Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, once linked to al-Qaeda, now considered for DELISTING as terrorist group

12/11/2024 / By Ramon Tomey

Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), formerly linked to al-Qaeda, has become a powerful faction in Syria, especially after the U.S. troop withdrawal in 2021, consolidating control over Idlib, the last major opposition stronghold.
The U.S. and U.K. are considering delisting HTS from their terror lists, a move that could stabilize Syria but also risks legitimizing a group with a history of extremism and violence.
HTS has restored order in Idlib and provided essential services, but its extremist ideology and documented human rights abuses remain a significant concern.
Delisting HTS is part of a broader strategy to counter Iranian influence and stabilize Syria, but critics warn it could embolden a group with a record of violence and war crimes.
The potential delisting of HTS could either bring stability or deepen divisions in Syria, with the international community’s decisions having far-reaching implications for the war-torn nation.

The terrorist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), once linked to Osama bin Laden’s al-Qaeda, is now being considered for legitimacy in the wake of the overthrow of Syria’s Bashar al-Assad.

Political commentator Hal Turner pointed out in a recent piece that the overthrow of Assad has led to a power vacuum in Syria. This vacuum, he adds, has been filled by a myriad of factions, including extremist groups like HTS. Turner argued that the West’s actions have only exacerbated the conflict, creating a chaotic and unstable environment that has allowed groups like HTS to thrive.

Formerly known as Jabhat al-Nusra, HTS has emerged as one of the most powerful factions in Syria, particularly after the withdrawal of U.S. troops from the region in 2021. The group has consolidated its control over Idlib, the last major stronghold of opposition forces, following a series of military victories against rival factions. This has left HTS as the de facto ruler of the province, which is home to millions of displaced Syrians. (Related: RFK Jr. says Trump wants American troops out of northern Syria.)

The group’s rise has been met with mixed reactions. On one hand, HTS has been credited with restoring a semblance of order in Idlib, where it has implemented governance structures and provided essential services to the population. On the other hand, its extremist ideology and past ties to al-Qaeda remain a source of concern for many, including human rights organizations that have documented abuses committed by the group.

Washington and London seek to remove HTS from their terror lists

Meanwhile, the United States and the United Kingdom have considered removing HTS from from their respective terror lists. But the potential delisting has sparked widespread debate, with critics warning of the implications of legitimizing a group once affiliated with al-Qaeda. Others argue it could pave the way for stability in a war-torn nation.

According to both the Washington Post and POLITICO, the U.S. government is weighing the option of delisting HTS as part of a broader strategy to stabilize Syria and counter Iranian influence in the region. Even the issue of lifting the $10 million bounty on HTS leader Abu Mohammad al-Julani has been considered in the move to delist the group.

Meanwhile, Downing Street is said to be reassessing HTS’s terror designation in light of the group’s efforts to distance itself from its extremist past. “I think it will partly depend on what happens in terms of how that group behaves now,” said British Intergovernmental Relations Minister Pat McFadden.

But critics warn that delisting HTS would send a dangerous message, legitimizing a group with a history of violence and extremism. Turner shared examples of HTS’s violence in his piece.

One of the clips showed a cousin of Assad being publicly hung by crane, while other clips showed HTS members killing random Syrians with machine guns. Turner also showed HTS’ war crimes against enemy forces, with soldiers both wounded and unarmed being shot to death. According to the commentator, all the videos were filmed during the first day of HTS’ rule in Damascus.

As the U.S. and U.K. consider delisting HTS, the future of Syria remains uncertain. The potential delisting of HTS could either pave the way for a more stable Syria or further entrench the country’s divisions, depending on how the international community engages with the group.

For now, the debate over HTS’s terror designation continues, with no clear consensus on the way forward. What is clear, however, is that the decisions made in the coming months will have far-reaching implications for Syria and the broader region. As the country enters its thirteenth year of conflict, the question remains: Can the international community find a way to bring peace and stability to a nation torn apart by war?

Watch Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov pointing out that HTS cannot be used for geopolitical purposes at the Doha Forum in Qatar.

This video is from the Cynthia’s Pursuit of Truth channel on Brighteon.com.