to some, terror organisations Aleppo and different provinces such as rose to demonstrate against the are not alike. While the Hayat Tah- Turkey Idlib, Hama, Homs and Damascus. attempted takeovers of jihadist mi- rir al-Sham militia (HTS) at the litias – who were indeed eventually centre of this study shares the black ALEPPO coerced into retreat. flag, a gruelling jihadist ideology ATARIB Why were civilians in these cities and its roots in al-Qaida with the IDLIB driven to protest, while hardly any so-called “Islamic State”, they differ resistance against jihadist militias in many respects – particularly with SARAQIB emerged elsewhere? What role is regard to their strategies for seizing bestowed on civil society in the power and their treatment of the MAARAT AL NU‘MAN movement to fend off radical Isla- civilian population. KAFRANBEL mist takeover attempts? What role These subtle differences not only LATAKIA do civil administrative structures generate greater complexity but play? Which circumstances and also draw attention to new strate- MAARAT AL-NU’MAN -what kind of support are required gies against jihadist terror. The ana معرة النعامن Maarat al-Nu’man is a city in northwestern for civil players to put up a fight lysis devised by Syrian author Haid Syria located at the highway between against fundamentalist militias in Haid reveals: If only the political Aleppo and Hama. The city is known for their localities? will existed, nonviolent strategies Syria its resistance to HTS forces, despite the This study, conducted by Syrian of conflict transformation could at military victory of the latter against the local author Haid Haid, is to be under- least serve to contain the expansion armed group Division 13. stood not as an ultimate answer to of extremist militias. And Syrian these questions, but rather as an civil society can and must fulfil a initial exploration which seeks to vital role in such a process. introduce a much needed new per- spective. This becomes necessary Adopt a Revolution team given that the analyses and debates established in Germany, when it comes to the Middle East and the “War on Terror”, oftentimes remain depressingly superficial. It is fre- quently insinuated that the popu- -lation is comprised of neatly defi كفرنبل KAFRANBEL ned monolithic blocks such as “the Kafranbel is a small town in Idlib’s southern countryside. Kurds”, “the Arabs” or “the Sunnis” It has become known for its banners which attempt to instead of politically thinking and address different political and military dynamics through acting individuals. The role of local witty and sarcastic messages. civilian and civil-society stakehol- ders is therefore often neglected – ERBIN usually in favour of dissolute geo- political digressions.
Page 2. adopt a revolution Page 3. adopt a revolution SUMMARY 01 INTRODUCTION
In the absence of a convenient military option in the face of HTS which can defeat 1 Despite HTS’ limited public use In the province of Idlib and the To this end, HTS has attempted to This paper aims to contribute to of violence, especially in compar west of rural Aleppo, Hayat Tahrir take total control of civilian affairs fostering a better understanding 01the group and gain local support, civil resistance seems to be the best option avail ison to ISIS, it has been using able. Such a struggle relies on mixed methods that allow locals to organize themselves and other forms of violence such as al-Sham’s (HTS) control has signif through an initiative titled ‘The of the role that local Syrian civil disrupt the patterns of cooperation and obedience as well as human and material resources threats, intimidation, detention, icantly risen since the beginning of Civil Administration for Services’, society groups can play in resisting torture etc. 2017. Following the recent defeat of a civilian wing to govern rebel-held extremist groups such as HTS in that HTS depends on in order to contain the group and weaken its legitimacy and support 2 Haid, H. (2017), ‘Local Com- Ahrar al-Sham in July 2017, which areas and to oversee or replace local Syria. To achieve that, it analyses base. Local communities, after all, are the main actors that can enable HTS to flourish or munity Resistance to Extremist until then was perceived as the big- councils 3 and civil society organi- the restrictions imposed by HTS bring it to an end. Groups in Syria: Lessons from gest rebel group, HTS has become sations (CSOs) 4. on the work of civil society orga- Atarib’, Chatham House, June 2017, https://www.chatham- by far the most powerful military nisations and activists in areas HTS The restrictions imposed by HTS on civil society work depend largely on how influ- house.org/publication/local- group in northern Syria without To legitimize its civilian front, HTS controls or has a presence in. This community-resistance-extremist- much contest. However, the group reached out to well-known revolu- paper then examines the different 02 ential HTS is in the respective area and the type of work being carried out. Humani- groups-syria-lessons-atarib (accessed 21 July 2017). seems to be struggling to match its tionary figures, religious scholars tactics deployed by Syrian civil so- tarian organisations are allowed to operate in areas controlled by HTS. But such permissions military gains with a similar level of and community leaders requesting ciety groups in the context of both come with enforced requirements, such as imposed taxation (atawat) on organisations pro- 3 Local administration councils are community support in the territo- them to join the newly establis- peaceful and armed resistance to created by local actors to serve viding aid. As for civil society organisations, HTS does not seem to completely forbid them. as an alternative to the Syrian ries it controls or operates in. That hed Civil Administration. Most HTS. Finally, it attempts to con- Such activities, however, are tolerated only under strict conditions and are subject to close regime. They are in charge of became apparent when locals in of those individuals rejected HTS’ tribute to the ongoing discussion running opposition-held areas and many areas, notably in Maarat al- invitation due to ideological dif- about how to deal with areas under monitoring. Furthermore, civil society work is easier in areas where HTS has limited influence. providing public services to local populations. Nu’man, Atarib and Saraqib, took ferences as well as HTS’ violations HTS influence as well as the civil to the streets demonstrating against and practices. Notably, while some society groups and local governing The nonviolent resistance strategies deployed against HTS are similar to the ones 4 In this research paper, ‘civil HTS attacks and projecting their of the above mentioned figures bodies that operate inside them. used against both the Syrian regime and ISIS. Organising demonstrations and public society’ is used in a broad sense 03 to refer to activists, local move- unwillingness to cave in to HTS’ have always resisted HTS influence, events is the most popular tactic. A more passive war of logos and slogans also usually takes ments and initiatives, local relief authority. others have even started to actively Central to the research for this organisations, governing bodies express their ideological disagree- paper is a set of semi-structured place in the background to achieve a symbolic and visual supremacy. Likewise, satire is one and local organisations working in of the main tools that activists have at their disposal to undermine HTS and its legitimacy. the public sphere. Despite isolated violent incidents ment with the group as they fear interviews with 10 Syrian civil soci- against locals where the latter were the prospect of suffering a similar ety groups. These were conducted 5 Author interview via Skype with shot at and some were even killed, fate to Raqqa where many milita- online by the author over Skype or HTS uses the provision of public services to generate community support and activist Mosaab, a field coordina- tor working with a group focusing HTS shied away from publically ry forces are fighting ISIS without WhatsApp between July and Octo- 04 recruit members. To this end, HTS attempts to disband local governing institutions on conflict resolution, 20 July using violence against civilians. 1 much regard for human or material ber 2017. The interviewees were se- and replace them with its affiliate governing bodies. To counter such efforts, civil society 2017. Fearing a repeat of similar angry losses. 5 lected based on recommendations organisations contribute to increasing the efficiency and legitimacy of local institutions to public responses that triggered the from well-established Syrian ac make them hard to replace. It may not always be possible to stop HTS attempts but sup- popular local armed resistance to In the absence of a convenient mil tivists and civil society groups. The 2 porting local governing institutions makes it more difficult for HTS to purge them. ISIS in 2014 , HTS began to focus itary option in the face of HTS identities of interviewees remain on enforcing its dominance by which can defeat the group and anonymous due to safety concerns. taking control of civilian affairs gain local support, civil resistance The interviews focused on different Most of the organisations’ work to create local resistance to HTS takes place before rather than using direct violence. seems to be the best option avail areas in northern Syria where HTS 05 direct confrontations with the latter. Nonetheless, the role of civil society groups able. Such a struggle relies on mixed is trying to establish itself as the does not end there, as many of them continue to play important roles during skirmishes methods that allow locals to orga- dominant force but local commu- between HTS and locals. Undermining HTS’ logic of violence and finding holes in the nize themselves and disrupt the nities and activists are still resisting group’s justifications is a common tactic. Mobilising local communities to protest in the patterns of cooperation and obe- the group, as is the case in Atarib, dience as well as human and mate- Kafranbel, Maarat al-Nu’man, Sa- streets and show collective rejection is also popular. rial resources that HTS depends on raqib etc. This paper does not claim in order to contain the group and to list all the resistance efforts pur- Civil resistance is like any other strategy; it works better in some areas than others. weaken its legitimacy and support sued by different Syrian activists 06 Therefore, it is important to pay special attention to the enabling factors that allow base. Local communities, after all, and organisations - on the contrary, are the main actors who have the it is just a primary effort to pave the هيئة تحرير الشام some civil groups to be more successful than others. The existence of a functioning gover- Hayat Tahrir al-Sham nance apparatus and reliable services is a key factor in preventing HTS from exploiting such capacity to allow HTS to flourish way for additional studies on this The group’s name has changed several times since its rise or bring it to an end. topic. domains as recruiting tools. Likewise, it is vital to establish strong relationships between civil in 2013. In July 2016 it changed its name from Jabhat society and local governing bodies as it provides such groups with official protection and al-Nusra to Jabhat Fatah al-Sham after breaking ties with al-Qaeda. The group renamed itself Hayat Tahrir al-Sham legitimacy. The more organised and united the community is, the greater the chance it has in January 2017, marking a large-scale merger with other to resist HTS’ influence and imposed entities. Syrian rebel groups. For consistency, this paper refers to the group as Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS).
