By Nohad Topalian | 2024-06-16

There is growing anger in Syria's Idlib province against Tahrir al-Sham, an extremist alliance dominated by al-Qaeda's former Syrian affiliate, as the alliance itself begins to erode, local sources said.

Tahrir al-Sham is the dominant non-state actor in Syria's last opposition enclave, and the de facto ruler of Idlib province and some adjacent areas.

Founded by the former al-Nusra Front, the alliance is dominated by that group, which was al-Qaeda's main affiliate in Syria.

Though it publicly broke ties with al-Qaeda, analysts say this was a "chameleon" move designed to give it more leverage in political negotiations on Syria's post-war future by removing the stigma of its al-Qaeda affiliation.

Tahrir al-Sham still cleaves to al-Qaeda's ideology, however, and has sought to suppress and eliminate rivals and keep a tight grip on its opponents.

In recent months, the alliance has begun to splinter as its leader, Abu Mohammad al-Joulani, attempts to hold on to power by removing influential figures from leadership positions.

Meanwhile, the Idlib population has been increasingly vocal in its rejection of the alliance's rule, accusing it of abandoning and betraying the goals of the Syrian revolution, which called for democratic reforms and respect for human rights.

Broken promises

Idlib residents have denounced the alliance's corruption, theft of public funds, imposition of taxes and tribute payments and attempts to suppress dissent.

Protests have resumed in force across Idlib in recent months, an Idlib-based activist and political researcher told Al-Fassel, on condition of anonymity.

In addition to the civilian protesters, Tahrir al-Sham commanders and rank-and-file fighters who are dissatisfied with al-Joulani are joining the protests, he said.

At the root of the protests is "the worsening economic situation resulting from Tahrir al-Sham's corruption in administering the region and the monopoly held by figures close to al-Joulani over all economic resources," he said.

The alliance's detention of peaceful demonstrators in Jisr al-Shughur and its pursuit of activists opposed to its policy also sparked public anger.

Tahrir al-Sham, which claimed to support the Syrian people and the goals of the Syrian opposition, "broke its promises from the first moment," said Abu Mahmoud, who hails from southern Idlib province.

"What is happening today confirms that it is implementing its agenda to gain power and suppress the demonstrations," he told Al-Fassel.

The vast popular alienation from Tahrir al-Sham "has become the most prominent feature and stems from the rejection of its behavior and practices that reflect its rejection of the opposition groups," Abu Mahmoud said.