Syria’s rebel leader has declared a “historic” victory from a historic mosque in Damascus, marking a major turning point in the country’s conflict. The Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), led by Abu Mohammad al-Jolani, successfully seized control of the capital in a lightning-quick attack that lasted less than two weeks.
Abu Muhammad al-Jolani The journey to Damascus has been long and transformative, a remarkable transformation from a young al-Qaeda fighter two decades ago to a rebel commander advocating sectarian tolerance.
His rise has given him ample time to strategize both his path to power and the message he wants to convey, not only to his supporters, but also to those who might challenge his rule, as well as to the forces that might maintain or undermine his position. .
Jolani’s rhetoric was intended to reassure regional powers, promising to restore order and rid Syria of its negative reputation as a narco-state. (AP)
In a moment of symbolic significance, Jolani chose the Umayyad Mosque in Damascus – one of the oldest mosques in the world – as the backdrop for his latest statement. The 1,300-year-old mosque, a revered religious site, served as a powerful venue for Jolani’s message, his arrival not in a TV studio or the recently vacated presidential palace, but in a place steeped in historical and spiritual meaning.
“This victory, my brothers, is the victory of the entire Islamic nation,” declared Jolani, addressing his small entourage against the mosque’s distinctive black-and-white stone backdrop. His message was intended both to inspire him and his group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham to succeed in ousting Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and to succeed Syrians now freed from Assad’s rule.
He continued, “This victory, my brothers, by the grace of God Almighty, came from the sacrifice of martyrs, widows and orphans. It came from the suffering of those who endured captivity.” This was a great cry for those who endured hardships in the struggle against Assad’s regime.
Jolani also pointed to Iran, signaling the end of Tehran’s influence in Syria. His remarks appear to highlight Iran’s aim to reduce its role by breaking its reach to Hezbollah in Lebanon and losing its stronghold in Syria. It was a message that would be heard not only in Tehran but also in Tel Aviv and Washington, where Jolani is still considered a designated terrorist, with a $10 million bounty on his head.
By talking directly to international powers, including the US, Jolani showed he understood the geopolitical landscape and the key players who could support or oppose his regime. His choice CNN, An American news network, for an important interview before the attack against Assad, had a clear signal for the West. During the interview, Zolani distanced himself from other jihadi factions and claimed to be detached from their brutal tactics.
US President Joe Biden acknowledged Jolani’s statement, saying he “heard Jolani say the right thing”, but also stressed that the rebel leader’s actions, rather than his words, will ultimately define his future.
Jolani’s rhetoric was intended to reassure regional powers, promising to restore order and rid Syria of its negative reputation as a narco-state. He referred to Assad’s regime as having “become the world’s leading source of captagon” – amphetamine – and a center for crime throughout the region.
In the end, Jolani’s mosque speech was not just an announcement of his arrival in Damascus, but a living message aimed at securing his place in Syria’s rapidly changing landscape. However, it is his actions, not just his words, that will ultimately determine his fate.
(Courtesy of CNN)