Elias Bejjani/Text & Video: The Rise of Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham and the Shadows of Daesh-like Islamic Governance in Syria Elias Bejjani/December 11/ 2024
The fall of Bashar al-Assad’s dictatorial regime in Syria brought joy to many Syrians who had endured 54 years of brutal, inhumane, and oppressive rule. However, the rise of jihadist and extremist groups, primarily Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), to fill the power vacuum left by Assad raises pressing questions about Syria’s future. HTS, an extremist Islamist group deeply connected to al-Qaeda and the global terrorist Muslim Brotherhood network, has a history of jihadist violence in Iraq and Syria. Designated a terrorist organization by the United States, the rise of HTS could plunge Syria into a new era of repression and instability, akin to the darkness seen in Gaza, Yemen, Iran, Iraq, and Afghanistan under Islamist rule.
HTS, under the leadership of Abu Muhammad al-Julani (Ahmed al-Sharaa), is known for its violent tactics, oppressive governance, and exploitation of religious doctrines to justify its actions. While the fall of Assad represents a pivotal moment for the Syrian people, replacing one form of tyranny with another rooted in extremist Islamist ideology poses an existential threat to Syria’s ethnically, sectarianly, and culturally diverse fabric. Moreover, such a regime could pose a serious threat to neighboring Lebanon and Jordan.
Under jihadist rule, countries often regress into authoritarian theocracies that impose draconian laws, curtail freedoms, and suppress dissent. For instance, the iron-fisted rule of the Taliban in Afghanistan has resulted in public executions, restrictions on women’s rights, and suppression of opposition. Similarly, Iran’s theocratic regime rules through fear, employing executions, arbitrary arrests, and systemic oppression of minorities and women. Yemen’s collapse under the control of extremist Islamist factions demonstrates how radical governance exacerbates humanitarian suffering and stifles development.
HTS often projects a façade of moderation, particularly to gain local and international support. This deceptive approach aligns with the concept of taqiyya, an Islamic principle permitting deceit under certain circumstances to safeguard religion. From this perspective, HTS’s promises of governance aligned with the aspirations of the Syrian people must be scrutinized critically. History has shown that such groups often make conciliatory statements to pacify local populations and international observers while implementing oppressive practices in reality.
HTS’s track record inspires little confidence. In areas under its control, the group has enforced strict Sharia laws, silenced dissent, and marginalized women’s rights. These actions contradict its claims of prioritizing justice and the welfare of the Syrian people. Instead, HTS governance threatens to institutionalize dhimmitude, relegating non-Muslims to second-class citizenship, thereby undermining Syria’s pluralistic and diverse societal fabric.
One of the most dangerous aspects of HTS’s rule, should it come to fruition, is its use of deception. Its application of taqiyya allows it to present a moderate and acceptable face publicly while concealing extremist intentions. This ideological duplicity makes it challenging to assess their true motives, presenting a significant obstacle to international efforts to counter their influence.
The rise of HTS under al-Julani’s leadership represents a grim and disheartening scenario for Syria. The group’s extremist ideology and authoritarian practices could plunge the country into an era of fear and regression. Syrians who fought for freedom and dignity under Assad now face the prospect of losing those hard-won rights under a new, ideologically driven oppressor.
Should HTS consolidate its power, the consequences could be dire. The group’s strict interpretation of Sharia law might lead to harsh punishments, such as public executions and amputations. Women would likely face severe restrictions on their rights, including limitations on education and employment. Furthermore, HTS’s ties to al-Qaeda and the Muslim Brotherhood organization could integrate Syria into a global jihadist network, destabilizing the region and threatening international security.
To prevent Syria from following the paths of Gaza, Yemen, Iran, or Afghanistan, the international community and moderate Syrian forces must collaborate to counter the influence of jihadist groups like HTS. This effort should include advocating for inclusive, secular governance, promoting education and human rights, and ensuring that Syrians do not exchange one form of tyranny for another.
While the fall of Assad’s regime is a cause for celebration, it should also be a moment for caution. Syrians must remain vigilant against the rise of extremist groups like HTS, which threaten to impose a regressive and oppressive regime. The lessons from other nations under Islamist rule are clear: the struggle for freedom and justice does not end with the removal of a dictator but requires constant vigilance to prevent the emergence of new forms of tyranny.
