العربية

National Defense Forces

Ninety-six (96) local, regional, and international organizations and entities (prime actors) were identified by their peers as influential in the life of Syria. In the chart below, the left column ranks the prime actors from most influential in shaping the life in Syria (Russia) to the least influential (Relief International).

The chart also shows the classification of prime actors into five stances indicating the actor's support and contribution to inclusive nationalism for Syria, starting from the most committed (Core) to the least committed (Saboteur).

Amount of influence of the National Defense Forces in the life of Syria, and their commitment to inclusive nationalism for Syria.

25 prime actors participated in the following:

  • Determining the rank of the National Defense Forces according to the amount of their influence on life in Syria. As shown in the chart below, the National Defense Forces ranked 72nd most influential prime actor.
  • Assessing and classifying the National Defense Forces according to their commitment to inclusive nationalism for Syria (also indicated in the same row by the colored rectangle). Of the 25 prime actors who participated in the assessments, more agreed that the National Defense Forces fall under the category of 'Builder & Solver'. A prime actor assessed as Builder & Solver is seen as wholly committed to inclusive nationalism for Syria. This is their mission.
Syria R3 PA National Defense Forces x.jpg

In response to the question, “How are the National Defense Forces important in the life of Syria?” 

Round 3 participants stated (Nov. 2016 - Jul. 2017):

"They supplement the Syrian Army at about 40,000 strong. They are influential where the regime is. They have a bad reputation. Their members are mercenaries acting aggressively.” (233881)


Round 2 participants stated (Aug. 2016 - Oct. 2017):

“They are well equipped and trained. They operate in a semi-legal world where the government can't.” (223911)

“They are directly supported by the Assad regime. They supplement the Syrian Army. Sometimes they are thugs, or whatever, with carte blanche government support.” (221951)