Amount of influence in the life of Syria
Lowest rating: 1 of 5
Highest rating: 5 of 5
Average rating (8 assessments): 2.7 of 5
Commitment to inclusive nationalism for Syria
Core : 29%
Champion: 0%
Conditional: 14.%
Neutral: 0%
Opposed: 57%
Round 2 suggestions to weaken this actor who was mostly seen as opposed:
“Stop financing them. Stop weapons supplies. Educate them ideologically. Control the borders. The role of the military is important. Sometimes violence is necessary.” (228631)
Importance of Ahrar al-Sham in the life of Syria
Round 3 statements (Nov. 2016 - July 2017):
"They would like to isolate and condemn Assad, but are concerned for instability." (239312)
"They want Sharia law to govern Syria in the same way IS does. There should be no future for them in Syria if we want sustainable peace." (236592)
"They have big numbers. They represent the moderate Islamic movement. They are the only ones who can stop al-Nusra from expanding. They have a strong army, but not the support of the people." (230784)
"They have no ideology. They aren't really Muslim. They smoke. They drink. They sleep with women. They use Islamic sayings and imagery for the public image." (230713)
"The largest armed group in Syria. They have an ideology. They are the only one who is part of international agreements. They are 95-98% Syrians, and not classified as terrorists by the United Nations or the United States, only the United Arab Emirates." (233911)
"Very influential in the north of Syria. There are not 20 - 40 thousand fighters anymore. Now they are much weaker." (233881)
"They are an armed terrorist group, affiliated with al-Nusra." (238631)
Round 2 statements (Nov. 2016 - July 2017):
"Financially strong, backed by regional countries. Their reputation is not as savage as al-Nusra or ISIL." (221641)
"There are 3 subgroups. One is close to the Free Syrian Army. One is between Al Qaida and the Free Syrian Army. The third is variable between the others." (223911)
"They play a role in the conflict. Many are foreigners. They are classified as a terrorist group. It's one of the reasons it's difficult to reach an agreement between Russia and the United States. They are tied to Al Qaida." (228631)
"It's the amount of fighters they have. (223911)
"20 - 40K fighters. They cover all of Syria. They have command and control. They are not as ideological as al Nusra." (221951)
“They want an Islamist state.” (221641)
Round 1 statements (Jan. 2016 - May 2016):
"Popular resistance, sincere, brave, honest, good reputation, provides services." (212041)