Over the last few days, a series of articles have appeared in Western media expressing awe for the supposed transformation of Mohamed al Jolani from al-Qaeda terrorist to a political leader with an expansive vision for Syria under his rule. It’s clear that he has been well schooled in the art of Western public relations.
Jolani gave an exclusive interview to CNN yesterday from somewhere in northeastern Syria. “When we talk about objectives, the goal of the revolution remains the overthrow of this regime. It is our right to use all available means to achieve that goal,” said Jolani. “The seeds of the regime’s defeat have always been within it … the Iranians attempted to revive the regime, buying it time, and later the Russians also tried to prop it up. But the truth remains: this regime is dead.”
CNN admits that Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) and Jolani’s roots in extremist Islamist movements cast a shadow over his ambitions, but the interview still comes off as a skilled PR job. “For someone who once operated in the shadows, Jolani exuded confidence and tried to project modernity in his meeting with CNN, which took place in broad daylight and with little security. …” CNN said. “Inside rebel-controlled territory in Syria, it’s clear he operates less like a wanted man and more like a politician.”
Rolling Stone ran an article on Dec. 3 entitled “An Islamic Rebel Leader Rises, Challenging Syria’s Dictator.”
