By News WIRES
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The appointment of foreign figures to key positions within Syria’s newly established military has triggered significant debate both domestically and internationally. These appointments are seen by many as indicative of the regime’s growing reliance on ideological loyalty rather than military competence. Under the leadership of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) and its leader, Ahmad al-Shara (Abu Mohammad al-Julani), the new Syrian government has placed greater emphasis on ideological alignment, raising crucial questions about the army’s combat doctrine and operational framework.
Military appointments: Prioritizing loyalty over competence
Notable appointments, such as Brigadier General Abdul Rahman al-Khatib (Abu Hussein al-Jordani) to head the Republican Guard and Brigadier General Omar Muhammad Jaftchi (Mokhtar al-Turki) to lead the Damascus Division, underscore the regime’s shift toward leaders with strong personal loyalty rather than military expertise. This approach has ignited concerns regarding the ability of these leaders to effectively confront Syria’s mounting security threats, particularly from groups like ISIS and complex regional power dynamics.
The growing reliance on foreign figures in key military roles points to a lack of trust in local personnel, potentially exacerbating internal divisions within the armed forces. This risks undermining the army’s cohesion, especially in the volatile political and security environment in Syria.
International concerns: A hotbed for extremism?
The United States, France, and Germany have voiced serious concerns, warning that the appointment of foreign militants to high-ranking military positions could transform Syria into a safe haven for extremist factions. U.S. envoy Daniel Rubinstein emphasized that “these appointments will not improve their reputation in the United States.”
French and German foreign ministers, Jean-Noël Barrot and Annalena Baerbock, also expressed their apprehensions during a recent meeting with Ahmad al-Shara. Since HTS overthrew former President Bashar al-Assad in December, they have established a new government and disbanded the previous Syrian army, appointing HTS leader Rihab Abu as defense minister.
Foreign fighters in high-ranking positions
In recent months, the new government has appointed nearly 50 military leaders, at least six of whom are foreign fighters. One notable appointment is Alaa Mohamed Abdel Baky, an Egyptian fugitive wanted since 2013 and sentenced to life imprisonment for terrorism in 2016. Abdel Baky was a leader of al-Nusra Front in Egypt and an important link between the group and other extremist factions. These appointments have raised alarm bells internationally, with fears that Syria’s new military could become a breeding ground for militant groups, potentially leading to regional and global security risks. Some of these foreign fighters may later attempt to carry out attacks in their home countries after gaining combat experience in Syria.
Regime officials have stated that foreign fighters who helped oust Assad will have “a place in Syria,” with some suggesting that these individuals could be granted Syrian citizenship. This strategy has raised concerns among neighboring countries and Western powers, who are determined to prevent Syria from becoming a hub for exporting terrorism.
During a high-level Arab ministerial meeting on Syria, Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty stressed the need for all parties to collaborate in countering terrorism and ensuring that Syria does not become a refuge for extremist elements.
Sectarian foundations: A national army in disguise?
International powers, including the United States, Europe, and Arab nations, have been pressuring the new government to work together in counterterrorism efforts, though increasing uncertainty looms over Syria’s future governance.
Challenges of integration: A fragmented military
The new Syrian army’s reliance on integrating various armed factions with extremist inclinations presents significant challenges. Many of these factions previously fought against the Syrian regime and, in some cases, each other. The internal conflicts within these groups complicate efforts to forge a unified military force. Furthermore, the switch from mandatory military service to a volunteer-based system allows fighters with limited military experience but strong backgrounds in combat and rebellion to join, potentially undermining the army’s combat effectiveness and military discipline.
A study by the Geneva Institute for Security and Governance highlights that “force integration is one of the most difficult tasks in transitional operations, and if not driven by professional considerations, it often fails.”
Hidden influence of HTS
Despite changing its name from al-Nusra Front, HTS continues to exert significant control over the new military. Military analysts predict that crucial branches, such as the Air Force, Air Defense, and Republican Guard, will remain under HTS’s sway, while other roles—such as military police and logistical operations—will be assigned to different factions. A former Syrian military officer has suggested that this division could reinforce sectarian quotas within the army, hindering efforts to unify the force.
Potential echo of Iraq’s experience?
The integration of armed factions into Syria’s new army has sparked fears of a repeat of the challenges faced by Iraq’s military. A 2023 study by the U.S. Rand Corporation found that the inclusion of the Popular Mobilization Forces in the Iraqi army led to significant issues, as some factions remained loyal to their previous leaders rather than the state. This undermined military discipline and exacerbated sectarian divisions.
If Syria continues down this path, the new army could become increasingly fragmented, divided by competing loyalties, threatening not just Syria’s stability but regional security as well.
Syria’s new army faces a delicate and uncertain future, shaped by sectarian loyalties, foreign influence, and the challenges of integrating diverse factions with conflicting ideologies. The growing influence of foreign militants in high-ranking positions raises alarm, both domestically and internationally, about the potential transformation of Syria into a breeding ground for extremism. With internal divisions, external pressures, and competing loyalties within the military, the future of Syria’s armed forces remains precarious, with significant consequences for both the country and the broader region.
Original article: egyptian-gazette.com
