Idlib's new rulers, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, navigate challenges and civilian discontent while establishing control over local governance and economy.
**Rebel Governance in Post-Assad Syria: A New Order Emerges**
**Rebel Governance in Post-Assad Syria: A New Order Emerges**
Examining the rising Islamist administration's role in managing Idlib Province amid the collapse of Bashar al-Assad's regime.
In Idlib Province, northern Syria, the landscape is shifting dramatically following the ousting of Bashar al-Assad and his government by rebel fighters. Under the leadership of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, an Islamist group that has held sway in the region since 2017, a new civilian administration is taking shape. However, this governance comes with its own set of challenges, especially concerning taxation and civil liberties.
Every autumn, farmers in the region partake in the olive harvest, a vital economic activity. Yet, they must contend with the local tax authority's presence at oil presses, which mandates a levy of at least 5% of their oil production, irrespective of the year's yield. Farmers have voiced their frustrations over these fees, which have occasionally incited protests and clashes. Critics suggest that these policies, including the olive oil tax introduced in 2019, reflect a regime that is both disciplined and pragmatic but also harsh in regulating dissent.
The Syrian Salvation Government, as the local administration is officially known, has implemented a series of tax measures and has successfully established various revenue streams. This includes taxing goods that cross into the territory, selling fuel, and operating telecommunications services. Such initiatives exemplify a structure reminiscent of a conventional government, highlighting the group's capability in effectively managing fiscal matters to bolster their military presence while also providing critical civil services.
This exploration into the inner workings of Idlib's administration draws from interviews with experts in the field, reports from humanitarian organizations, and insights from local residents, providing a holistic understanding of the emerging governance landscape in post-Assad Syria amidst ongoing conflict and instability.
Every autumn, farmers in the region partake in the olive harvest, a vital economic activity. Yet, they must contend with the local tax authority's presence at oil presses, which mandates a levy of at least 5% of their oil production, irrespective of the year's yield. Farmers have voiced their frustrations over these fees, which have occasionally incited protests and clashes. Critics suggest that these policies, including the olive oil tax introduced in 2019, reflect a regime that is both disciplined and pragmatic but also harsh in regulating dissent.
The Syrian Salvation Government, as the local administration is officially known, has implemented a series of tax measures and has successfully established various revenue streams. This includes taxing goods that cross into the territory, selling fuel, and operating telecommunications services. Such initiatives exemplify a structure reminiscent of a conventional government, highlighting the group's capability in effectively managing fiscal matters to bolster their military presence while also providing critical civil services.
This exploration into the inner workings of Idlib's administration draws from interviews with experts in the field, reports from humanitarian organizations, and insights from local residents, providing a holistic understanding of the emerging governance landscape in post-Assad Syria amidst ongoing conflict and instability.
