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Cutting Aid to Syria’s Idlib May Be the Easy Choice for Western Donors, But It’s Not the Right One By Haid Haid - May 7, 2019
The increased dominance of Hayat Tahrir Al-Sham over the last rebel-held pocket in north-west Syria is severely hampering efforts toward establishing good governance. Fears that aid money is being siphoned off to HTS, which most of the world regards as a terrorist group, have led Western donors to cut funding for all non-humanitarian projects related … Continue reading “Cutting Aid to Syria’s Idlib May Be the Easy Choice for Western Donors, But It’s Not the Right One”
HTS Attempts State-Building as Survival Strategy in Idlib By Haid Haid - Apr 27, 2019
While the world is looking to Russia and Turkey to determine the fate of greater Idlib, Syria’s former Al Qaeda affiliate, Hayat Tahrir Al Sham (HTS), is attempting to shape the future of the region. Following military gains earlier this year against rival opposition groups in the last rebel-held pocket in the country, HTS is establishing … Continue reading “HTS Attempts State-Building as Survival Strategy in Idlib”
Eastern Syria’s Stability Depends on the SDF’s Ability to Win the Peace By Haid Haid - Apr 9, 2019
While the world is celebrating the recent territorial defeat of ISIS, the Syrian Democratic Forces seem to be overwhelmed with efforts to preserve their gains. The group, which led the ground operations against the so-called caliphate in northeastern Syria, has won a crucial battlefield victory, but whether it will be decisive relies on its ability … Continue reading “Eastern Syria’s Stability Depends on the SDF’s Ability to Win the Peace”
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”