Syrian Rebel Leader Al-Julani Calls for Stability and Reconstruction in Syria
In his first major television interview, Syrian rebel leader Ahmad al-Julani emphasized that Israel no longer has justifications for entering Syria following the departure of Iranian forces. He called for stabilization and reconstruction rather than conflict, urged international intervention to safeguard Syria’s sovereignty, and outlined plans to address internal governance issues, including drug production and minority rights.
In a significant television interview, Ahmad “Abu Mohammad al-Julani” al-Sharaa, the leader of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), discussed Syria’s future and its international relations. He asserted that Israel lacks justifications for any intervention in Syria following the withdrawal of Iranian forces. Al-Julani emphasized reconstruction and stability must take precedence over military confrontation, urging the international community to uphold Syria’s sovereignty through diplomatic means rather than military action.
Al-Julani condemned the Iranian regime for exploiting Syria as a base for conflict and expressed, “Our problem was with the policies that harmed our country,” distinguishing the government’s actions from the Iranian populace. While he refrained from strong comments regarding Russia, he acknowledged the need for reevaluating relations to reflect mutual interests, noting, “The Russian air force had largely been responsible for targeting Syrian civilians during the civil war.”
He articulated a vision of transitioning from revolutionary fervor to governance, underlining the necessity of law and institutional frameworks for a stable Syria. Calling attention to the Assad regime’s oppressive practices that exacerbated poverty, he committed to addressing these issues directly while recognizing the regime’s systemic exploitation of the population’s resources. Al-Julani criticized the regime’s strategy of transforming the national economy into a tax farm and promised transparency through documentation to support these claims.
Under his leadership, HTS plans to eradicate captagon production and trafficking, counteracting accusations that Syria has become a narco-state. Al-Julani reaffirmed his commitment to protecting minority rights, specifically highlighting support for the Christian and Druze communities. He also clarified the distinction between the Kurdish population and the PKK, signaling a potential alignment between Kurdish forces and the broader Syrian opposition. Furthermore, he announced the intention of the Syrian Defense Ministry to dismantle all armed factions and consolidate weapons under state control, advancing his vision of a more unified Syrian governance.
The remarks made by Ahmad al-Julani reflect a pivotal moment in the ongoing Syrian conflict as various factions reassess their roles and relationships in a changing political landscape. The Syrian civil war, which began in 2011, has led to significant instability and factional divisions within the country. As different groups vie for influence, the prospects for diplomatic resolutions and the establishment of a stable governance structure are increasingly critical. Al-Julani’s emphasis on state-building and lawful governance marks a shift from armed resistance to a focus on reconstruction and societal stability, crucial for the war-torn nation’s future.
In conclusion, Ahmad al-Julani’s statements illuminate a determined effort towards stabilizing the Syrian state post-conflict. He articulates a clear roadmap for transitioning away from decades of conflict-driven governance towards a more structured and legally bound leadership model. Al-Julani’s focus on rebuilding, protecting minorities, and addressing narcotics issues illustrates a multifaceted approach necessary for restoring order and dignity to the Syrian populace. His call for an end to foreign intervention underscores the complexity of international relations surrounding Syria.
Original Source: www.jpost.com
