REBEL HELD TOWNS OF SYRIA FORM NEW GOVERNMENTS:

Sarah,

As you now know, there is a revolution taking place in Syria.(see the details and background of the conflict)  One consequence of a revolution is that it can create a power vacuum.  The war has left parts of Syria with no local government, no courts, and no police.

In rebel held towns, local leaders are starting to build new governments and restart basic civic functions.

First, the rebels are organizing courts.  Courts are extremely necessary because the chaos of the war and influx of weapons has led to higher crime.  Further, suspected government informants need to be tried.

For now, most of courts are religious and run by local religious officials.  Procedure is lacking and there are widespread reports of executions.  Makeshift jails have sprung up around the country and treatment of detainees is a major concern.

Second, the towns are organizing city councils.  These councils handle garbage pick-up as well as the enormous task of burying the dead in the middle of a warzone.  It’s a dirty job and someone absolutely has to do it.

Hopefully, if these governments grow stronger, they will reduce the amount of chaos in a post-Assad Syria.

Source: LA Times, “tentative steps towards a new Syria” 8/19/12