- Symbolic Leadership: Jolani’s speech at the historic Umayyad Mosque projected a vision of unity and sectarian tolerance.
- Breaking from the Past: He distanced himself from his jihadist roots, signaling a desire for broader international acceptance.
- Geopolitical Messaging: Criticism of Iran’s role in Syria highlights a pivot to address regional and global concerns.
- Challenges Ahead: Jolani must prove his ability to govern and unite a divided, war-torn nation
Abu Mohammad al-Jolani’s ascent from a young al-Qaeda fighter to a rebel commander espousing tolerance and regional unity has been a remarkable journey. His evolution symbolizes not only his personal transformation but also a pivotal shift in Syria’s turbulent narrative. The culmination of this journey—his dramatic arrival in Damascus’s historic Umayyad Mosque—was both a statement of intent and a carefully choreographed message to allies, adversaries, and international stakeholders.
Jolani: A Calculated Choice of Venue
The Umayyad Mosque, a monument of immense historical and religious significance, served as the perfect backdrop for Jolani’s proclamation of victory. At over 1,300 years old, this ancient site has stood as a testament to the region’s rich Islamic heritage, making it an ideal stage for Jolani to declare the dawn of a new era in Syria. His choice of venue signified not just triumph but an attempt to legitimize his leadership and resonate with the broader Islamic world.
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Standing before the mosque’s iconic black-and-white stone architecture, Jolani framed the victory of his Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) forces as a triumph for the entire Islamic nation. His message celebrated the sacrifices of martyrs and the resilience of widows and orphans, aiming to foster a narrative of collective struggle and unity.
Breaking Sectarian Shackles
Syria’s civil war has long been entangled in a web of sectarian divisions, with President Bashar al-Assad’s Alawite identity often at odds with the Sunni Muslim majority. Jolani, himself a Sunni, sought to transcend these divides in his speech. He condemned the sectarianism and corruption propagated by Assad’s regime and its allies, particularly Iran. By doing so, Jolani aimed to present himself as a unifying figure, offering a vision of Syria free from the sectarian strife that has plagued it for over a decade.
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Jolani’s pointed criticism of Iran’s role in Syria carried broader geopolitical implications. By challenging Tehran’s influence, he not only addressed domestic grievances but also signaled a break from Syria’s role as a conduit for Iranian ambitions in the region, particularly in supporting Hezbollah in Lebanon.
Messages to Global Powers
Jolani’s carefully calibrated rhetoric extended beyond the region to key global powers. He is acutely aware of his precarious position on the international stage, where he remains designated as a terrorist with a $10 million bounty by the United States. His mosque speech included veiled overtures to Washington and its allies, emphasizing an understanding of their strategic interests in a post-Assad Syria.
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This diplomatic maneuvering aligns with Jolani’s earlier efforts to rebrand himself. His decision to grant a pivotal interview to CNN, rather than an Arab network, highlighted his intent to engage directly with Western audiences. Jolani sought to distance himself from the brutality of other jihadist factions, emphasizing a more pragmatic and restrained approach. While U.S. President Joe Biden acknowledged Jolani’s apparent shift, he prudently insisted that the rebel leader’s actions, not his words, would serve as the ultimate litmus test.
A Pledge to Cleanse Syria
Jolani’s narrative also targeted regional powers by addressing Syria’s reputation as a hub of criminality under Assad’s regime. He vowed to rid the country of its status as a narco-state, particularly its role in the production and trafficking of Captagon, a potent amphetamine that has fueled unrest across the Middle East. This commitment was designed to win favor with neighboring countries eager to see a stable and economically viable Syria emerge from the ashes of war.
Challenges Ahead
While Jolani’s mosque speech marked a significant moment of arrival, his survival will hinge on his ability to navigate a complex web of alliances and rivalries. His rise has been propelled by a coalition of Islamist fighters, whose support he must retain while managing the expectations of war-weary Syrians. At the same time, he must contend with the international community’s skepticism, as his past affiliations with al-Qaeda remain a major obstacle to his acceptance as a legitimate leader.
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Moreover, Jolani faces the daunting task of governing a fractured and devastated nation. Rebuilding Syria will require not only addressing the physical destruction wrought by years of war but also mending the deep social and sectarian divides that persist. His pledge to eliminate corruption and criminal networks must be backed by concrete action to gain credibility among Syrians and the international community alike.
A New Chapter or History Repeated?
Jolani’s journey to Damascus underscores the shifting dynamics of power in Syria and the broader Middle East. His rhetoric of unity and reform offers a stark contrast to the divisive and oppressive rule of Assad. However, his ability to deliver on these promises will determine whether he becomes a transformative leader or merely another figure in Syria’s long history of contested rulers.
For international observers, Jolani’s rise presents both an opportunity and a challenge. His anti-Iran stance aligns with the interests of some Western and regional powers, but his militant background and association with HTS remain significant barriers to diplomatic engagement. As Syria embarks on this uncertain new chapter, the international community must carefully monitor Jolani’s actions and assess whether his proclaimed vision aligns with the aspirations of Syrians and the stability of the region.
Jolani’s speech at the Umayyad Mosque was as much about survival as it was about arrival. The coming months will reveal whether his transformation is genuine or merely a tactical shift in a long and bloody game of power. The stakes—for Syria, the region, and the world—could not be higher.