Iraq News
Youth

Idlib youth launch anti-extremism campaign

By Waleed Abu al-Khair in Cairo

The slogan of the grassroots ‘Syrians Against Extremism’ campaign, conducted by youth activists from Idlib province, is painted on the wall of a house in Saraqeb. [Photo courtesy of Syrians Against Extremism]

The slogan of the grassroots ‘Syrians Against Extremism’ campaign, conducted by youth activists from Idlib province, is painted on the wall of a house in Saraqeb. [Photo courtesy of Syrians Against Extremism]

Syrian youth from parts of Idlib under the control of Tahrir al-Sham have launched an awareness-raising campaign to alert civilians to the dangers of extremist ideology, a local activist tells Diyaruna.

Through the campaign, conducted with modest resources, youth activists have been warning residents that the extremist alliance, which is dominated by the former al-Nusra Front (ANF), seeks to spread the ideology of al-Qaeda.

The activists are in constant danger as they spread their message through the "Syrians Against Extremism" campaign, and risk being detained and subjected to harsh punishment by Tahrir al-Sham fighters.

The campaign was launched a few days ago in and around Idlib to raise awareness about the danger of the ideology the alliance is trying to disseminate, said activist Haisam al-Idlibi, using a pseudonym out of fear of reprisal.

Posters placed by youth activists from Idlib that warn civilians against extremist ideology are seen on walls near the Saraqeb local council building. [Photo courtesy of Syrians against Extremism]

Posters placed by youth activists from Idlib that warn civilians against extremist ideology are seen on walls near the Saraqeb local council building. [Photo courtesy of Syrians against Extremism]

A spray-painted slogan that reads, 'Extremism yields only ruin', can be seen on a wall in the city of Atareb. [Photo courtesy of Syrians Against Extremism]

A spray-painted slogan that reads, 'Extremism yields only ruin', can be seen on a wall in the city of Atareb. [Photo courtesy of Syrians Against Extremism]

Syrians Against Extremism campaign posters are plastered at the entrance of a school in Kafr Nabl. [Photo courtesy of Syrians Against Extremism]

Syrians Against Extremism campaign posters are plastered at the entrance of a school in Kafr Nabl. [Photo courtesy of Syrians Against Extremism]

The younger generation is particularly at risk of indoctrination, he told Diyaruna.

Exposing the truth

The campaign comes in response to ANF's attempts to conceal its true identity by forming the Tahrir al-Sham alliance and appearing to distance itself from al-Qaeda, he said.

It changed its name and form to maintain its presence in the region after being designated as a terrorist organisation by the international community, he added, in a clear attempt to keep itself from becoming a target of the coalition.

The campaign is self-financed and relies on the efforts of its members, al-Idlibi said. It spreads its message via social media, graffiti and posters placed in heavily-trafficked areas, such as mosque entrances and schools.

Youth activists have been working to spread their message in areas that include Idlib, Kafr Nabl, Sarmin, Atareb, Maaret al-Numan and Saraqeb, he said.

Through graffiti painted on walls in these areas, they call for people to exercise moderation, avoid extremism and turn to knowledge to resist extremist thought.

They also remind people that moderation is what will bring victory to the Syrian people, al-Idlibi said, noting that the campaign has been well-received and has become the topic of the moment, rekindling discussion and debate.

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