The Syrian National Army’s (SNA) involvement in civilian sectors, especially in the northern and eastern rural areas of Aleppo, has sparked considerable debate. Traditionally a military faction, the SNA’s roles now extend beyond combat duties, touching upon education, environmental efforts, and infrastructure projects. This expansion of responsibilities has been met with mixed reactions, with some viewing these activities as essential due to service gaps, while others see it as an overreach that threatens civilian autonomy and governance. With the backdrop of ongoing security challenges and allegations of human rights violations, questions about the appropriateness of military participation in non-combat roles have become increasingly pressing.
Military Involvement in Education
In November 2023, the SNA took some unconventional steps by intervening in the education sector. Key figures like Defense Minister Hassan al-Hamada and Military Police Director Khaled al-As’ad distributed 5,000 stationery kits to students in the Azaz, Afrin, and Jindires areas. These efforts were part of an initiative to assess and improve the security situation in schools, reflecting a move towards a dual role in both security and education, which hasn’t been traditionally associated with military organizations. This dual role undertaken by the SNA introduces complexities in the relationship between military functions and civilian needs. Although the provision of stationery kits addresses immediate educational needs, the implications of military personnel actively engaging in school environments raise important ethical and operational questions.
Moreover, military presence in educational settings can be construed as highly divisive. While some locals appreciated these efforts, balancing the evident lack of public services with the tangible contributions made by the SNA, others remain skeptical. They are wary of military influence in what should be purely civilian spaces, fearing that it could lead to undue control and politicization of education. The historic and philosophical context, with thinkers like Niccolò Machiavelli and Voltaire cautioning against the overreach of military into governance, adds another layer to this predicament. These historical insights underscore the potential risks of overstepping boundaries between military and civilian affairs, suggesting a need for careful consideration and oversight.
Environmental and Infrastructure Contributions
The SNA’s reach extends into environmental initiatives and infrastructural development, areas typically managed by civilian governance bodies. A noteworthy example was the massive tree-planting campaign led by the Ministry of Defense, which planted 100,000 seedlings to combat the adverse effects of wars and climate change-induced droughts. These environmental efforts aimed at restoring the damaged ecosystem are undoubtedly commendable. However, they also bring to the fore the blurred lines between military and civilian duties in a region still healing from conflict.
Infrastructure projects reveal a similar trend of crossover between military and civilian roles. Leaders like Abu Amsha of the Sultan Suleiman Shah Brigade were actively involved in road expansions and repairs in towns such as Sheikh al-Hadid in Afrin. This infrastructure work, involving collaborative efforts between different SNA factions and local councils, aimed to use available resources for tangible improvements. These initiatives are lauded for addressing immediate needs and resource shortages, but they also prompt critical concerns about military factions taking on roles traditionally reserved for civilian administrations. The military’s involvement inevitably stirs conversations about long-term implications for civilian governance and administrative autonomy.
While such projects may temporarily bridge the gap in public service provision, they also risk empowering military factions at the expense of civilian institutions. This dual nature of military involvement—both beneficial and potentially detrimental—poses significant challenges for communities striving for stability and self-governance. The balancing act between immediate relief facilitated by military efforts and the overarching goal of strong, independent civilian institutions remains a delicate equilibrium that requires sustained attention and strategic oversight.
The Human Rights Challenge
Despite the positive undertones of their initiatives, the SNA’s involvement in civilian affairs has been marred by allegations of human rights violations. Reports from human rights organizations indicate significant interference in civilian life, including unauthorized logging, occupying schools, and the abusive use of residential neighborhoods for military purposes. These violations severely undermine the legitimacy of the SNA’s civilian engagements, casting a shadow over their intentions and overall impact. Issues of arbitrary detentions, extortions, and property confiscations have been rampant, with the International Commission of Inquiry on Syria’s 2024 report documenting these abuses. This report not only illustrates the extent of these violations but also reinforces the complex reality wherein military actions intended for public good are marred by unlawful behaviors that harm local communities.
Claims of these abuses are more than isolated incidents; they represent a systemic issue within the military organization. Such actions not only contravene basic human rights but also hint at the potential war crimes committed by SNA factions. This duality—undertaking civilian roles while perpetuating lawlessness—poses a serious credibility crisis for the SNA. The tension between beneficial initiatives and documented abuses creates an environment of distrust and fear among the civilian population. Addressing this dichotomy is essential for rebuilding public trust and ensuring that military involvement genuinely contributes to the welfare of the communities they serve.
Citizen and Expert Opinions
The Syrian population’s response to the SNA’s civilian initiatives is deeply divided. While some appreciate the army filling critical service gaps, others decry the militarization of civilian life. This dichotomy reflects a broader tension about military involvement in non-combat roles. On the one hand, the army’s actions are seen as necessary interventions in areas lacking sufficient public services. On the other hand, this involvement is perceived as an intrusion that risks the militarization of civilian spaces and the loss of civilian governance’s integrity. Historical insights suggest that separating military power from civilian governance is generally preferred to maintain a balanced and just society.
Experts like Nawar Shaban from the Omran Center for Strategic Studies bring a nuanced perspective, suggesting that military engagement in civilian affairs might be acceptable in areas crippled by conflict and service shortages. However, Shaban emphasizes the necessity of proper regulation and coordination with civilian authorities, ensuring military activities remain transparent and beneficial to public welfare. This perspective underlines the importance of accountability and structured oversight, without which military involvement might degenerate into self-serving operations detrimental to the civilian population.
Balancing the immediate benefits of military-led initiatives with the long-term need for autonomous civilian institutions is a persistent challenge. Effective oversight, combined with rigorous accountability mechanisms, can help safeguard civilian interests while leveraging military resources for immediate relief and development. The dialogue between military and civilian authorities must be grounded in mutual respect and shared goals to foster a collaborative environment that prioritizes the well-being of the community.
Regional Context and Institutional Efforts
The Syrian National Army (SNA) has traditionally focused on military duties, but its involvement is now spreading into civilian sectors, particularly in northern and eastern rural Aleppo. This shift has ignited considerable debate. The SNA has started engaging in activities like education, environmental conservation, and building infrastructure. This expansion of roles beyond combat has garnered mixed reactions. Some argue that the SNA’s involvement is crucial because it fills critical service gaps in these areas. However, others believe this encroaches on civilian autonomy and governance, posing a threat to the independence of these communities.
The backdrop of ongoing security issues and allegations of human rights violations adds further complexity to the situation. These allegations raise significant questions about whether a military entity should take on non-combat responsibilities, especially when there are concerns about their adherence to human rights standards. The debate continues, highlighting the delicate balance between addressing immediate needs and preserving civilian governance. As the SNA extends its reach, it underscores the urgent need for a careful assessment of military roles in civilian life.
