The US has acknowledged direct contact with Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), an Islamist group that recently led an offensive to overthrow Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, despite HTS being designated a terrorist organization. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated that the US and its allies have agreed on principles for a Syrian-led political transition. The fall of Assad, who fled to Russia, has created both jubilation and uncertainty in Syria. The US, which has troops in Syria, is focusing on immediate humanitarian needs amid the country's economic collapse and diverse sectarian landscape.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken confirmed that American officials have been in direct contact with Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), the Syrian rebel group that recently ousted President Bashar Assad. Despite HTS being designated a foreign terrorist organization, the U.S. is engaging with them to discuss governance during Syria's transition period. Blinken emphasized the U.S. support for the Syrian people's success and highlighted ongoing efforts to locate missing American journalist Austin Tice.
Abu Mohammad al-Julani, leader of the Syrian rebel group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, addressed Israel for the first time, stating that with the departure of Iranian forces, there are no longer any justifications for foreign intervention in Syria. This marks a significant moment in the ongoing conflict, as al-Julani's comments suggest a shift in the dynamics of foreign involvement in the region.
The article discusses the rebranding efforts of Abu Mohammad al-Julani, leader of the Al-Qaeda offshoot Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), amid his group's strategic importance to US operations in Syria. Despite HTS being on the US terror list, Julani is portrayed as a "diversity friendly" figure by Western media, while his group's past atrocities and current role as a US "asset" in Syria are highlighted. The piece critiques the geopolitical maneuvers involving the US, Israel, and other Western powers in supporting Julani's rise and the broader destabilization of Syria.
Abu Hassan al-Hamawi, the military commander of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), has led the group's recent territorial gains across Syria. In an interview, he promises to respect minority communities, despite HTS's Islamist ideology. The group's rapid expansion has positioned it as a significant power in the region.
Hayat Tahrir al Sham (HTS), a major Syrian rebel group with historical ties to Al Qaeda, led the offensive that deposed Bashar al Assad's regime in Syria. Despite HTS's claims of disassociation from Al Qaeda, it remains listed as a Foreign Terrorist Organization by the US. The Biden administration is reportedly debating whether to delist HTS, citing its potential role in Syria's new government and its claimed moderation. However, HTS's alliances with various jihadist groups, many still linked to Al Qaeda, complicate this consideration.
Syrian rebel leader Ahmad al-Sharaa, also known as Abu Mohammed al-Golani, announced plans to dissolve the security forces of Bashar al-Assad's toppled regime and close its prisons. His group, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, has already offered amnesty to military conscripts and is working with international organizations to secure chemical weapons depots, pledging not to use them.
Syria's new prime minister, Ahmed al-Sharaa, leader of the Islamist Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) group, has pledged to guarantee the rights of all religious groups following the ousting of President Bashar al-Assad. The HTS-led alliance's victory ends decades of Assad family rule, and the new regime is urging Syrians who fled the war to return. Al-Sharaa has vowed justice for victims of Assad's regime, particularly those tortured in detention. The international community remains cautious, with concerns about potential new conflicts during the transition.
Syrian rebel fighters, led by the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, have destroyed the tomb of the late president Hafez al-Assad, father of the ousted Syrian president Bashar al-Assad, in Qardaha, Latakia. The mausoleum also contained the graves of Hafez al-Assad's wife and eldest son.
Syrian rebel fighters have set fire to the tomb of former President Bashar al-Assad's father, Hafez al-Assad, in Qardaha, as tensions continue in the region. Meanwhile, Syria's new interim Prime Minister, Mohamed al-Bashir, has urged Syrian refugees to return home to help rebuild the country. Al-Bashir, representing the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) government, aims to restore stability and improve essential services in Syria. The situation remains volatile, with international reactions and ongoing military actions, including Israeli airstrikes on Syrian military targets.
The rapid collapse of the Assad regime in Syria has left the UK facing a political dilemma, particularly regarding asylum applications from Syrians, which have been suspended. The UK government is also grappling with the potential rise of Hayat Tahrir-al Sham (HTS) as a governing force in Syria, a group currently labeled as a terrorist organization. While some UK officials suggest a swift decision on engaging with HTS, others, including the Prime Minister, advocate for a cautious approach, emphasizing that any decision will be based on HTS's actions.
Mohammad al-Jolani, leader of the Syrian rebel group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), has emerged as a key figure following the toppling of Bashar al-Assad's regime. Once affiliated with Al-Qaeda and ISIS, al-Jolani has a $10 million FBI bounty on his head due to his past terrorist activities. Despite accusations of human rights violations, he is attempting to rebrand himself as a moderate leader advocating for a tolerant Syria under Sharia law. Al-Jolani's governance in Idlib has been marked by efforts to provide civil services, though reports of abuses persist. His recent public appearances and interviews suggest a strategic shift to improve his image internationally.
The UN's special envoy for Syria, Geir Pedersen, suggests that international powers may need to reconsider the "terrorist" designation of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), the Islamist group that led the rebellion against Bashar al-Assad, to facilitate a peaceful transition in Syria. This reconsideration would depend on HTS's actions, particularly its inclusivity in governance. The US and EU are open to reassessing the designation based on HTS's treatment of minorities and its willingness to share power, as Syria faces a complex post-Assad landscape.
Abu Mohammed al-Golani, leader of the insurgent group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, has emerged as a key figure in Syria after his forces captured Damascus, leading to President Bashar Assad's flight. Formerly tied to al-Qaida, al-Golani has rebranded himself as Ahmad al-Sharaa, advocating for pluralism and tolerance. His group, once known for its extremist roots, now seeks to establish a new governance system in Syria, amidst concerns from various ethnic and religious communities about potential Sunni Islamist dominance. Al-Golani's transformation from a jihadi leader to a state builder is now under scrutiny.
Abu Mohammad al-Jolani, leader of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), has emerged as a significant figure in Syria's civil war, leading a successful offensive that captured Aleppo and Hama, challenging President Bashar al-Assad's regime. Jolani, who has moderated HTS's Islamist doctrine and established a civilian-led government, aims to position himself as Syria's future leader. Despite being designated a terrorist by the US, Jolani's strategic moves and outreach efforts have bolstered his influence, though his ability to reconcile HTS's jihadi roots with aspirations for broader legitimacy remains uncertain.