Page 4. adopt a revolution Page 5. adopt a revolution 02 RESTRICTIONS IMPOSED ON CIVIL SOCIETY
The risks and challenges facing Restrictions on „ The organisations providing aid But unlike ISIS, 10 Author interview via Skype with „ What started as a customary and implement the project with There is no simple solution to a Syrian organisations working in humanitarian actors or health services are usually wel- activist Waleed, a team leader for behaviour by some organisations one of its affiliate charities. The situation like this. Nonetheless, it which attempts a group supporting local gover- rebel-held areas are directly linked comed in areas controlled by HTS nance, 3 July 2017. who sought permission from NGO threatened to terminate the seems that the first step is to start a to the nature of the armed groups However, the fluidity of the Syrian as they alleviate the burden on to run its held armed groups to ensure the sa- project and close its office in the debate among all humanitarian ac- controlling or functioning in those conflict and constant changes in the latter which does not have the fety of their operations and staff town. The NGO as well as other ac- tors operating in areas where HTS territories 11 Author interview via Skype with areas. Thus, it is important to dif- the zones of influence prevent the needed resources. But this does activist Mosaab, a field coordina- has become formalised and taxed tivists and civil groups used those has a presence in order to explore ferentiate between the areas that pinning-down of those theoretical not mean that those organisations exclusively, tor working with a group focusing by some groups including HTS. threats to mobilise locals to protest possible options and find ways to are completely controlled by HTS categories to specific territories at a are helping or promoting HTS as HTS is more on conflict resolution, 20 July The latter has been trying to im- against HTS and show their sup- collectively implement a strategy. 2017. and those in which the group has a given moment in time. The num- people will be the ones suffering flexible towards pose such practices on all orga- port for the NGO and its work. As presence but lacks the influence to ber of areas that are militarily con- if such aid is terminated because 12 Author interview via Skype with nisations. But they are not the a result of this community pressure Notably, similar taxations are not dominate them. trolled by HTS has significantly in- HTS operates there. 7 humanitarian activist Ammar, a community only ones who do that, others as well as HTS’ inability to replace applied to groups providing non- “ mobiliser, 4 October 2017. creased since the beginning of 2017 organisations include Kurdish and pro-regime the services provided by the orga- food items such as medical services „We usually divide the areas into in the Idlib province where HTS Nonetheless, working in such ar providing basic 13 Author interview via Skype with forces.“ 10 nisation, HTS stopped pressuring because they usually do not have three categories; The first one has been able to defeat and replace eas also comes with customary or Sami, a relief worker, 25 July the NGO which was able to carry the money to cover such expenses 2017. where HTS has full control and the a number of rebel groups while co- enforced requirements. Multiple services in areas it The taxation seems to be collected on with its relief efforts as planned. and their services are urgently re- risk is too high. In those areas, we ercing others to merge with it. But sources have reported that HTS dominates. 14 Ibid. in different ways but the most com- quired. However, some activists limit our activities to underground unlike ISIS, which attempts to run imposes some sort of taxation (ata- mon one is to give away a cut of the Contrarily, some local civil society highlighted that HTS has become 15 Author interview via Skype with 8 work (such as graffiti) or we do not its held territories exclusively, HTS wat or royalties) on organisations Ahmed, a media activist, 7 July aid to HTS’ members and support activists have expressed their frus- stricter about issuing written ap- work at all. The second is where is more flexible towards humanitar providing aid in areas under its in- 2017. ers. Multiple sources also pointed tration regarding the lack of will proval to humanitarian organisa- HTS has limited control but they ian organisations providing basic fluence.9 out that HTS does not seem to im- among some humanitarian orga- tions, which requires the disclosure are not the dominant force. Our services in areas it dominates. That pose the same taxation percentage nisations to stand up to HTS and of the names of their donors and activities in such areas aim to is because the pressure put on HTS equally on all groups. refuse to pay the taxation. the objectives of their work, before mobilize locals to actively resist to provide relief to local commu- allowing them to embark on any HTS. The third is where HTS has nities in such areas is alleviated „ HTS always attempts to impose „ I personally blame some human work.14 an irrelevant or no presence at all, through the work of humanitarian atawat on organisations distribut itarian NGOs, local and inter in which case we focus on main- actors, but HTS is still able to claim ing aid but the outcome of such national, for encouraging such Restrictions on taining local resilience to HTS.“ 6 credit for the provided relief work. attempts depends mostly on how behaviour. I believe that the situa non-humanitarian organisations much resistance the group faces. tion would have been different if In some cases, the organisations all humanitarian NGOs collec- The situation is different when it will give in and provide atawats, in tively had agreed not to accept the comes to organisations providing cash or in kind, to avoid attacks taxes imposed on them. 12 non-humanitarian services such as 6 Author interview via Skype with “ Mohammed, the coordinator of or harassment. But in other cases, education, community mobilisati- 24CR, a civil resistance group some organisations either reject to While at least some agree with on or human rights work. Although against extremism, 18 July 2017. pay or refuse to increase HTS’ per- this opinion, humanitarian actors HTS is not in favour of such acti-
centage and threaten to terminate operating on the ground view this vities, the group does not seem to 7 Author interview via Skype with their services, which forces HTS statement as a typical easier-said- completely forbid them. Unlike Mustafa, a freelance trainer to give in or escalate depending than-done situation. with humanitarian organisations, focusing on peace building, 19 on the situation 11 July 2017. “ HTS does not seem to impose „ Firstly, paying some sort of tax special registration procedures on 8 Sham News Network, ‘The Control The following account gives an ex- es in conflict zones is a common civil society organisations which of HTS Restricts the Work of Hu- manitarian Organisations’ http:// ample of the successful strategy of practice. Almost all NGOs in Sy- allow them to operate, at least in www.shaam.org/news/syria-news/ Activists disguise a local humanitarian organisation ria are doing that in one way or areas where the group does not their project work. that wishes to stay anonymous for another, including the UN agenci- have full control.15 However, such سطو ة-هيئة-تحرير-الشام-تقيد-عمل 1- .html safety reasons on how to refuse and es who are being blackmailed by activities are only tolerated under املنظامت-اإلنسانية-وتخنق-املساعدات (accessed 10 Nov. 2017). Workshops aimed mobilize against HTS-imposed the regime. The alternative to that strict conditions and are subject 9 al-Dassouky, A. (2017), ‘The at empowering conditions. The NGO was imple- is to either operate in a chaotic to close monitoring. The imposed Role of Jihadi Movements in Syrian Local Governance’, Omran females are menting a relief project in coop and highly dangerous environment restrictions include sex segregation, center, 14 July 2017, http:// presented as eration with the local council in a where the safety of the staff and dressing and behaving according to en.omrandirasat.org/publications/ town in northern Syria. HTS started the aid is not granted or to termi- the Sharia code and also dictate: no papers/the-role-of-jihadi-move- AFTER PROCLAIMING ITS SOLIDARITY WITH THE CHARLIE HEBDO MAGAZINE, THIS EDITION OF THE NEWSPAPER courses in sewing, 13 ments-in-syrian-local-governance. pressuring the NGO to terminate nate all operations. music or tempting pictures and no SOURIATNA („OUR SYRIA“) WAS CONFISCATED AND BURNED IN PUBLIC BY HTS. SOURIATNA IS A PROJECT PARTNER OF “ ADOPT A REVOLUTION. html (accessed 21 July 2017). knitting or first aid. its cooperation with the council work that, explicitly or implicitly,
