In a recent interview, Syrian rebel leader Ahmad al-Julani stated that Israel’s justifications for intervening in Syria have diminished. He emphasized priorities of reconstruction and stability while calling for international responsibilities to prevent escalation. Julani criticized the Assad regime’s corruption, detailed plans to eliminate captagon production, and advocated for a structured governance approach moving forward.
In a significant television interview with opposition channel Syria.tv, Ahmad “Abu Mohammad al-Julani” al-Sharaa, the leader of the Syrian rebel group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), discussed Syria’s future and the necessity for international intervention to maintain stability. He asserted that Israel’s reasons for intervening in Syria have diminished following the Iranian withdrawal, emphasizing the importance of reconstruction over conflict. Julani condemned the previous Iranian presence, stating, “Our problem was with the policies that harmed our country,” while affirming a desire for diplomatic relations over military confrontations.
Julani underscored the need for reform, declaring, “The Syrian revolution has triumphed, but Syria should not be led with the mentality of a revolution.” He called for the development of law and institutions and highlighted the dire socio-economic conditions fueled by the Assad regime’s corruption and mismanagement. He revealed intentions to eradicate drug production and trafficking, specifically captagon, previously rampant under Assad’s leadership, aligning efforts to protect the country and its citizens.
Moreover, Julani made a distinction between the Syrian Kurdish community and the PKK, a noted terrorist entity, hinting at a potential cooperation with the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). He announced plans for the Syrian Defense Ministry to dismantle all armed factions, asserting that a unified approach under a sovereign state is essential for future governance.
In conclusion, Julani’s statements reflect a transformative phase for Syria as he seeks to pivot from revolutionary ideologies to a structured governance model aimed at reconstruction, stability, and national sovereignty.
The context of this article revolves around the ongoing Syrian conflict and the involvement of various foreign powers, notably Iran and Israel. Ahmad al-Julani emerges as a prominent figure representing a significant faction of the Syrian opposition, voicing a clear shift in strategy towards prioritizing stability and reconstruction after years of devastating civil war. The interview marks his transition from a rebel leader to a statesman aspiring to reform state structures and establish a viable governmental system. His remarks on foreign intervention, regional relationships, and socio-economic challenges confront the legacies of the Assad regime and set a vision for Syria’s future.
In summary, Ahmad al-Julani’s interview underscores a crucial turning point for Syria, where he emphasizes the need for stability, governance reform, and diplomatic relationships over further conflict. His commitment to ending the Assad regime’s legacies of corruption and narcotics production highlights a broader vision for creating a stable and sovereign Syria. By fostering new alliances and dismantling factionalism, Julani aims to reshape the future of Syria as a unified state prioritizing the welfare of all its citizens.
Original Source: www.jpost.com
