The Resurgence Of Islamist Terrorism In Syria: Challenges And Prospects For Peace

By Grace Mubashir, New Age Islam 4 December 2024 The Resurgence Of Islamist Terrorism In Syria Underlines The Difficult Work Of Peace In A Fractious And Contested Landscape: Whereas Groups Like HTS And ISIS Are Important Continuations Of A Threat Continuum, Much Of Their Power Derives From The Broader Dynamics Of Failure In Governance, Political Rivalry, And Humanitarian Crises. ----- Introduction The centuries-long political, sectarian, and ideological currents keep Syria at the crossroads, so it is the right time for the developing tendencies in Aleppo and factions, such as Hayat Tahrir Al-Sham, which remind people who easily forget that peace in that area of the Middle East is fragile. The legacy of the Syrian Civil War coupled with the resurgence of jihadist networks now presents a very potent challenge to global and regional stability. This essay explores the re-emergence of Islamist terrorism in Syria, its drivers, ongoing activities, and international peace efforts at mitigating this threat. The Historical Roots Of Terrorism In Syria Radical forces seized the collapse of Syria into war in 2011. Opposition forces' disintegration, coupled with Assad's desire to consolidate his own powers, enabled Jihadis like ISIS and affiliates of al-Qaeda. These groups have exploited grievances, sectarian divisions, and breakdown of state structures. Even as ISIS had territorial losses by 2019, the ideological influence remains, gifting fertile ground for resurgence. Hayat Tahrir Al-Sham, the leading Islamist group in Idlib, is the latest avatar of the al-Qaeda network. It has disassociated itself with al-Qaeda but the essence of this hybrid model of rule and insurgency, integrating the latter with the former, is not less effective as it continues to stay relevant amidst a military onslaught and shifting allegiances. The Recent Political Developments and Their Implications The resurgence in Aleppo and surrounding areas in Syria underlines the point of critical shift regarding Syria's ongoing war. HTS may be operating under stretched limits due to lack of comprehensive governance and given fresh geopolitical rivalries involved: namely the external actors Turkey, Iran, Israel, and the United States- complicated attempts at stabilization. 1. The Role of Hayat Tahrir Al-Sham Hayat Tahrir Al-Sham assumed overall control of Idlib, making incursions into regime forces and other opposition forces. It utilized the potential of propaganda and social services to mobilize support on the ground, but its military campaigns have targeted regime forces as well as moderate opposition group forces. Indeed, in several senses, the activities of Hayat Tahrir Al-Sham point to its strategy of entrenching governance structures and simultaneously perpetuating armed conflict. 2. Geostrategic Competition Syria remains a stage for bigger power plays. Turkey's presence in northern Syria, masquerading as fighting Kurdish militias, indirectly facilitates the existence of groups such as Hayat Tahrir Al-Sham. Similarly, Iran's support for the Assad regime and Israeli attacks on Iranian positions testify to the nature of a disjointed war. These factors do not allow for a common response against terrorism. The Threat From Islamist Terrorism Now: The threat of Islamist terrorism in Syria goes beyond HTS. ISIS cells, although diminished, still carry out attacks in the Syrian desert, targeting the regime forces and civilian infrastructure. The other groups, such as Hurras al-Din, are affiliated with al-Qaeda and often act in coordination with Hayat Tahrir Al-Sham or through self-sufficient work, using local grievances to recruit fighters. 1. Technical Competencies Despite territorial losses, the groups of jihadists in Syria continued to work operationally through sleeper cells, fundraising networks, and alliances. Resilience could be seen in their employment of drones, IEDs, and asymmetric warfare tactics. 2. Regional Spillover That's a nightmare for surrounding countries. Pockets of terrorism continued to dot Syrian space, threatening neighbour states-cross-border attack, attracting in foreign fighters-and exiling refugees, undermining regional stability-the same trio of potential victims here remained under threat: Jordan, Lebanon, and Iraq. Peace Efforts and Challenges Issues of the Resurgence of Islamist Terrorism in Syria: the Need for Complex Response - Military, Political, Humanitarian. However, there are so many difficulties in peace building. 1. International Peace Initiatives United Nations efforts, in the form of the Astana and Geneva processes, try to bring a political solution towards the Syrian crisis. However, again, that too is limited by the heterogeneity of interests among these stakeholders. What role Bashar al-Assad's regime will be allowed to play is not clear, and the group classification of HTS complicates the negotiations. 2. Local Reconciliation Initiatives: In other places, localized bargains between the Assad regime and opposition groups have toned down fighting on a localized scale. However, such arrangements usually exclude jihadist elements which dilutes the impact of the arrangements in combating wider terrorist threats. 3. Humanitarian Challenges The humanitarian crisis in Syria is an aggravation of the threat of terrorism. Poverty, displacement, and lack of education make it an easy recruitment area for radicals. International efforts to help Syria are commendable, though financial shortfall and logistic constraints have been major bottlenecks. Prospects for Stability Stability in Syria should be brought about by deterring the causes of terrorism while tearing apart its networks. Recommendations are: 1. Improving Governance Empowerment of local governance structures can be counter to the appeal of jihadist groups. It includes basic services, justice, and community resilience. 2. Targeted counter-terrorism tactics Military pressure should be supported with efforts to destroy their financing and propaganda structures; more intensive exchange of intelligence information and cooperation between regional and international players would help. 3. Inclusive Peace Processes Negotiations must involve a broader range of stakeholders, including moderate opposition groups and civil society actors. A comprehensive political settlement is essential to prevent further fragmentation. 4. Humanitarian Needs End International donors should focus on humanitarian aid to alleviate suffering populations and help in destigmatizing extremist ideologies. Bringing education and programs for productive livelihoods may provide alternative paths to prevent radicalization. Conclusion The resurgence of Islamist terrorism in Syria underlines the difficult work of peace in a fractious and contested landscape: whereas groups like HTS and ISIS are important continuations of a threat continuum, much of their power derives from the broader dynamics of failure in governance, political rivalry, and humanitarian crises. International action in turn should cut across military-political and humanitarian strategies, taking its proper position and being accordingly timed. Through an effective solution to the issues from its grass-root level, only then could it approach stability. ----- A regular columnist for NewAgeIslam.com, Mubashir V.P is a PhD scholar in Islamic Studies at Jamia Millia Islamia and freelance journalist. URL: https://www.newageislam.com/islam-terrorism-jihad/resurgence-islamist-terrorism-syria-peace/d/133921 New Age Islam, Islam Online, Islamic Website, African Muslim News, Arab World News, South Asia News, Indian Muslim News, World Muslim News, Women in Islam, Islamic Feminism, Arab Women, Women In Arab, Islamophobia in America, Muslim Women in West, Islam Women and Feminism