Julani Outlines a Vision for Syrian Reconstruction and Stability in Major Interview

In his first major televised interview, Ahmad al-Julani, leader of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, declared that Israel has no justification for entering Syria post-Iranian withdrawal. He outlined priorities for reconstruction and stability while calling for international accountability regarding Syrian sovereignty. Julani plans to halt captagon production linked to the Assad regime and aims for a governance model that protects minority communities, signaling a shift towards effective state-building following years of civil conflict.

In a groundbreaking television interview, Ahmad “Abu Mohammad al-Julani” al-Sharaa, the leader of the Syrian rebel faction Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), articulated a vision for Syria’s future, advocating for national reconstruction and stability. Julani asserted that Israel’s previous justifications for military intervention in Syria have dissipated following the withdrawal of Iranian forces. He emphasized the need for the international community to acknowledge Syrian sovereignty and intervene to prevent further escalation of conflict.

He expressed a determination to transition from a revolutionary mindset to a governance-oriented approach, underscoring the necessity for reformed institutions and the rule of law in the post-conflict phase. Julani criticized the Assad regime for exacerbating poverty in Syria and declared plans to reinstate stability by addressing the economic grievances of the populace and halting the production of captagon, a drug linked to the regime. He assured that minority communities, including Christians and Druze, will be safeguarded under his leadership.

Julani delineated a path toward dissolving armed factions, placing all military authority under the Syrian government, and signaled a willingness to reevaluate relationships with neighboring groups, including the Kurdish community, aiming for a united front against tyranny. His statements reflect a significant shift towards governance, indicating a focus on recovery and normalcy after nearly a decade of brutal conflict in Syria.

The Syrian civil war has been marked by complex international and local dynamics, with numerous factions vying for control and foreign powers influencing the conflict’s trajectory. Ahmad al-Julani, once an intimate participant in the revolutionary movement against President Bashar al-Assad, has evolved into a leading figure advocating for Syria’s future governance and reconstruction. His statement reflects a broader transition within the opposition towards practical governance issues, emphasizing stability and rebuilding over continued conflict. The significance of Israel’s involvement, Iranian withdrawal, and the potential for renewed diplomatic relations underline the fluid geopolitical landscape surrounding Syria.

Ahmad al-Julani’s interview marks a pivotal moment in Syrian politics, where calls for national reconstruction and stability take precedence over ongoing armed conflict. By rejecting foreign military justifications and outlining an integrated approach to governance, Julani seeks to transform HTS’s role from an insurgent group to a legitimate governing authority, focused on rebuilding Syria and safeguarding its diverse communities. His commitment to addressing economic challenges and the eradication of illicit drug production highlights a new direction in establishing long-term peace in the region.

Original Source: www.jpost.com