The Twists and Turns of Abu Mohammad al-Jolani’s Narrative
In his decades-long journey from young al Qaeda fighter to rebel commander, Abu Mohammad al-Jolani has had ample opportunity to refine his message. On a recent visit to the ancient Umayyad Mosque in Damascus, he delivered a speech to a packed crowd, marking a new chapter in his narrative.
Al-Jolani, the leader of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), sought to send a signal to the newly liberated Syrians, emphasizing the importance of tolerance in a country plagued by sectarian divisions. He declared that the victory of his forces was achieved through the suffering of those in prison, and urged the people to resist the dangers of Iranian ambitions, spreading sectarianism, and corruption.
The message was also intended for Iran, with Jolani appearing to signal the end of Tehran’s meddling in Syria, and the closure of its proxy Hezbollah’s headquarters in Lebanon. He further warned that Iranian aid would no longer be welcome in the region.
The speech was also aimed at the US and Israel, with Jolani proclaiming that his forces understand their interests in the new Syria. He hinted at a willingness to work with these powers, acknowledging that they are capable of bringing him down.
In his address, Jolani also sought to appeal to regional powers, vowing to “clean up” the country’s reputation as a narco-state, which had become a major hub for the production and distribution of Captagon, an amphetamine-type drug. He declared that Syria would be “purified” under his leadership.