Abu Mohammed al Jolani, leader of the rebel group Hayat Tahrir al Sham (HTS), has assured Western countries they have “nothing to fear” from Syria following the overthrow of Bashar al Assad’s regime. His remarks, made during an exclusive interview with Sky News, mark his first comments to a Western outlet since Assad fled.
Jolani, speaking in Damascus, stated that Syria is on a path toward “development and reconstruction” after years of conflict. “The fear was from the presence of the regime,” he said. “The country is moving towards stability, and people are exhausted from war. Syria is not ready for another conflict.”
Addressing concerns about regional threats, Jolani highlighted the removal of Iranian militias, Hezbollah, and the Assad regime as a turning point. “Their removal is the solution for Syria. The current situation won’t allow for a return to panic,” he added.
Western Designation as Terrorist
Despite Jolani’s efforts to reshape his image, he remains designated as a terrorist by the United States due to his past ties with al Qaeda. Over the years, he has publicly distanced himself from his extremist roots, advocating for a pluralistic and tolerant society.
The rebel leader’s comments have fueled discussions about whether Western governments might reconsider their stance on HTS and its leadership, given the group’s evolving role in post-Assad Syria.
Reconstruction and Stability
Jolani emphasized that the nation is now focused on rebuilding. “The country will be rebuilt,” he told Sky News’ Zein Jaafar and Celine al Khaldi. “The source of our fears was from the massacres committed by the regime. With that era behind us, Syria is moving toward peace and progress.”
As Syria transitions, Western nations are closely monitoring HTS’s governance and the broader implications for regional stability.
