The Politicization of the Humanitarian Aid to North-Western Syria File by “QSD”; Goals and Consequences
Summary:
- A few hours after the earthquake crisis hit, “QSD” declared its readiness to send aid to north-western Syria, however that was not a serious declaration, as the delivery of that aid was delayed for 3 days. That happened even though the need for combustibles in the afflicted regions was very critical, and it was possible to provide such aid through areas under the influence of “QSD”, not to mention “QSD” creating obstacles to the delivery of civil and tribal aid.
- “QSD”has obstructed the delivery of oil aid to the areas controlled by the opposition, and tied it to impossible and provocative conditions. The group also spread politicized misinformation to the public claiming that the powers controlling these regions (particularly the Turks) did not agree to the entry of aid.
- The tribes of eastern Euphrates scrambled to provide aid after the delays of “QSD”, they even pressured the international community to force “QSD” to allow the transportation of tribal aid to north-western Syria. “QSD” gave in to the pressure and allowed the tribal aid to pass through after the oil caravans retreated and went back.
- The way “QSD” used the earthquake crisis made any reproachment between the group and the opposition factions in north-western Syria very difficult, and it seemed that the only thing “QSD” is concerned with is to record negative positions towards Turkey and defaming it politically and locally.
Introduction:
A lot of criticism has befallen what is known as Syria’s Democratic Forces “QSD” due it using the earthquake crisis to make political gains, a group that is supported by the international coalition in north-eastern Syria. That was due to procrastinating the delivery of aid to the afflicted regions in north-western Syria, a matter that had negative repercussions considering the critical need at the time for fuel to help the rubble removal operations.
This report discusses the way “QSD” dealt with the crisis; starting from the group announcing the start of aid delivery, reaching the way the group worked to politicize the crisis and the position of the international community towards that. The report also discusses the main consequences of “QSD’s” politicization of the aid file and the effect that had on the group’s relationship with local opposition groups in north-western Syria.
مؤسسة بحثية سورية تسعى إلى الإسهام في بناء الرؤى والمعارف بما يساعد السوريين على إنضاج حلول عملية لمواجهة التحديات الوطنية المشتركة وتحقيق التنمية المستدامة
