The most recent public look of the chief of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, Abu Mohammed al-Golani, in Syria’s northwestern province of Idlib once more raised controversy.
On Jan. 31, Golani visited Deir Hassan camp, north of Idlib, to launch a marketing campaign referred to as “#Your Warmth_Is_Our Obligation” in assist of the displaced in the course of the winter months.
Golani supplied an estimated $1 million to provide heating to the households affected by the winter climate. The monetary support will likely be granted to the involved authorities within the Ministry of Growth of the HTS-affiliated Salvation Authorities, which is able to then distribute it to the roughly 50,000 affected households.
In a speech throughout his go to to Deir Hassan camp, Golani mentioned that indicators of progress and building had been beginning to emerge within the space amid efforts to resolve issues via emergency options. He additionally promised a venture to interchange tents with first rate houses, whereas striving to resolve the struggling of the individuals with out counting on reduction.
Golani had additionally vowed to launch economic projects when he appeared on the inauguration of the Aleppo-Bab al-Hawa road on Jan. 7. These initiatives embody preserving human assets, establishing academic establishments and sustaining competencies in society.
On Nov. 23, 2021, Golani took part in a meeting sponsored by HTS’ Shura Council with the Ministry of Economic system within the Salvation Authorities to debate the financial state of affairs, particularly the bread disaster, in northern Syria. He tackled the issue of meals safety within the Idlib area and proposed options, whereas promising financial enchancment, gradual restoration and the pressing subsidy of bread.
Golani’s strikes sparked widespread controversy and criticism on social media, with activists mocking him for making an attempt to seem as a humanitarian activist as an alternative of a navy chief.
Most social media activists mocked Golani’s $1 million donation to the displaced in Deir Hassan camp. Golani had appeared in civilian garments and met with quite a lot of residents of Deir Hassan camp within the northern countryside of Idlib. Photos circulated of him listening to the complaints of civilians in regards to the difficulties they face, particularly within the winter season.
Many activists described Golani’s donation as a part of the propaganda that HTS promotes for itself and its chief.
In the meantime, HTS supporters considered the transfer as proof that Golani follows up on civilian affairs and seeks options to their issues, and that this is without doubt one of the traits of a frontrunner involved with the situations of his group.
Orwa Ajjoub, a Turkey-based researcher on jihadist teams, advised Al-Monitor, “It’s tough to inform the place Golani received the cash from that he donated, however he appears to be transferring towards institutional work and the [money] is authorized as a result of it comes from the Salvation Authorities. Golani desires to indicate that HTS is a state and never a militia, and that he’s in search of options for the civilians who fall below his management.”
He mentioned, “On the similar time, Golani desires to convey messages to the group that Idlib is a state, with the purpose of enhancing his picture to each the worldwide and local people whereas delivering a message to reduction organizations that he’s a associate.”
Ajjoub added, “The criticisms that Golani confronted will play out in his favor, as they present that there’s freedom of expression in Idlib, and this criticism is appropriate [for HTS] so long as it doesn’t cross the pink traces set by HTS.”
Mohammed al-Omar, an Idlib-based media determine near HTS, advised Al-Monitor, “Golani’s picture doesn’t must be improved in Idlib, because the social media web sites and cross-border defamation confronted by HTS don’t mirror the Idlib group. Additionally, what can enhance HTS’ picture are good safety situations and checkpoints that deal with civilians with respect and don’t settle for any bribe from any driver, as is the case within the areas below the management of the Syrian Democratic Forces, amongst others. Safety will also be improved so that girls can run their errands alone in the midst of the night time and media delegations and guests are kindly acquired and effectively handled.”
He famous, “Golani isn’t in search of any exterior advantages as he’s working for the advantage of civilians, and the donation he introduced is authorities cash and never his private cash as some are saying. Those that assault each step that Golani takes achieve this as a result of they hate him. They’re a bunch of theoreticians. Golani is working arduous on the bottom.”
Omar al-Hamwi, a humanitarian activist who resides within the northern countryside of Aleppo, advised Al-Monitor, “The quantity that Golani donated is a part of the cash that HTS collects as humanitarian support meant for the individuals of Idlib and the displaced. HTS and its chief wish to enhance their picture within the media, which explains the donation. I don’t suppose that the picture of Golani, or that of HTS, will ever enhance, as the quantity will reportedly be distributed to 50,000 households, that means that every household’s share will likely be $20, which covers the price of heating for under three days, particularly in gentle of the exorbitant heating value in Idlib.”
Khaled al-Terkawi, a researcher residing in Turkey, advised Al-Monitor, “The cash that Golani introduced is from the Salvation Authorities, which collects it from investments, taxes, arms commerce and providers. Golani began to interact himself within the financial facet with the intention to appeal to investments that may in the end profit HTS. There isn’t any doubt that when HTS gives civilians one thing that alleviates their struggling, this contributes to enhancing its picture.”
