The Olive Oil Tax: A Glimpse into Idlib's Rebel Governance

In the heart of northern Syria lies Idlib Province, known for its rolling hills and red dirt. Every autumn, farmers here harvest their olive crops. But they've got company during this process - tax collectors. These representatives of the local government, run by the rebel group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, take a cut of the oil, usually 5 percent. This tax, introduced in 2019, has been a sore point for many farmers. They gripe that there are no breaks, not even in years when the harvest is poor. Protests and even armed skirmishes have erupted over this tax. It's a snapshot of how the rebel movement governs the region. Hayat Tahrir al-Sham has been in charge of much of Idlib since 2017. Their rule isn't always popular, as seen with the olive oil tax. But it gives us a peek into how they manage and fund their operations.