Syrian rebel leader Abu Mohammad al-Jolani has delivered a speech in Damascus’s historic Umayyad Mosque, touting sectarian tolerance and signaling a shift in his organization’s approach. Al-Jolani, who rose to power two decades ago as an al Qaeda fighter, now espouses messages of unity and cooperation.
In the mosque, he addressed both his own followers and regional powers, including Iran, the US, and Israel. The speech was notable for its emphasis on breaking old sectarian boundaries and promoting a new era of peace and cooperation.
Al-Jolani’s message was clear: his organization will not tolerate corruption or exploitation. He criticized Assad’s regime for turning Syria into a hub for narco-trafficking and promised to “purify” the country. The speech also sent a warning to Iran, which has long supported Syrian rebel groups, saying that their meddling days were over.
The address was seen as a calculated move by Al-Jolani to fine-tune his narrative and appeal to a broader audience. By using the Umayyad Mosque as the venue, he aimed to emphasize his commitment to religious tolerance and stability. The speech is likely to be closely watched in Washington and Tel Aviv, where Al-Jolani is considered a high-profile target due to his association with al Qaeda.
Source: https://edition.cnn.com/world/live-news/syria-war-rebels-assad-israel-12-09-24/index.html