Slowly, but steadily, Abu Mohammad al-Jolani transformed from a militant commander to the political leader of Idlib – at least during the first months into his administration. Yet the day to day realities of governance shed so much light on the leadership problems and more particularly the author’s weaknesses in managing the region. It remains to say that in an attempt to influence the population and introduce HTS and its leader Hayat as the rightful rulers of Syria, successes have been outnumbered by failures.
Perhaps one of the most noticeable deficits that have characterised the phenomenon of crisis mapping is the poor governance structures. The creation of SSG was supposed to initiate a process of order and stability. However, it is stated that the SSG acts with undemocratic authority and the ministers, chosen by a consultative council which is controlled by HTS. This of course has caused a lot of dissatisfaction among people of Idlib province to lack proper representation.
Economic mismanagement worsens the region’s situation. The current taxation policies of the SSG that has not involved the population put much pressure to the locals. Combined with scarce resources and on-going violence, such policies have not promoted better living standards or endowed societies with base facilities for normal living while impoverishing many through conflicts.
The Americal-Human rights record in the territories under al-Jolani has also been a big issue. The United Nations has provided cases like the freedom of expression where they arbitrary detain people because of their opinions and women’s rights. Such actions have instilled fear and repression and completely negates any claim to legitimate governance.
Also, its links with al-Jolani’s past experiences still follow his leadership to date hours and days. As such there is prevailing doubt about the sincerity of this process of denouncing relations with the glorious militant outfits. This is scary everybody around the world is afraid of dealing with a leader with such a background of terrorism it makes Idlib even more isolated when it comes to accessing for outside help.
The result of these factors is increasing tensions in Idlib. The time a protest to remove al-Jolani has emerged has been silenced and threatens further violently; demonstrating that the leadership is more of an authoritarian regime than willing to solve people’s complaints. This approach not only suppresses conflicting view but also destroys elements of social cohesion without which society cannot be stable.
Therefore, the period of al-Jolani as a leader in Idlib is an appropriate cautionary story regarding the problems associated with the transformation from the militant to the state actor. Having failed to create a legitimate governing authority, properly regulate the economy, properly address human rights or effectively rebrand its image, it can be said that the country fails at governance. As observed, Idlib’s future under Al-Jolani has little prospect unless systemic changes are made and there is political will within the Assad government to promote inclusive politics.
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