Page 6. adopt a revolution Page 7. adopt a revolution 03 NONVIOLENT RESISTANCE STRATEGIES AGAINST HAYAT TAHRIR AL-SHAM
might be considered a threat to HTS’ out without major interference in Such activities should be accepted 16 Author interview via Skype with Nonetheless, the Most of the nonviolent resistance against HTS. The majority of the the anniversary of the revolution. interests or influence. For example, areas where HTS is present as long and protected by local communi- Mustafa, a freelance trainer tactics used against both the Syrian demonstrations are still directed But we also try to rally people in focusing on peace building, 19 overarching aim of in the field of education, HTS moni- as basic security and safety measures ties and groups. They should also July 2017. regime and ISIS (such as demon against the Syrian regime, but the protests against HTS violations tors, through informants or random are carefully implemented. not be viewed as anti-Sharia or those protests is strations, graffiti, satire etc.) have protesters also voice their support such as when they attack another inspections, the curriculum, the ap- anti-religious – attributes which are 17 Author interview via Skype with also been used against HTS. None for the Free Syrian Army and the group or try to expand their in Ibrahim, a relief worker, 3 Octo- to show HTS that 23 pearance of the teachers and class In areas where HTS has limited in- commonly used by HTS as excuses ber 2017. they cannot control theless, it seems that there are diffe- civil rights demands and principles fluence.“ activities to make sure that no vio- fluence, the work of civil society to justify its attacks against CSOs, rences in the way these were master of the revolution, which are both lations are committed. The groups groups is generally easier due to the even in areas where they do not have locals who continue ed as well as the level of brutality opposed to by HTS. Nonetheless, Protests are usually organised ei 18 DW. (2016). ‘The Release of conducting activities that are not limited presence of HTS members full dominance. For example, HTS Prominent Activists Detained to act as they that they were faced with the overarching aim of those pro- ther through small meetings where permitted by HTS (gender equality, or supporters. HTS’ intervention (called Jabhat al-Nusra at the time) by Al-Nusra’, DW, 1 October please. tests is to show HTS that they can- activists meet in person or through promoting democracy and human in these areas depends mainly on stormed the Radio Fresh FM station 2016, http://p.dw.com/p/1Hb38 „ The nonviolent tactics used not control locals who continue to private group messages via social (accessed 27 Aug. 2017). rights etc.) usually disguise their ac- how much community support it run by local activists in the town of against HTS were better planned act as they please. The second aim media like Facebook or chatting tivities under different names and has versus how popular the organi- Kafranbel in January 2016 although 19 Author interview via Skype with and more frequently used than is to irritate the group and push it applications on smartphones like purposes. For example, many work- sations are as well as the popularity they only had limited presence in- Ahmed, a media activist, 7 July those used against Daesh. This is to make mistakes. Activists also sing WhatsApp. The discussions usu- 2017. shops aimed at empowering females and power of local governing bodies side the town. HTS confiscated elec- because the former did not target and dance during the demonstra- ally focus on deciding the reason might be given innocuous titles: and rebel groups. For example, in tronics, wiped the building clean of activists or terrorise communities tions, but it seems that HTS, which for the demonstration in order to sewing, first aid, knitting etc., which the city of Atarib in rural Aleppo, activist materials and arrested Raed 20 Haid, H. (2016), ‘Did Jabhat the same way Daesh did. We have oppresses such activities, seems to choose the appropriate slogans for al-Nusra Assassinate Syrian makes them appear less threatening. HTS does not have much authority Fares, the manager of the station, Activist Khaled al-Issa?’, Now also learned a lot from the mis- be more upset with the flag and the the event. Tasks are then distribut- over civil organisations due to the under the pretext of broadcasting Lebanon, 29 June 2016, takes we made and the tactics we slogans used than anything else. ed based on people’s capacity and „ Working in areas controlled strength of the local community immoral programs using women https://now.mmedia.me/lb/en/ used against both Assad and Da- availability. Most of the demonstra- commentaryanalysis/567144- by HTS is similar to working in and its strong relationships with announcers and music, claiming it did-jabhat-al-nusra-assassinate- esh. It was sort of an on-the-job Locals generally feel that it is easier tions usually follow Friday prayers, regime-held areas. It is risky, but local armed groups, civil society is haram (an act forbidden under Is- syrian-activist-khaled-al-issa training which has prepared us to to organise demonstrations now which makes it easier to mobilise you can still work there as long as and governing entities. Under such lam). 18 Activists, nonetheless, point (accessed 18 Sep. 2016). face HTS and has provided us with more than before, under the control the big number of people already 22 they do not know about your work. circumstances, CSOs have more ed out that HTS, unlike ISIS, does 21 al-Halabi, L. (2015), ‘Is al-Nusra more tools to ensure our safety.“ of both ISIS and Assad, especially in the public space. Notably, many Therefore, strict secrecy, online freedom to operate in those areas not usually assassinate activists who Involved in the Kidnapping of in areas where the former is not the activists mentioned that HTS does and offline, is crucial. I have been without being concerned with what work against it. Maher Karman in Aleppo?’, Enab Public protests dominant force. not attack or disperse demonstra- Baladi, 29 November 2015, providing capacity building train HTS thinks about them or their https://www.enabbaladi.net/ as a means of resistance tions. The group usually does not ing on civic education and human activities. But groups that operate „We do not fear HTS or Nusra the archives/54220 (accessed 6 Sep. „ We usually try to take advantage even suppress the protests against rights for many years now without not only in Atarib but also in areas same way we used to fear ISIS. 2017). Organising demonstrations and of any occasion to organise demon it, especially in areas where it has problems. The number of female dominated by HTS have to take into They do not execute activists who public events seems to be the most strations. Sometimes we celebrate limited influence. beneficiaries who attend my train consideration the impact of their ac- oppose them. HTS usually storms popular nonviolent tactic used important dates or events such as ing sessions is even higher than tivities on their work in these areas. centers, confiscates equipment, the number of male ones. This is arrests activists – but those people 22 Author interview via Skype with something I am not allowed to do „We only operate in Atarib so we do usually get released as a result of Mustafa, a freelance trainer focusing on peace building, 19 as a male according to HTS due to not hide our hatred towards HTS or community pressure. 