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In Defeating the Zenki Opposition Group, Syria’s HTS Shows How It Dominates Over Rebel Forces By Haid Haid - Jan 17, 2019
The swift defeat of the Nour Al Din Al Zenki movement by its one-time ally, Hay’at Tahrir Al Sham (HTS), has shocked close observers of Syria. For despite its modest size, Zenki had been considered one of the strongest fighting factions in northern Syria. Zenki had a strong central command structure, loyal fighters and local … Continue reading “In Defeating the Zenki Opposition Group, Syria’s HTS Shows How It Dominates Over Rebel Forces”
Daraa’s Resurgent Resistance Has Lessons for the Syrian Regime By Haid Haid - Dec 27, 2018
Anti-regime activities in southern Syrian areas formerly held by rebels have flared up again, including both peaceful expressions, such as graffiti and demonstrations, but also violent incidents. More than a dozen pro-regime fighters and intermediaries have been killed in a series of hit-and-run attacks since November. These attacks are especially significant in a region that … Continue reading “Daraa’s Resurgent Resistance Has Lessons for the Syrian Regime”
By Incorporating Loyalist Militias into Regular Forces, Syria Is Incubating Future Problems By Haid Haid - Nov 26, 2018
Emboldened by its military gains, the Syrian regime is reasserting its authority over loyalist militia groups, in order to reclaim the state’s monopoly on the use of force. Toward this end, Damascus has undertaken measures to incorporate pro-regime groups into paramilitary forces under the command of the army. Understanding how this works – a process that … Continue reading “By Incorporating Loyalist Militias into Regular Forces, Syria Is Incubating Future Problems”
How the Syrian Regime Co-Opts Former Rebel Fighters By Haid Haid - Nov 12, 2018
Since 2016, the regime of Bashar Al Assad has pursued a strategy of negotiating local surrender agreements – also known as “reconciliation deals” – in rebel-held Syrian territories. Those deals have allowed Damascus to re-establish its authority over a vast area. In so doing, it has forced out anti-regime fighters into the few remaining rebel-held … Continue reading “How the Syrian Regime Co-Opts Former Rebel Fighters”
Syria Rebel Coalition Defending Idlib Is a Wild Card for Turkey By Haid Haid - Sep 9, 2018
The Syrian regime’s recent success recapturing most rebel-controlled areas has put Idlib in the crosshairs of its loyalist forces. As a result, Turkey has pressured most key opposition armed forces in northwestern Syria to merge into a unified structure now branded as the National Liberation Front (NLF), which is widely viewed as part of Ankara’s … Continue reading “Syria Rebel Coalition Defending Idlib Is a Wild Card for Turkey”