In brief
In Idlib, Syria, the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham has been in control for years, significantly shaping public life. Although certain strict laws are enforced—like banning music and hookah in cafes—local residents have observed enhancements in services. The Shababeek cafe, for example, remains bustling, albeit without the typical music or hookah smoke. Its owner, Yahia Naeme, highlights the business impact of these restrictions, noting that the absence of such entertainment may drive customers away.
Other cafes attempt to evade these laws by creating private spaces for hookah smoking, but Naeme prefers to comply to avoid complications with authorities. While the penalties for breaking these regulations can be significant, the citizens of Idlib also express appreciation for improvements made in public infrastructure, indicating a complex relationship with their rulers. The balance between strict governance and the need for public approval manifests in the daily lives of residents navigating their community under rebel control.
