Syrian anti-government fighters cheer as they drive a military vehicle through the streets of the central-western city of Hama, Dec. 5, 2024. (Credit: AFP)
The leader of the Islamist rebels in Syria stated that the “objective” of their swift offensive was to “overthrow” Assad's regime.
“When we talk about goals, the goal of the revolution is to overthrow this regime. We have the right to use any means necessary to achieve this goal,” Jolani, leader of the radical Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), told CNN in an interview published on Friday.
“I believe that once this regime falls, the issue will be resolved, and there will be no need for foreign forces to remain in Syria,” he asserted, adding that the country “deserves an institutional system of governance, not one where a single leader makes arbitrary decisions.”
The Assad regime ‘is dead’
Jolani added that his project is “broader”; it is about “rebuilding Syria.” He stated that his group, HTS, “is just one part of this dialogue and can dissolve at any time. It's not a goal in itself, but a means to an end: Confronting this regime.” He went on to claim that the Assad regime is “dead,” despite attempts by the Iranians and Russians to “buy it time.”
Regarding the imposition of “strict Islamic rules” in areas under its control and the fears provoked by HTS, Jolani asserted that “people who fear Islamic governance have either seen incorrect implementations of it or don't understand it properly.” He explained, “We're talking about a project linked to the traditions and very nature of the region.”
Addressing the question of respect for minorities, he declared, “No one has the right to eliminate another group.” He emphasized that “different faiths have lived together in this region for hundreds of years, and no one has the right to eliminate them.” He added that there must be “a legal framework that protects and ensures the security of all, not a system that protects only one sect, as the Assad regime has done” with the Alawites.
Jolani also criticized the classification of HTS as a “terrorist group,” calling it “as political as it is wrong.” He stated, “I define a terrorist as someone who intentionally kills civilians, harms civilians or displaces populations. The regime itself is guilty of such actions.”
Disagreements with the Islamic State
Regarding his transformation and that of HTS, he said, “Every person in life goes through phases and different experiences, which make him realize more things.” He added, “It is necessary to adapt to reality: Someone clinging to their principles and ideas without showing flexibility cannot effectively lead societies or overcome conflicts like the one in Syria.”
Reflecting on his history and involvement with al-Qaida during the Iraq War, where he fought against American forces, the rebel leader stated that he had gone to Iraq “to defend the Iraqi people.” He clarified, “When I returned to Syria, I didn't want to bring with me what had happened there, and that's why there were disagreements between us and the Islamic State.”
Repatriation of displaced persons and camp closure
He emphasized that the ongoing offensive in Syria is “crucial for the entire world,” which is why he agreed to the interview with CNN. “The global repercussions will be positive, as Syria, under the current regime, has become a major source of concern and instability for everyone.”
“Stabilizing Syria will allow many people to return to the country,” he said, noting that it would also facilitate the gradual dismantling of displaced persons camps. “With the rehabilitation of the liberated territories, people will return to their homes. Many refugees in Turkey will likely return, along with a significant number from Lebanon and Jordan. Even refugees in Europe may choose to return to rebuild their country,” he added.
This article was translated from L'Orient-Le Jour.