19 “ July 2017. the imposed sex segregation which the activities we do to resist it such prevents men from mingling with or as demonstrations etc. But other And yet, other activists have previ- 23 Author interview via Skype with Mohammed, the coordinator of training females. 16 groups who operate in Sahara for “ ously accused HTS of assassinating 24CR, a civil resistance group example [a village next to Atarib activists 20 and kidnapping others. 21 against extremism, 18 July 2017. Thus, the impact of the restrictions where HTS has more influence] These incidents, however, are un- imposed by HTS on civil society only participate discreetly in anti- common and usually lack solid work depends largely on how in- HTS activities such as helping to evidence. fluential HTS is in the respective build up an anti-HTS organisa area, the type of work and the local tion without participating in it, or support for such groups or activities. writing anti-HTS slogans on walls But there is a general impression etc.“ 17 among the interviewees that civil „ We do not fear society work can largely be carried HTS or Nusra the same way we used ACTIVISTS DISSEMINATE THE REVOLUTION FLAG IN THEIR CITY. THE CIVIL SOCIETY CENTER IN ATARIB, to fear ISIS.“ A PROJECT SUPPORTED BY ADOPT A REVOLUTION, IS ALWAYS FIRST IN ORGANIZING CIVILIAN RESISTANCE TO HTS. AHMED, MEDIA ACTIVIST
Page 8. adopt a revolution Page 9. adopt a revolution „ Do not ever 34 Dioub, A. (2016), ’Jabhat Fateh Activists have focused on mocking Flaws in the applied peaceful happens which pushes people to al-Sham is Jabhat al-Nusra’, HTS and its practices by taking approaches demons trate in the streets. But underestimate the al-Araby, 7 August 2016, https:// www.alaraby.co.uk/opini- photos from HTS propaganda this issue is not only owed to the power of symbols on/2016/8/6 (accessed 4 Sep. videos or statements and adding Despite the ability of Syrian or- absence of clear strategies to mo- in projecting power.“ 2017). sarcastic comments to them. For ganisations to clearly show their bilise and engage locals. It is also example, in one caricature, the artist resistance to HTS, most of their related to the priority of fighting MUSTAFA, PEACE ACTIVIST 35 Al-Atarib al-Shahida. (2017), Profile Picture, Facebook, 21 July makes fun of HTS’ (called Jabhat actions have limited direct impact Assad above anything else, a general 2017, https://www.facebook.com/ al-Nusra at the time) claim that it on challenging HTS’ dominance on desperation and pessimism among atarebmartyr/photos (accessed 4 Sep. 2017). cut ties with al-Qaeda by drawing a the ground. Most of these actions locals, security risks, a lack of clear typical Salafi looking person using are usually carried out on an ad- and attractive alternatives, and the 36 Author interview via Skype with a makeup box branded al-Qaeda to hoc basis without a clear strategy or lacking involvement of women in Mohammed, the coordinator of 34 38 24CR, a civil resistance group make over their appearance. Ad- milestones that could help assess their activities , and furthermore a against extremism, 18 July 2017. ditionally, other groups have tried their successes and failures. Addi- variety of other factors that cannot to show the similarities in the viola tionally, most of the groups resist be explained in detail here. 24 Author interview via Skype with 37 Author interview via Skype with Kareem, a human rights educator, Ibrahim, a relief worker, 3 Octo- tions committed by both Assad and ing HTS work either individually 15 July 2017. ber 2017. HTS 35 through drawings indicating or in small-scale alliances but still that they are two faces of the same fail to rally their allies or potential 25 al-Modon. (2016), ‘Al-Nusra 38 Women have been able to play WOMEN SPRAYING THE NAME OF THE JIHADIST LEADER ‘AL-JOLANI’ ON PUBLIC BINS TO HUMILIATE HIM. Transfers the Detainees from different roles in resisting radical coin. partners to coordinate and support MAARAT AL-NU‘MAN, JUNE 2017. Idlib’s Demonstration to Maarat groups, such as HTS and ISIS, each other’s actions. al-Numan’, al-Modon, 8 March namely by hindering child recruit- Social media, which facilitates the 2016, http://www.almodon.com/ ment by such groups, organizing arabworld/2016/3/8/ (accessed 6 demonstrations etc. For further quick dissemination of informa „ When a group starts a campaign, Aug. 2017). reading: Razan Ghazawi, Oula tion across geographical barriers, the campaign is mostly done and „ HTS does not usually attack logo all over the place you uncon- an impact may need a long time. Ramadan and Afra Mohammad. has also played a role in dissemina- promoted by the members of the 26 Al-Hajaj, S. (2017), ‘HTS Opens (2015), ‘Peace Defines Our such demonstrations due to con- sciously start assuming the domi- Others think that although local Fire at Protestors after Storming Future’, Badael, 2015, http:// ting such satirical outputs on a wi- group without any clear contribu- cerns about the consequences of nance of that group. The aim of communities might not be that af- Maarat al-Numan’, ARA News, badael.org/en/women-research-2/ der scale, even to areas under HTS’ tion from other groups or organisa- such actions which could lead to such a tactic is not only targeted fected by such tactics, such graffiti 9 June 2017, http://wp.me/ (accessed 23 Aug. 2017). heavy handed rule. tions who agree with the objective p4OhLR-pXj (accessed 6 July direct confrontations with local towards locals who live in the area still bothers HTS’ members to the 2017). of the campaign and, therefore, communities. The group is smart but also towards passers-by who point where they strive to erase it „ Syrians love to share audio-visual could be potential partners.“ 37 enough to know that any struggle will only take away what they can immediately. Therefore, continuing 27 SOHR. (2017), ‘The Fighting outputs. They might even send you Continues in Idlib and HTS Att- 28 with local communities is a lost see in the streets.“ to spray the slogans will continue empts to Capture Bab al-Hawa’, ten pictures to say good morning. Competition over funds, personal battle. Such fights cannot be won to send the message that locals are SOHR, 21 July 2017, http:// Thus, we try to use that to our ad- differences, security risks, ideo by military means. 24 To fight such a war, local activists resisting them. 32 www.syriahr.com/2017/07/21/ vantage by creating audio-visual logical differences, lack of interest, “ (accessed 12 Aug. 2017). use less risky tactics such as graffiti. satirical outputs so people can different priorities etc. are among Others believe that HTS does not It is the most popular means as it is Satire as a means of 28 Author interview via Skype with watch and share them “ 36 the reasons that prevent such ac- attack such protests because they cheap, quick, easy to use and can undermining HTS’ legitimacy Mustafa, a freelance trainer tors from being able to unify their focusing on peace building, 19 do not pose a serious threat to even be carried out by only one July 2017. efforts against HTS. Likewise, most the group’s authority or influence. person. Some of these activities Satire is also one of the main tools of the resistance actions against Nonetheless, HTS on some occasi- aim to limit the visual dominance that activists have at their disposal 29 Jabhat Al-Nusra Violations Do- HTS, namely demonstrations, are cumentation Team (2017), ‘The ons has attacked protesters simply of HTS by spraying the revoluti- to resist HTS and undermine its le- Best Place for the Names of Jola- limited to a small number of ac- for carrying the revolutionary flag 25 onary flag all over the city, while gitimacy. Humour allows resisters ni and Bashar al-Assad in Syria’, tivists without wide community or for demonstrating against HTS’ others challenge HTS’ ideology by to manipulate doubts and cogni on Twitter, 28 August 2017, ht- participation, unless