Thread by @nhazony

The rebels are now advancing towards Hama, Syria, and are only 40km away from the strategic city of Homs. But who are these rebels? Who is their leader? And what might they do if they took control of Syria? 1/13 🧵

The rebels are led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), an organization founded in 2017 by Abu Mohammad al-Jawlani. Jawlani had previously founded the terrorist group Jabhat al-Nusra with support from the leader of ISIS, Baghdadi. 2/13

But Baghdadi and Jawlani had different styles: In 2012, both Baghdadi (ISIS) and Jawlani (Al Nusra) captured American journalists. ISIS publicly beheaded Steven Sotloff and James Foley. Al Nusra held Theo Pandos for two years before releasing him in 2014. 3/13

Unlike Baghdadi, Jawlani understood that public brutality was politically counterproductive. After all, it was ISIS' sickening attacks that mobilized global opposition, ultimately leading to their demise. 4/13

But Al Nusra was also increasingly isolated, designated a terrorist organization by several key powers, including the US. It was in no position to lead the Syrian rebels. So Jawlani rebranded in 2017, forming the outwardly more moderate HTS. 5/13

Since then, HTS has campaigned to be removed from the US terrorist list by avoiding targeting civilians, granting freedoms to Christians, and ditching its global jihadist agenda for a local one that seeks to impose Islamic Sharia Law “only” in Syria. 6/13

In 2021, US Ambassador Jeffrey admitted that the US was no longer targeting Jawlani for assassination and was communicating with HTS through indirect channels. To some in the West, HTS became “the best of bad options.” 7/13

But HTS’ Ideology, like its former flag, is just as black and white as ISIS. While they may differ in style and strategy, both organizations ultimately aim to impose Islamic Sharia Law globally through a brutal war of Jihad. 8/13

The so-called freedoms offered to Christians in HTS territory are a mirage: while St. Joseph's church in Qunaya is allowed to run, its outdoor crosses were removed, along with statues of Madonna, St. Joseph, and St. Anthony. The ringing of church bells is forbidden. 9/13

HTS has confiscated over 500 properties from Christians and has violently converted the Druze population north of Aleppo to Sunni Islam, massacring those who attempted to resist. 10/13

Wherever it rules, HTS imposes strict “Hisbah” patrols that beat up and imprison women who violate the dress code or are caught traveling without a supervising male. While HTS outwardly speaks of liberating Syrians, internally, it speaks of enslaving them. 11/13

In this way, HTS is similar to Hamas: For years, Hamas pretended to be moderate, fighting for economic conditions in Gaza. This deception was "Political Jihad". When it found the opportunity, Hamas carried out brutal ISIS-style massacres in Israel at the expense of Gaza. 12/13

Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, in English, stands for "Organization for Liberation of the Levant.” To some, they may seem like freedom fighters struggling against Assad's brutal dictatorship. But they are no better than Assad. As Kissinger said, “It's a pity both sides can't lose”. 13/13