Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham and its leader, Abu Muhammad al-Julani, have become at the forefront of the Syrian scene, after leading the opposition that overthrew the rule of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. In light of this situation, questions were raised about how the United States dealt with the movement, which Washington classifies as “terrorist.” As well as its leader, whom it previously placed on the terrorist list.
An American official, who spoke to the Washington Post, did not rule out that Washington would remove this classification. The official, whose identity was not revealed by the newspaper, said in response to a question whether the US administration would remove the classification: “We have to be smart… and also be very aware and practical about the facts on the ground.”
The same source confirmed that there is a significant lack of confidence that “the rebels will govern in a humane or productive manner” after Assad’s departure. However, American officials “are in contact with all groups involved in the fighting in Syria, including the main group that overthrew Assad.” It is Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham, which is still listed on the US terrorist list.
The same applies to Abu Muhammad al-Julani, the leader of the movement that was once a branch of Al-Qaeda in Syria, and now he is at the forefront of the scene after he and his forces entered the capital, Damascus, on Sunday, coinciding with Assad’s escape.
Al-Julani went to Iraq after the fall of former Iraqi President Saddam Hussein’s regime, in 2003, where he joined Al-Qaeda led by Musab al-Zarqawi, before being imprisoned for five years.
As soon as the protest movement against Al-Assad began in 2011, Al-Julani returned to Syria, commissioned by the leader of ISIS in Iraq at the time, Abu Omar Al-Baghdadi, to strengthen the presence of Al-Qaeda.
In 2013, the United States classified him as a “terrorist” and said that Al-Qaeda in Iraq had commissioned him to overthrow Assad’s rule and impose Islamic law in Syria, and that “Al-Nusra Front” (the former name of Hay’at Tahrir Al-Sham) carried out suicide attacks that killed civilians, and adopted a vision Violent sectarianism.
He arrived in Damascus.. Who is “Al-Julani” who is at the forefront of the Syrian scene now?
His name is Ahmed Al-Sharaa, but we knew him as “Al-Julani.” He studied medicine and fought in the ranks of Al-Qaeda. The United States classifies him as a terrorist, but he says it is an “unfair” classification.
How might HTS’s past affiliation with al-Qaeda impact its ability to govern effectively and humanely?
**Host:** Joining us today is Dr. Emily Carter, a Middle East expert at the Brookings Institution.Dr. Carter, the US appears to be facing a complex situation in Syria with the rise of Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham and its leader, Abu Muhammad al-Julani. can you shed some light on this?
**Dr.Carter:** Certainly. The ascension of HTS to power in Syria is indeed a thorny issue for Washington.They are classified as a terrorist institution by the US, yet they’ve undeniably played a meaningful role in toppling Assad.
**Host:** What are the primary concerns for the US regarding HTS’s rule?
**Dr. Carter:** There are multiple concerns, primarily centered around HTS’s past affiliation with al-Qaeda and their extremist ideology. There are fears they may impose a harsh and repressive regime incompatible with US values and interests in the region.
**Host:** Despite these concerns, there are reports indicating the US might reconsider HTS’s terrorist designation. Is this a strategic move, and what implications could it have?
**Dr. Carter:** That’s right. There’s a realization in washington that pragmatism may necessitate engaging with HTS, given their dominance in syria. Removing the terrorist label could open doors for communication and potentially influence their policies. Though, it’s a delicate balancing act, as it risks legitimizing a group with a dubious human rights record.
**Host:** What are your thoughts on the potential for HTS to govern effectively and humanely?
**Dr. Carter:** It remains to be seen. HTS has made attempts to distance itself from its al-qaeda roots and present a more moderate image. But ultimately, their actions will determine whether they can transition from a militant group to a responsible governing force.
**Host:** Thank you for your insights, Dr. Carter.This is certainly a situation that requires careful observation and analysis.