something tps://twitter.com/JAN_Violations/ attempt to take over their cities, as spraying slogans that embrace hu- tive incongruities, enabling them status/902172708414394368 seen in Maarat al-Nu’man 26 and Sa- man rights, the importance of being to undermine an oppressor in a (accessed 3 Sep. 2017). „ People are not raqib 27 in the Idlib province. active citizens (encouraging partici- manner that is less confrontational 30 Jabhat Al-Nusra Violations Docu- scared of what they pation in local elections) and gen- than other tactics like protests and mentation Team (2017), ‘Fuck Visual Resistance: Contesting der equality (using slogans such as even less risky than graffiti. Many HTS’, on Twitter, 11 June 2017, can make fun of “ Public Space “educating a girl educates a family”). activists argue that people are gen https://twitter.com/JAN_Violations/ status/873964761528119298 FARES, ACTIVIST Moreover, some graffiti slogans are erally terrorized into submission. (accessed 3 Sep. 2017). The power struggle to control cities more aggressive and directly target Therefore, satire is important to is also a passive war of logos and slo- HTS and its leaders. One example lower fear barriers by combining 31 Ali Hassan Satoof (2017), ‘Down with HTS’, on Twit- gans which takes place in the back- is the spraying of the name of Abu humour with verified reporting ter, 27 July 2017, https:// ground to achieve a symbolic and Mohammed al-Julani, the main fi- about the group’s hypocrisy, absur- twitter.com/alihasansatoof/ visual supremacy. Such a figurative gure within HTS, on trash bins to dity and violations to poke holes in status/890667021800620032 (accessed 3 Sep. 2017). struggle usually starts with groups insult him 29 or insult the group in HTS’ claims to authority. like HTS and ISIS trying to spread general. 30 Other slogans call for the 32 Author interview via Skype with their logos, flags, name and slogans toppling of HTS. 31 „ Humour is a powerful weapon. Mohammed, the coordinator of 24CR, a civil resistance group in all public spaces as well as erasing Radical groups and dictators rule against extremism, 18 July 2017. any symbol they disapprove of. The impact of such tactics, however, through fear. But we can overcome is contested among activists as some that fear barrier by making fun of 33 Author interview via Skype with activist Fares, a coordinator for „ Do not ever underestimate the of them think that such activities are them. It is very simple: people are a group focusing on building the RESIDENTS OF MAARAT AL-NU‘MAN DEMONSTRATE IN FEBRUARY 2017: ‘NO PLACE FOR AL-QAIDA IN SYRIA’ power of symbols in projecting useful to encourage people to speak not scared of what they can make capacity of local institutions, 10 power. When you only see one up and resist HTS even though such fun of.“ 33 July 2017.
Page 10. adopt a revolution Page 11. adopt a revolution 42 Author interview via Skype with activist Ammar, a community 04 USING GOVERNANCE AND mobiliser, 4 October 2017.
43 Bareesh, M. (2017), ‘Saraqib‘s SERVICES AS TOOLS OF RESISTANCE Local Elections Show How Democracy Can Break Through in Syria’, Chatham House, August 2017, https://syria.chatham- house.org/research/saraqibs- local-elections-show-how-demo- HTS’ approach to controlling terri services are usually chargeable. But In other cases, the group uses a dif- cracy-can-break-through-in-syria HTS has also (accessed 3 Sep. 2017). tories does not only depend on recently, HTS has started to diver- ferent, ‘carrot-and-stick’ approach increasingly military means. Contrarily, the sify its services as more resources which was successful in some areas 44 Author interview via Skype with group has, for years, been using a have become available and such ser- while it led to a series of skirmishes prioritized activist Ammar, a community mobiliser, 4 October 2017. gradual approach to gain local sym- vices provisions help it establish full with locals in others. For example, tightening its pathy and buy-in, through which it control over the territories it holds. HTS (Fateh al-Sham at the time) can further expand its influence, stormed the police station in Kaf- control over ideology, and, eventually, control. Controlling local institutions ranbel in July 2015 and arrested governance To this end, HTS uses the provision and service provision its staff who were accused of being institutions and of public services to generate com- corrupt. 39 Locals, however, stated munity support and recruit mem- Additionally, HTS has also increas that even though some policemen service provision bers. Providing services may also ingly prioritized tightening its con- are viewed locally as corrupt, the bodies (such weaken its competitors and fast- trol over governance institutions main reason for HTS’ operation is as local councils, track the dissemination of its ideol and service provision bodies (such related to the fact that the group ogy. Furthermore, if community as local councils, courts, police, had opened a HTS affiliated po courts, police, GOOD GOVERNANCE INHIBITS THE SUCCESS OF JIHADISTS. THE CIVIL CENTER IN ATARIB, SUPPORTED BY members receive services from HTS, bakeries etc.). This tactic aims to lice station in the town two months bakeries etc.). ADOPT A REVOLUTION, RUNS A JOINT CAMPAIGN WITH THE LOCAL COUNCIL AGAINST CARRYING WEAPONS IN PUBLIC they may be more willing to accept generate sufficient public backing earlier. But because locals were not the organisation’s coercive methods in order to take administrative using the HTS-affiliate station, the To counter HTS’ attempts, local used by local governing bodies for protect those entities. In some areas, of spreading its beliefs. The group’s control of the area as a whole. To group used the above mentioned civil society organisations and ac- different purposes such as organis HTS tries to gain influence over lo- lack of resources and capacity limits achieve that, the group promotes accusation to shut down the only tivists contribute to increasing the ing training, calling for a meeting cal councils by providing needed its ability to gain a monopoly over itself as the most competent gover- competing police station. 40 Simi- efficiency and legitimacy of local or other social activities. Other support or services (such as elec- services in areas under its control. ning body by drawing attention larly, HTS arrested the head of the institutions to make them hard to CSOs provide those governing en- tricity and water). In exchange, the As a result, the group has managed to the inefficiencies in locally run local council in Sinjar, in the Idlib replace. Improving communication tities with more advanced support group might either ask for money, to maximize impact by carefully governing bodies. HTS then seeks province, in January 2017 after he channels with local communities such as assisting them in writing logistical support, more control or providing the most needed services to disband these institutions by refused to hand over the official is one of the most popular tactics. their proposals, monitoring and official presence. Such approaches (such as water, electricity and some- presenting the local population stamps of the council to the new This is usually done through orga- reporting their projects and expan- are usually implemented in areas times bread etc.), which generates with alternatives to replace those it council established by HTS (Fateh nising regular public meetings with ding their outreach on social media where local communities are hos both legitimacy and income as such attacks. al-Sham at the time). 41 locals where officials from different with special emphasis on sharing tile towards or unsupportive of HTS. institutions (namely police and information about their activities. For example, when the local bakery 39 It is worth noting that HTS has used this tactic to also eliminate local councils) present their work Additionally, others help those en- in Atarib was struggling financially, rebel groups such as the Syrian and discuss how to improve their tities increase their popularity by the group tried to offer to provide Revolutionaries Front and Hazem services as well as the involvement becoming more transparent and bread at cheaper prices in exchange movement etc. of locals. encouraging them to organise di- for running the bakery. But local ac- 40 Author interview via Skype with rect elections, like in the case of the tivists and civil society groups were Sami, a relief worker, 25 July „ The aim of such meetings is to local elections Saraqib. 