Despite all the political transformations that Syria has witnessed since the fall of the Assad regime, the regime's security structure remains deeply entrenched in the humanitarian and relief efforts that continue to this day within international organizations with branches in Syria, particularly in Damascus.
Testimonies from within former state institutions confirm that many international organizations operating under a humanitarian umbrella were effectively subject to the oversight and direction of the security services and were run by figures with direct loyalty to the former regime who remain in their positions to this day.
A former employee in the Syrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, who worked in the Public Relations Department, revealed that most of the local employees in these organizations, particularly in relations and management positions, are either the children of intelligence officers or figures known for their security loyalty.
He added, "Recruitment is done exclusively through the approval of the security services, and this rule has not changed since 2012."
The source confirmed that there are dozens of international organizations operating in Syria.
Zaman al-Wasl studied several examples of these organizations; they refrain from publishing their names to avoid legal disputes, but will forward the names to the relevant authorities.
The source reveals a more sensitive aspect when he says, "Some of these organizations are not ashamed to impose direct sectarian discrimination. I myself have heard, more than once, from a manager that employment is only permitted for a specific sect. These are unwritten instructions, but they are firmly in effect."
The source confirmed that most of the coordination between these organizations was conducted through the "Syrian Trust for Development," the civilian arm directly affiliated with Asma al-Assad, which played a pivotal role in directing and investing aid within the regime's agenda. The Syrian Red Crescent, headed by Khaled Hboubati, was another umbrella for this coordination, transformed into a front for the security services, despite its humanitarian guise.
The employee pointed to the arrogant behavior of those in charge of these organizations, citing names such as Farah Khair Bek, daughter of Major General Muhammad Khair Bek, and Ali Dayoub, stressing that opening an investigation into them would reveal many truths about how humanitarian work was managed at that time.
The informed employee called for an independent local investigation into all "charitable" projects implemented during the years of regime control, to uncover the extent of corruption, discrimination, and manipulation of foreign funding provided in the name of "aiding the Syrian people," while at the same time being exploited to serve a narrow security and sectarian agenda.
He concluded: "The bloody regime has fallen, yes, but the security arms remain in place within these organizations, benefiting from international funding and controlling the joints of relief work."... I fear a counterattack.
Zaman al-Wasl
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