It is rare to see an Islamist leader speak in a space as rich in history as the Umayyad Mosque in Damascus. When Abu Mohammad al-Jolani spoke at this spiritually and historically charged venue, his speech marked a significant turning point in the current events in Syria.
From a former al-Qaeda fighter to a rebel commander advocating sectarian tolerance, al-Jolani’s transformation over the years has been remarkable. His rapid rise to power, leading his Hayat Tahrir al-Sham fighters to overthrow President Bashar al-Assad, was a feat he celebrated humbly at the Umayyad Mosque.
In choosing this symbolic location, al-Jolani wanted to send a powerful message to various factions in Syria and the region. His speech, filled with gratitude for the martyrs, widows and orphans, stressed the importance of unity within the Islamic nation. Evoking the region’s tumultuous past, he clearly denounced Iranian interference and called for a new era of peace and cooperation.
His open criticism of Tehran was intended to signal the end of Iranian influence in Syria and the Middle East. This statement resonated as far as Tel Aviv and Washington, where al-Jolani is considered a wanted terrorist. By choosing to speak on an international channel like CNN, he demonstrated his desire to communicate with the entire world and position himself as a key player in the new regional balance.
Al-Jolani’s promises to cleanse Syria of corruption and drug trafficking reveal his ambition to reform the country and restore its reputation on the international stage. His speech at the Umayyad Mosque was both an act of arrival and a pledge of survival. However, it is his future actions that will testify to his ability to maintain his power and bring stability to a country ravaged by war.
Al-Jolani’s rhetoric throughout his speech at the Umayyad Mosque reveals a leader determined to shape the future of Syria and the region. His ability to navigate local and international interests while remaining true to his Islamic values presents a major challenge, but also an opportunity for reconciliation and progress for a country seeking peace and stability.