43 able to prevent this by assisting in 2017. inform locals about the services looking for donors who were wil- 41 Abdulfatah, O. (2017), ‘Fateh provided as many people do not re- Only strong and popular local ling to contribute financially to the al-Sham Arrested the Head of To counter HTS’ ally know who is doing what. This governing bodies will be able to bakery. 44 Local Council in Sinjar, Idlib’, Smart News, 3 January 2017, attempts, local also helps people understand what challenge HTS’ attempts to replace https://smartnews-agency.com/ar/ civil society the priorities of such institutions them with HTS-affiliated bodies. wires/215558 (accessed 4 Sep. are and why. Finally, it makes local Therefore, and also due to their 2017). organisations and officials approachable, which is a ability to use services as recruiting activists contribute new concept to us, and it allows tools, HTS views local councils as to increasing the them to shape local policies.“ 42 its main governing competitors. However, the group’s relationships efficiency and Building the capacity of local with those councils varies by time legitimacy of local governing bodies and providing and place, is contingent on avail institutions to them with logistical and technical able resources, the strength and support is also a common approach. popularity of local civil society and make them hard to Some organisations make their cen- governing bodies and the presence replace. tres and equipment available to be of armed groups that support and
IN JULY 2017, ACTIVISTS DEMONSTRATE IN SARAQEB AGAINST AN ATTACK OF HTS BY OCCUPYING THE LOCAL SHARIA COURT
Page 12. adopt a revolution Page 13. adopt a revolution Controlling local councils complete control. In such cases, its affiliated courts are effective by „ The problem is not 49 Guadagnoli, G. (Ed.) (2017), Further need for strengthened Furthermore, local civil society or- local organisations try to under- endowing each with an executive ‘Women Participation in Syrian local structures ganisations are focusing on resisting incompetent judges, Cities Today’, EU, July 2017, In other cases, HTS tries to infil mine those HTS-affiliated entities security force to enforce its rulings. https://docs.euromedwomen. HTS in the areas where they operate. trate local councils in order to con- by pointing out their mistakes and As a result, HTS-affiliated courts are but the ability foundation/files/ermwf-docu- However, given the limited means In doing so, they rarely reach out to trol or contain them. This usually incompetence in order to turn peo- usually compared favourably with ments/7096_3.180.women- and resources of local communities, other organisations resisting HTS in to enforce their partcipationinsyriancitiestoday- happens by imposing candidates ple against them. However, such at those of its rivals. rulings, which do emergingrolesandopportunities. it is important to highlight that the other areas to share lessons learned on the council or by using its re- tempts are rarely effective and take pdf (accessed 5 Aug. 2017). sustainable support of other lo- and support their struggle against sources and connections to gain a long time to be fruitful, especially „ The problem is not incompetent make those courts cal and international actors (such the common enemy. Consequent- control. This usually takes place in after the establishment of HTS’ judges, but the ability to enforce unattractive to many as the interim government, rebel ly, HTS attempts to control areas areas where HTS has limited influ- Public Services Administration their rulings, which do make those locals“ groups, donors etc.) is needed to where there is no strong civil society, ence or where it does not have the which is more assertive in replacing courts unattractive to many locals. improve the administrative struc- as it remains relatively unchallen- resources to control administrative the councils that do not accept its The local police force is either WALEED, ACTIVIST tures’ efficiency. ged. Besides, Syrian organisations bodies that provide local services. affiliation.46 powerless or corrupt which makes still generally ignore the role that Local activists have been trying to such a task even harder.“ 47 The case of Saraqib illustrates the Syrian women can play to support also use their connections to coun- Controlling local courts limits of local civil society’s ability such tactics, which contributes to ter this by either pressuring the But the existence of strong and lo- to protect its local institutions from enforcing the traditional percepti- imposed person to withdraw or by HTS also competes with locals to cally supported governing bodies a HTS take over. Following local on that limits the public role of wo- creating enough community pres- control courts as they allow it to has prevented HTS from control- elections in Saraqib, the city was men to charity aid and medical care. sure to block their appointment – mainstream its ultra-conservative ling all courts and from imposing a captured through military force by Likewise, Syrian organisations still yet with limited success. beliefs and shape societal norms in monopoly on the juridical system HTS after defeating Ahrar al-Sham generally view the role of women the long-term. Additionally, they in rebel-held areas. fighters there. Nonetheless, locals organisations as a complement to „ It is not always possible to stop permit it to act with impunity by were demonstrating in the streets governing institutions rather than such attempts, especially if HTS exploiting religious ideology to „ HTS, and before that Daesh, has against HTS and were able to push a part of them. Women organisa- has enough influence to enforce justify unpopular actions, such as been trying to control our local the group’s fighters outside the city. tions, as such, are expected to pro- them, either by utilising its ser- commandeering public goods or court [in Atarib] for years. Yet, the As a result, HTS started besieging vide complementary services (such vices and resources to persuade property, or those of its competi- strong local community and the the city by establishing checkpoints as vocational training, aid etc.) people into accepting it or when tors. Local courts affiliated with joint efforts of all local governing around it, but was still unable to es- without being directly involved in the local council is ineffective.“ 45 local governing bodies are usu- bodies have prevented it from tablish a strong presence inside Sa- running such institutions or sha- ally known to be ineffective and achieving that in our city, but it raqib. As for the local council, HTS ping their policies. 49 Additionally, the group at times lack the needed power to enforce has largely succeeded in other has been able to dominate some also replaces local councils with their decisions. While HTS’ Sharia areas.“ 48 of the council’s service provision its own structures. This mostly ap- courts are one of its most salient functions (such as electricity, water plies to areas where HTS exercises tools, the group always ensures that and phones). Despite that, HTS has not been able to dominate the rest of the council or its decisions. As 45 Author interview via Skype with Ahmed, a media activist, a result, views are divided between 7 July 2017. those who think that the council has failed to prevent HTS’ domi- 46 Ibid. nance while others view this as a 47 Author interview via Skype with partial success as the council is still activist Waleed, a team leader for able to challenge HTS’ attempt to a group supporting local governance, 3 July 2017. fully control the council.
