Retired US Colonel Reacts to Syrian Rebel Leader’s Victory Speech

A retired US colonel has shared his thoughts on the recent victory speech of Abu Mohammad al-Jolani, the leader of the main group behind Syria’s armed opposition. The speech came after the rebels captured Damascus, with al-Jolani calling it a “victory for the entire Islamic nation”.

Colonel Cedric Leighton, who joined CNN’s Jessica Dean to discuss the situation, expressed his surprise at the rebels’ advance on Damascus. He also noted that al-Jolani’s comments were seen as a significant shift in tone, marking a move away from the more divisive rhetoric often associated with extremist groups.

The speech has raised questions about the future of Syria and the implications of the rebel victory for the region. Al-Jolani’s comments have been met with both praise and criticism from various factions, highlighting the complexity of the situation.

As the world watches the developments in Syria, experts are weighing in on the significance of al-Jolani’s speech and what it means for the country’s future.

Source: https://edition.cnn.com/2024/12/08/world/video/jolani-syria-rebel-leader-speech-leighton-digvid