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Source: https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2022/01/28/iran-syria-militias-deir-al-zour/
Iran Is Putting Down Roots in Eastern Syria
(Washington Post) Sarah Dadouch - When the Syrian military opened offices in the eastern province of Deir al-Zour last month to enlist former rebels and repentant army defectors, almost no one showed up because Iranian-linked militias have been offering a more attractive alternative. Iran has been playing the long game in Deir al-Zour, successfully recruiting local Syrians to allied militias, providing services the government cannot deliver, and putting down roots. Iran has been building schools and distributing food baskets. It has tried to convert Sunni mosques to Shiite Islam. Many young Syrians join the militias to escape the army, and the militias offer more than double the pay. A militia ID card also entitles the fighters to a monthly food basket.