By Eric Vandenbroeck and co-workers

HTS Today

While initially somewhat of an open question it is clear now that HTS ruling over Syria will prove to be as devastating for the Syrian people as the Taliban retaking Afghanistan. 

The current de facto leader in Syria is Ahmed al-Sharaa, formerly known as Abu Mohammed al-Golani, the head of HAYAT TAHRIR AL-SHAM (HTS), a rebranded affiliate of Al Qaeda. Despite his claims to have renounced violence and embraced pluralism and tolerance, experts believe this is a strategic maneuver to avoid Western intervention.

Al-Golani's history of involvement in terrorist activities spans decades, making his supposed transformation quite inconceivable. His past actions and the deeply ingrained Jihadist ideology of eliminating those who reject Islam cast doubt on his claims of moderation. The core tenets of Jihadism, which advocate for violence against non-believers, are difficult to reconcile with al-Golani's professed commitment to ending violence and conflict.

HTS ruling over Syria will prove to be as devastating for the Syrian people as the Taliban retaking Afghanistan. 

The current de facto leader in Syria is Ahmed al-Sharaa, formerly known as Abu Mohammed al-Golani, the head of HAYAT TAHRIR AL-SHAM (HTS), a rebranded affiliate of Al Qaeda. Despite his claims to have renounced violence and embraced pluralism and tolerance, experts believe this is a strategic maneuver to avoid Western intervention.

Al-Golani's history of involvement in terrorist activities spans decades, making his supposed transformation quite inconceivable. His past actions and the deeply ingrained Jihadist ideology of eliminating those who reject Islam cast doubt on his claims of moderation. The core tenets of Jihadism, which advocate for violence against non-believers, are difficult to reconcile with al-Golani's professed commitment to ending violence and conflict. And is now pledging to take Al-Aqsa Mosque.

This raises concerns about the future of Syria under his leadership and the potential for continued instability. The real possibility of him reverting to his former violent tactics and pursuing a Jihadist agenda poses a significant threat to regional and global security. HTS fighters today are now publicly boasting that Syria was merely a stopping ground before they went to conquer Al Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem and Mecca, Saudi Arabia.

While HTS governed Idlib in northeast Syria, the group targeted rival Islamist groups, including Ahrar Al-Sham, Hurras Al-Din, and other Jihadist groups tied to al Qaeda and ISIS. Much like U.S. negotiations with the Taliban in Afghanistan, combating terrorism and ensuring that Syria does not become a safe haven for terrorists will be a prerequisite for any recognition by the U.S. and other allies.

These Jihadists are cruel, oppressive, and merciless. We are already seeing the wanton massacre of dissidents and Christians on the streets. The new US administration may seek to avoid embroiling its military and financial resources in yet another foreign civil war, but losing another major Middle Eastern country to terrorists is not a sustainable reality.

The Syrian Civil War, which began in 2011, has led to a fragmented landscape with various factions controlling different regions. Key militia groups include the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), dominated by Kurdish fighters, battling for control against forces loyal to the Syrian government, as well as various extremist groups like ISIS remnants and al-Qaeda affiliates. Additionally, foreign powers such as Russia, the United States, and Turkey maintain strategic interests, further complicating the situation. This ongoing conflict has resulted in significant humanitarian crises, with millions displaced and many in need of aid.

 

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