In recent years, al-Julani, whose real name is Ahmad Hussein al-Sharaa, has become one of the most controversial figures on the Syrian scene. He began his life joining “Al Qaeda” in Iraq, where he worked under the leadership of Abu Musab al-Zarqawi. Then he defected to establish in Syria an organization linked to “Al Qaeda” known as “Al Nusra Front” or “Al Qaeda in Syria and the Levan”. His name has been associated with the commission of numerous massacres against civilians and brutal military operations, making him a symbol of global terrorism.
The United States and the UN placed him on international terrorist lists and assigned a $10 million reward to anyone providing information leading to his arrest. Despite this bloody record, al-Julani recently appeared as a guest on CNN, in a scene that surprised many and raised profound questions about this sudden shift in attitude towards him.
In the interview, al-Julani tried to reintroduce himself as a statesman who intends to administer the northern areas of Syria, presenting a political discourse rather than the ideological rhetoric of the extremist line that had characterized him. He focused on what he described as “reconstruction projects” and “stabilization”. avoiding talking about his history in “al-Qaeda” or the massacres his organization committed against civilians.
Al-Julani claimed that he sought to build a civilian administration in the areas under his control while promoting an image of political moderation. He also sought to deny his current association with terrorist organizations, claiming that he is trying to reframe his role and that of his organization, now known as “Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham” (Levant Liberation Committee).
What is interesting are the political and media dimensions of al-Joulani’s appearance on CNN, which is not only a media event, but has clear political connotations:
1. Rebranding: There appears to be international efforts to change or “improve” al-Julani’s image to make him acceptable as a political actor in northern Syria. This approach raises questions about the use of figures such as al-Julani by major powers to achieve their objectives in the region.
2. Rapprochement with the West: The meeting reflects al-Julani’s desire to approach Western countries by presenting himself as a potential partner against ISIS or the Syrian regime, taking advantage of the political and security gap in the region.
3. Reshaping alliances: In light of the complexities of the Syrian war, some regional and international powers seem to believe that dealing with figures like al-Julani is less costly than leaving areas under their control prey to a security breach or the expansion of other organizations.
Al-Julani and documented massacres
Despite his attempts to whitewash his image, his history is full of violations:
Massacres of civilians: His organization was involved in mass executions and indiscriminate bombings of civilian populated areas.
Persecution of minorities: Its forces were involved in the displacement of ethnic and religious minorities, especially Christians and Yazidis, from their areas.
Relationship with “Al Qaeda”: Although he announced his disassociation with “Al Qaeda” in 2016, many experts believe that this announcement was only a tactical move and not an ideological change.
Al-Julani’s appearance in the Western media reflects a change in the way some parties treat controversial figures. There appears to be attempts to reshape his image, probably to serve regional or international agendas that seek to exploit his influence in certain areas.
The appearance of al-Julani, accused of terrorism and war crimes, as a guest on one of the most prominent international news channels raises profound questions about the role of the media in whitewashing the image of controversial figures. Can the media whitewash the past of a figure implicated in terrorist acts? Is this move part of broader plans to redistribute roles in Syria?
His appearance in this way reflects an aspect of international changes in dealing with non-state actors in conflict zones.
Possible deals: There are suspicions that this appearance may be the prelude to undeclared agreements between Western powers and al-Julani to stabilize him as a key player in northern Syria.
Messages to the region: The meeting may be a veiled message to regional powers that the West is willing to deal with any party that satisfies its interests, regardless of their ideological background.
The irony: How can a person whose name is associated with the most heinous crimes and the most atrocious organizations appear as a spokesperson for political projects, while the impacts of his crimes continue to be witnessed on the ground? Can the media contribute to whitewashing such an image?
Conclusion
Al-Julani’s attempt to change his image raises serious questions about the criteria used by the Western media when dealing with controversial figures, and the extent to which international powers are willing to ignore past crimes in exchange for achieving political objectives. However, al-Julani’s appearance on an international channel such as CNN cannot be read in isolation from the political and media context that attempts to reshape the role of actors in the region. But the most important question remains: Is it enough to change the media image in order to change the historical facts?
