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During internal armed conflicts, the vacuum caused by the decay of state institutions in rebel-held areas prevents the regular delivery of civilian basic needs. As a consequence, civilians may be c...

In June 2018, the Syrian Arab Army launched a military campaign that aimed at ending rebel rule and restoring territorial control over Daraa and Quneitra govern orates southern Syria. This research presents a wide-range of developments that occurred in Daraa govern orate after a Russian-brokered agreement that ended rebel rule. Based on exclusive interviews with senior ex-rebel and civilian actors, this study investigates how rebel leaders’ behaviour at the negotiating table shaped Russia’s level of commitment towards each former rebel leader as well as former rebels and civilians of their localities in the post-surrender era. Finally, this research identifies the main territorial configurations in Daraa govern orate as well as the main challenges facing local institutions and service provision after the resurgence of state rule.