48 Author interview via Skype with activist Ammar, a community mobiliser, 4 October 2017. „ We aim to empower local citizens to become aware of their rights so as to be ready to defend themselves.“
VIEW OF ATARIB: A STABLE LOCAL ADMINISTRATION AND A STRONG LOCAL CIVIL SOCIETY MAKE THE CITY A BULWARK MOHAMMED, ACTIVIST AGAINST HTS
Page 14. adopt a revolution Page 15. adopt a revolution 05 THE ROLE OF PEACEFUL RESISTANCE IN THE CONTEXT OF ARMED CONFRONTATIONS 52 Author interview via Skype with rently happened in some cases. 52 bodies in order to control the area mainly the ones in charge of writing activist Mosaab, a field coordina- Additionally, avoiding the use of without improving anything. To the slogans against HTS as well as tor working with a group focusing WITH HTS on conflict resolution, 20 July the names of the supporting orga- this end, we compare the situa broadcasting them. Additionally, 2017. nisations also makes it difficult for tion in our areas to the situation in groups were established to distri- HTS to arrest their members under HTS’ areas and show that things bute food and water to checkpoints. 53 Ibid. the pretext of dealing with foreign did not change there “ 55 Although the situation did not esca- „ But until now, 54 Haid, H. (2017), ‘Why Ahrar al- entities or promoting their agendas. late into a direct confrontation with Sham Couldn‘t Stand up to HTS‘ As a result, HTS has to be more Additionally, warning messages are HTS in both cases, locals were able no one really Attack in Idlib’, Chatham House, August 2017, https://syria. sensitive to local dynamics and pay communicated about the negative to protect their city from a takeover knows who the chathamhouse.org/research/why- more attention to the consequences consequences of allowing HTS to by HTS. ahrar-al-sham-couldnt-stand-up- of arresting someone as their exten- control such bodies, such as that leaders of those to-htss-attack-in-idlib (accessed 5 Sep. 2017). ded family and the armed group or donors will be driven out of the But despite the desire of Syrian or- demonstrations groups that their relatives are mem- region. ganisations to play an active role 55 Author interview via Skype with bers of might retaliate, which has in the context of direct confron- are. This is one of activist Ammar, a community 53 the reasons that mobiliser, 4 October 2017. happened on many occasions. The success of joint tations against HTS, their efforts mobilization and alliance are secondary in this context as prevented HTS from 56 Atareb Syriafree (2015), ‘Public Undermining HTS’ logic building military leaders, elders and other Statement by Atarib’s Civilians, crushing them.“ Notables and Military Leaders of violence community figures play key roles about the Regiment 46 Base’, Such efforts have mobilised local in such situations. 58 MUSTAFA, ACTIVIST YouTube, 27 February 2015, Countering the discourse of HTS communities in many areas such https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=Ldcsxjfq6KM (accessed and finding holes in their justifi- as Atarib to protest in the streets. 10 Sep. 2016). cations is usually one of the most This has prevented HTS’ attempt important roles at this stage. Before to control the city both in March 57 Haid, H. (2017), ‘Local Com- munity Resistance to Extremist or during any attack, HTS always 2015 and more recently in July 2017 Groups in Syria: Lessons from cites pretexts to justify attacking its when the group tried to dominate ‘SUSPENDED BY JABHAT AL-NUSRA’ IS WRITTEN ON THIS WALL TO INDICATE THE SHUTDOWN OF THE CIVIL SOCIETY Atarib’, Chatham House, June enemies, which vary from corrup the city and its institutions, such INITIATIVES IN KAFRANBEL THAT OPERATED BEHIND THIS WALL BEFORE JANUARY 2016. THE ALLEGATION BROUGHT 2017, https://www.chatham- FORWARD BY HTS AGAINST THE ORGANISATIONS WAS: DISRESPECT OF THE SHARIA. house.org/publication/local- tion to defying the Sharia or wor- as the police headquarters, local community-resistance-extremist- king for foreign entities. The aim court and services provision enti- Most organisations’ work to cre to be ready to defend themselves. Such a move helps create a leader- groups-syria-lessons-atarib of such ploys is to mobilise the ties. In response to HTS’ takeover (accessed 21 July 2017). ate and empower local resistance Once that level is reached, our role less movement, which makes it dif- group’s supporters and neutralise attempts, the local population rose to radical groups like HTS takes then focuses on maintaining and ficult for HTS to target and elimi- 58 Ibid. the others. In contrast to the other up in opposition despite the un- place before direct confrontations guiding it.“ 50 nate the mobilisers of their enemies. rebel groups, HTS has long-held willingness of the majority of local with the latter. Efforts at raising experience in manipulating local armed groups to enter into a con- awareness about the importance Leaderless movements as „ Locals have demonstrated reg communities and factions to make flict against HTS. The city’s com- of resisting HTS and mobilising a tactic of resistance ularly against HTS in Maarat them focus on their short-term sur- munity leaders, activists, notables people to act against HTS take a al-Nu’man for more than three vival and ignore the consequences. and a small group of local military long time before they start paying Nonetheless, the role of civil soci- months. But until now, no one This has become easier due to the leaders unanimously agreed that all off. Such efforts aim at creating ety groups does not end there, as really knows who the leaders of localized nature of the Syrian con- actions would be taken to prevent enough resistance among local many of them continue to play an those demonstrations are. This is flict. It significantly shapes the way HTS from capturing the city. 56 Fol- communities to create grassroots important role even during direct one of the reasons that prevented local communities and factions lowing that meeting, activists as well 50 Author interview via Skype with 51 rebellions. These are then expected confrontations, although not col HTS from crushing them.“ Mohammed, the coordinator of perceive themselves and their in- as the city’s notables used different to challenge and revolt against any lectively under the banner of civil 24CR, a civil resistance group terests, which in turn has limited communication channels (such as radical group attempting to control society groups. Instead, local acti- This tactic also helps to overcome against extremism, 18 July 2017. them largely to their own towns or social media, mobile chatting appli- 54 them. But such a process depends vists perform roles as individuals the negative consequences that 51 Author interview via Skype with villages. cations, mosques etc.) to urge mem- mainly on the snowball effect. The benefiting from their local affilia- might result from tensions and Mustafa, a freelance trainer bers of local armed groups and civi- impact of these efforts usually starts tions (such as their extended family, competition among locals. Some focusing on peace building, 19 Therefore, local activists try to lians to participate in the defence of July 2017. off small and insignificant, but their personal relationships with local activists expressed their concern counter such discourses by poin- Atarib. 57 Soon after, activists started continuity over a long time allows it armed groups etc.), which can pro- that if a certain person or organisa In Atarib, local ting out HTS’ real intentions and helping locals in establishing check- to grow bigger and develop crucial vide them with protection. Many tion calls for or leads such confron- communities providing evidence pertaining to points across the city. Others used influence. activists stressed the importance of tations, then at least some people, its violations and pretexts. Local social media to establish a two-way guiding and influencing direct con- and sometimes their extended fami- frequently protested activists also try to show the aims communication channel to keep „We cannot be everywhere to react frontations with HTS from behind lies, will not join just because they in the streets and and tricks of HTS’ strategy. people updated and to receive to all HTS’ violations and expan the scenes. do not like the person or the enti- prevented HTS’ notice of and report any violations sion attempts. Therefore, we aim ty. Some might even join the other „ We always try to explain to peop- or attacks. The same channels were to empower local citizens to be- team and mobilise other members attempts to control le that HTS only wants to control also used to organize demonstra- come aware of their rights so as to join them, which has appa- the city. local institutions and governing tions in which local activists were
Page 16. adopt a revolution Page 17. adopt a revolution 06 CONCLUSION: APPLYING LESSONS LEARNED
