How Halfaya and Idlib Replaced Qardaha at the Heart of Syrian Power

How Halfaya and Idlib Replaced Qardaha at the Heart of Syrian Power

Since the Assad regime fell in early December 2024, years of alienation have receded and certain Syrians have started saying phrases like “I'm from Halfaya” or “I'm from Idlib” with a degree of pride. These are replies to the age-old question Syrians ask when they encounter unfamiliar young faces that have appeared in their institutions, police stations, security branches and government bodies. The need to know where people are from has roots th…