Abstract
The interim councils and medical workers operating in besieged cities in opposition-held areas of Syria have faced enormous challenges in providing services to citizens. Despite the extremely difficult operating environment, some semblance of organized government has been installed by anti-regime rebels, whose functions include provision of basic services. Data collected from interviews with interim councils and medical workers in four opposition-held areas suggest that despite the acutely constrained environment and overwhelming challenges, governance structures there demonstrate a degree of success in delivering basic services to civilian populations. Their provision of basic services constitutes more than a bargaining tool or legitimacy signalling, and is better understood as an integral part of revolutionary struggle. Although producing an objective picture of events on the ground is hindered by the conflict conditions and heavy propaganda, the Syrian experience of service provision under siege merits further exploration and has relevance for other conflict environments.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 309-324 |
Number of pages | 16 |
Journal | Environment and Urbanization |
Volume | 31 |
Issue number | 1 |
Early online date | 2 Nov 2018 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - Apr 2019 |
Bibliographical note
Copyright © and Moral Rights are retained by the author(s) and/ or other copyright owners. A copy can be downloaded for personal non-commercial research or study, without prior permission or charge. This item cannot be reproduced or quoted extensively from without first obtaining permission in writing from the copyright holder(s). The content must not be changed in any way or sold commercially in any format or medium without the formal permission of the copyright holders.Keywords
- Syria
- basic services
- conflict
- local government
- siege
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Environmental Science (miscellaneous)
- Urban Studies
Institute themes
- Peace and Conflict
- Security and Resilience
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Chas Morrison
- Centre for Trust, Peace and Social Relations - Assistant Professor Research
Person: Teaching and Research