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Title: Islamist Group Running Syria Has Mixed Record Over Governance in Province, Ruled With “Iron Fist”
The US government has recently had direct contact with the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), which has taken control of a significant portion of the Syrian territory. While it’s crucial to consider HTS’ willingness to cooperate with the US in locating Austin Tice, an American journalist missing since 2012, its governance record raises concerns about its commitment to democratic values.
In Idlib province, governed by HTS since 2015, residents have reported a mixed experience with the group. On one hand, HTS has established relatively stable governance and maintained a degree of public order, which is commendable considering the devastating impact of the war on the region. However, its authoritarian approach to governing, characterized as ruling with an “iron fist,” raises concerns about the protection of individual rights.
HTS’ rigid stance on social issues, such as restricting women’s education and imposing harsh punishments for perceived moral infractions, has also drawn criticism from international observers. Furthermore, there have been reports of HTS targeting rival Islamist groups, including Ahrar Al-Sham, Hurras Al-Din, and other Jihadist groups tied to al Qaeda and ISIS.
The US and UK are considering whether to remove HTS from the foreign terrorist list. In order for this to happen, HTS must establish a clear checklist of measures it will take to demonstrate its commitment to democratic values and human rights principles.
As the US engages with HTS, it’s essential to acknowledge their mixed record on governance and ensure that any cooperation does not inadvertently legitimize the group’s authoritarian tendencies.
Source: www.foxnews.com
