Syria’s new authorities are using Islamic teachings to train a new police force, raising concerns among people of other religions living there. Although Syrian officials say that the purpose of imparting Islamic education to the police force is to inculcate a sense of morality in them, there is concern that they might become fanatics instead of becoming moral. Let us tell you that Syrian authorities are preparing new security forces differently after eliminating the notoriously corrupt and brutal security forces of ousted President Bashar al-Assad. There are media reports that police in the northwestern region of Idlib are asking applicants about their beliefs and focusing on Islamic Sharia law during training. If seen, ensuring stability in Syria and winning the trust of the people is very important for Sunni Muslim Islamists. But a concern is emerging that if emphasis is given to Islamic laws then the life of people of other religions will become difficult. However, Syrian leader Ahmed al-Sharaa has sought to reassure Western and Middle Eastern governments that his faction has renounced its former ties to al Qaeda and will rule with restraint, including protecting minorities.
Meanwhile, Syrian police said about half of the stations had reopened, but each was staffed by about 10 officers, most of whom were flown in from Idlib. Earlier, there were around 100-150 people in every police station. There are reports that the police officers and staff working there are under immense pressure as they have to deal with a lot of issues day and night. That is why in view of the huge shortage of policemen, new recruitments are being made. According to a report, Hesham Hilal, who leads courses for recruits at a police academy in Damascus, has reported that more than 200,000 people have registered to join the new police service he is setting up. But the focus on Sharia is becoming a hindrance for some people. Meanwhile, it has also been reported that police who joined the rebel side before Assad’s fall are welcome to apply for the new force.
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It is also being reported that all the senior officers interviewed have said that they expect staffing levels to improve this year with the expansion of recruitment and training and the reopening of more stations. It is being told that the new recruits are getting only 10 days of education, mostly about using weapons and Islamic law. The religious education given to recruits includes the principles of Islamic jurisprudence, the biography of the Prophet Mohammed, and rules of conduct.
Let us also tell you that Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), the group ruling Syria, had dominance in Idlib since 2017 and initially patrolled there to enforce strict Islamic views on public behavior. The UN Commission of Inquiry said in a 2021 report that women were detained for traveling without a male family member or wearing indecent attire. But later the morality patrol was reduced because residents did not like it. Now, due to the kind of training being given to the police, fear is increasing in the minds of minorities in Syria.