Following HTS’ military victory to curtail their operations to sup- with the needed support, so as to 59 Shaam Network (2017), ‘ HTS’ against the powerful Ahrar al-Sham port local vulnerable communities ensure such entities do not have to Civilian Administration Issues a Number of Laws to Marginalise group, it is now apparent that the who live in miserable circumstances negotiate or cooperate with HTS the Work of Civil Society Groups former is taking an ever more as- and therefore rely completely on to be able to provide basic services in the North …’, Shaam Network, sertive line on the ground, not only those actors. Terminating develop- to their constituents. Such support 21 August 2017, http://www. shaam.org/news/syria-news (ac- in its drive to absorb the remaining ment aid will not only give HTS a includes tailored technical help cessed 21 Sep. 2017). armed factions, but also in its re- chance to achieve its goal of form on good governance, public sector lationships with local governance ing affiliated councils and service management, taxes, transparency 60 Akkad, D. (2017), “Turkey‘s Idlib Adventure a Last Gasp Bid to structures and civil society groups. providers; it will also prevent all etc. Similarly, it is important to Secure Influence’, Middle East Following the establishment of the civil society groups challenging the invest in documenting and sha- Eye, 10 October 2017, http:// FOR MONTHS ACTIVISTS HAD PROTESTED IN MAARAT AL-NU‘MAN THROUGHOUT 2016 AGAINST THE JIHADISTS OF HTS (BACK THEN: AL-NUSRA FRONT) militia’s ‘Civil Administration for group’s authority from continuing ring learned lessons among Syrian www.middleeasteye.net/news/ analysis-turkeys-idlib-interventi- Services’, the group issued a series their important work. organisations and to support them on-last-gasp-effort-581281412 of decisions on the work of local in developing multi-area strategies (accessed 10 Oct. 2017). Civil society groups that are rooted to continue to exist and to operate councils and service providers, de- There is no one-size-fits-all solu- to widen the focus and the impact in their communities are stronger despite all these challenges is a big 61 Local councils, starting with manding that they submit periodic tion considering the complicated of their resistance against HTS. Idlib city council, began issuing and better protected against HTS’ success in itself. And although it is reports on their work, activities dynamics on the ground, as some official statements responding threats and encroachment. Hence, unlikely that civil resistance will and services, as well as submitting areas are completely run by HTS to the formation of the new it is vital to allow Syrian civil soci- achieve a total victory against HTS, administration. The city council’s financial reports, and revealing their and its affiliated councils, while statement said the directives ety and governance organisations the tactics and strategies of civilian donors. 59 These dynamics seem to other areas foster local resistance were an attempt to subjugate to set their own programs and pro- resistance in northern Syria pre- continue despite the Turkish-led in- towards the group. However, the the council’s agencies and were jects that fit local needs and prior sented in this research paper have totally unacceptable. Shortly tervention in Idlib, which allegedly international community could after, a statement was released ities, which in turn increases their clearly demonstrated their impor- aims at limiting HTS’ influence. 60 play a positive role in supporting by Maarat al-Nu’man council, popularity and brings them closer tant contribution in challenging locals in their struggle against HTS’ saying that it was not subordinate to their communities. Likewise, it is and protecting the local popu la- to any group. Jarjnaz council Many local councils and organi- attempt to impose itself as a civil also issued a statement saying it also important to strengthen the re- tion from the expansion of radical sations have resisted HTS’ recent administration. Such a role should came under the authority of Idlib lationship between civil society and groups such as HTS. attempts to dominate them, due focus on fostering and empowering provincial council, which in turn governance bodies, as it provides is under the control of the Syrian primarily to ideological differences independent civil organizations provisional government, and that both with official protection and and distrust. Moreover, they are and local governing bodies to en- the council would not follow any legitimacy. The more organised and aware of the fact that dealing with sure that their work continues to new authority, a reference to the united a community is, the better administration. the group’s affiliated administra- undermine crucial local support their ability to resist HTS’ influence tion would directly link them to a for HTS. and imposed entities. Thus, efforts listed terrorist organization and should aim to build social cohesion could terminate the international Therefore, it is important to pay and a strong sense of ownership and support they receive. This triggered special attention to the enabling unity among locals. a conflict between HTS and civil factors that allow particular civil groups 61, as the latter insisted on groups to be more successful than It is important to have realistic ex- operating independently of any others. The existence of a function pectations about what Syrian civil armed groups. The international ing governance apparatus and society groups can achieve in the support channelled to Syrian or- reliable services is a key factor in context of war, where violence – ex- ganisations plays a key role in pro- preventing HTS from exploiting It is vital to cessively used with total impunity – viding them with the funds and such domains as recruiting tools. establish strong is a common practice. In this con- technical support needed to be Thus, it is central to improve the relationships text, it is important to highlight that able to challenge HTS. But instead structure, the popularity and ef- the ability of Syrian organisations of supporting such local civil resis- ficiency of such governing bodies between civil tance movements, the international by increasing their contact with society and local community is debating whether local communities and allowing governing bodies and when to terminate assistance the latter to enhance their partici- channelled to civil society groups pation in shaping and monitoring as it provides such in northern Syria. Such a move, if it the policies and projects of the groups with is to be implemented, will result in former. The international com- official protection forcing many humanitarian actors munity should also provide them and legitimacy.
Page 18. adopt a revolution Page 19. adopt a revolution ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Haid Haid is a Syrian research fellow at the International Centre for the Study of Radicalisa- tion (ICSR), and he is a Ph.D. candidate at the Department of War Studies, King’s College London. He is also a consulting research fellow of the Chatham House Middle East and North Africa Programme. Additionally, he is a non-resident fellow at the Atlantic Council’s Rafik Hariri Centre for the Middle East. He focuses on security policies, governance, conflict resolu- tion, Syrian civil society and Kurdish and Islamist movements. Previously, he was a program- me manager on Syria and Iraq at the Heinrich Böll Stiftung’s Middle East Office in Beirut. He has also worked as a senior community services protection assistant at UNHCR’s Damascus office. He has a bachelor’s degree in sociology, a postgraduate diploma in counselling, and master’s degrees in social development and in conflict resolution.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
This research is indebted to the generous support and contribution of all Syrian civil society organisations who shared their knowledge and experiences; these witnesses are identified by first name only or remain anonymous at their request. I am also grateful to Christin Luettich at Adopt a Revolution for her advice, edits and tireless support in bringing this paper to fruition. Grateful acknowledgment also goes to Yasir Abbas, Dania Akkad, Anna Nolan and Souha Khairallah who have enriched the findings of the research with their feedback.
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Date: November 2017
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Supported by The project to support civil society centers in Syria and this research paper are funded by the Institute for Adopt a Revolution Foreign Cultural Relations (ifa) with Since early 2012, Adopt a Revo- funds from the Federal Foreign Office. lution has been supporting the young Syrian civil society. The German-Syrian solidarity orga- nisation works closely with local initiatives in Syria which, despite war and terror, are committed to an open and democratic society based on human rights and mino- rity rights and supports their work financially. In Germany, Adopt a Revolution conveys the current developments in Syrian civil so- ciety to the public and fosters the participation of Syrians in the Ger- man debate on Syria.
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