From Fighters to Policemen in a Post-Assad Damascus
As the rebels who ousted Syria’s longtime dictator, Bashar al-Assad, transition from insurgents to administrators, maintaining order in the streets of the capital has become a top priority.
Until recently, these men were at war with the Syrian government. Now, they’re manning checkpoints across the capital. They’re former fighters for Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, or H.T.S. The Islamist group, once an Al Qaeda affiliate, overthrew the government of Bashar al-Assad in early December. After 13 years of civil war, restoring security is one of the top priorities for H.T.S. The group has installed people like Basel al-Helal, a former rebel, to head the police in Damascus. The fighters turned police now control traffic and are trying to return property that was looted during the recent government overthrow. They also say their mission is to conduct raids to apprehend drug dealers, thieves and former government officials. Before ousting al-Assad, H.T.S. ran a local government in a part of northern Syria that it controlled. There, it was accused of rights abuses, including the jailing of critics. This has some people worried. They are concerned about how H.T.S. will govern now that it controls a much larger and more diverse part of the country. These H.T.S. fighters say concerns about them are misplaced.
The transition from fighters to policemen in post-Assad Damascus marks a significant shift in power dynamics within Syria. The rebels, who once fought against the oppressive regime of Bashar al-Assad, are now tasked with maintaining law and order in the capital city. This transition is not without its challenges, as the former fighters must now navigate the complexities of governance and administration.
One of the key priorities for the former rebels turned police officers is restoring security in the streets of Damascus. After years of civil war and conflict, the city is in desperate need of stability and order. The fighters turned policemen are now manning checkpoints and controlling traffic to ensure the safety of the city’s residents. Additionally, they are working to return property that was looted during the overthrow of the Assad government.
In addition to maintaining security, the former fighters are also conducting raids to apprehend drug dealers, thieves, and former government officials. This transition from insurgency to law enforcement highlights the complexities of post-conflict reconstruction and governance. The former rebels must now balance the demands of maintaining security with the need to establish a fair and just system of governance.
Basel al-Helal, a former rebel, has been appointed to head the police in Damascus. His leadership will be crucial in ensuring a smooth transition from insurgency to law enforcement. The former fighters turned police officers are now responsible for upholding the rule of law and protecting the rights of all citizens, regardless of their political affiliations.
However, concerns have been raised about the potential for human rights abuses by the former rebels, particularly given their history of running a local government in northern Syria. There have been allegations of rights abuses, including the jailing of critics, during their time in power. Some observers worry about how the former rebels will govern now that they control a much larger and more diverse part of the country.
Despite these concerns, the former fighters turned police officers maintain that their mission is to restore security and stability to Damascus. They argue that concerns about their governance are misplaced and that they are committed to upholding the rule of law and protecting the rights of all citizens. The transition from insurgency to law enforcement is a delicate process that requires careful management and oversight.
In conclusion, the transition from fighters to policemen in post-Assad Damascus represents a significant turning point in the conflict in Syria. The former rebels, who once fought against the oppressive regime of Bashar al-Assad, are now tasked with maintaining law and order in the capital city. This transition is not without its challenges, as the former fighters must navigate the complexities of governance and administration. Despite concerns about potential human rights abuses, the former fighters turned police officers maintain that their mission is to restore security and stability to Damascus. The success of this transition will depend on the ability of the former rebels to uphold the rule of law and protect the rights of all citizens.
