Syria's Islamist rebels have successfully established a governance structure in Idlib Province, implementing taxes and managing local economies despite facing opposition and protests.
**Islamist Rebels Take Charge: Managing Syria’s Post-Assad Landscape**
**Islamist Rebels Take Charge: Managing Syria’s Post-Assad Landscape**
Analysis of the administration strategies by rebel factions in post-Assad Syria reveals a complex portrait of governance amid ongoing challenges.
In the wake of the downfall of Bashar al-Assad's regime, the Islamist rebel group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham has intensified its administrative efforts in Syria's Idlib Province. As farmers in the area gather their annual olive crop each fall, many encounter tax collectors from the local authority, which demands a minimum of 5% of the harvest, even during lesser yielding years. The Syrian Salvation Government, established by HTS, governs much of Idlib Province since 2017 and has instituted various taxation measures, including the olive oil tax enacted in 2019, leading to local discontent and sporadic protests.
Despite these challenges, the rebel administration has shown remarkable resilience and adaptability. It has implemented a range of economic strategies, including the taxation of goods entering Idlib, the regulation of local commerce, and control over fuel sales and telecom services. These initiatives have successfully generated revenue, enabling the group not only to finance its military operations but also to provide essential civil services to the community.
This overview of the rebel administration is derived from discussions with experts, humanitarian agencies, and local residents, alongside reports from international organizations. It highlights the multifaceted nature of governance in territories previously under the Assad regime, underscoring the complex dynamics that will shape Syria’s future.
Despite these challenges, the rebel administration has shown remarkable resilience and adaptability. It has implemented a range of economic strategies, including the taxation of goods entering Idlib, the regulation of local commerce, and control over fuel sales and telecom services. These initiatives have successfully generated revenue, enabling the group not only to finance its military operations but also to provide essential civil services to the community.
This overview of the rebel administration is derived from discussions with experts, humanitarian agencies, and local residents, alongside reports from international organizations. It highlights the multifaceted nature of governance in territories previously under the Assad regime, underscoring the complex dynamics that will shape Syria’s future.
