From Global Terrorist to Washington’s Guest: How U.S. Rebrands Al-Jolani to Serve Its Agenda
Dr. Mohammad Al-Sheikh reveals Washington’s manipulation of the “terrorism” label to serve Israeli interests and reshape Syria’s political geography
Syria, PUREWILAYAH.COM - Dr. Mohammad Al-Sheikh, head of the Shams Center for Advanced Strategic Studies, presented an in-depth analysis exposing the dangerous transformations driven by U.S. policy in Syria — foremost among them, the process of “recycling” the terrorist known as Abu Mohammad al-Jolani, turning him from a “globally wanted man” into a “welcomed guest” in Washington.
Al-Sheikh described this as a blatant indication of the functional connection between armed groups and the Israeli enemy under the direct supervision of the U.S. administration.
Terrorism Redefined to Fit American–Israeli Interests
Speaking on Al-Masirah TV, Al-Sheikh explained that the American definition of terrorism is neither legal nor moral but entirely based on the relationship with the Zionist entity.
Those who act against Israel’s interests are branded terrorists, while those who serve them — directly or indirectly — are removed from the list.
He recalled that Washington once placed a $10 million bounty on al-Jolani in 2017, labeling him a global terrorist, but this changed immediately after he seized areas near the temporary Zionist entity and began carrying out roles aligned with its objectives.
Al-Jolani’s Transformation into a U.S. Political Partner
Al-Sheikh stressed that al-Jolani, who declared enmity toward the Axis of Resistance and claimed to be “in the same trench with the temporary Zionist entity,” is now viewed by Washington not as a terrorist but, in his words, “a servant and pliant tool in the hands of American and Zionist policy.”
He added that al-Jolani’s visit to the United States was not a mere protocol gesture but a step with deep strategic dimensions.
In a circulated video, al-Jolani appeared alongside members of the U.S.-led International Coalition against ISIS inside basketball arenas — signaling that Washington now treats him as a political partner.
One of the topics reportedly discussed during the visit was the possible inclusion of Damascus in what is called the “International Coalition against ISIS,” a move Al-Sheikh described as a historical paradox revealing the duplicity of U.S. policy in Syria.
The “War on Terror” as a Cover for Regional Domination
Al-Sheikh pointed out that the so-called ISIS organization was never a random creation but a calculated American project — from Abdullah Azzam to Osama bin Laden, Ayman al-Zawahiri, and ultimately al-Jolani — as part of the “creative chaos” doctrine aimed at reshaping the region.
He asserted that the war on ISIS is nothing but a façade to wage war on genuine resistance forces confronting the Zionist entity — including the Popular Mobilization Forces, Hizbullah, Ansarullah, and the Islamic Republic of Iran.
According to Al-Sheikh, the international coalition never launched serious strikes on ISIS; instead, it dropped food and medical supplies by parachute to takfiri groups whenever they were besieged by the Popular Mobilization Forces or the Syrian Army — clear proof that the proclaimed war on ISIS is symbolic, while the real battle targets the resistance.
He further revealed that Washington seeks to exploit al-Jolani to assert direct control over Syrian territory in preparation for establishing an air base in Damascus, echoing the U.S. occupation of Iraq under the pretext of fighting terrorism.
Al-Sheikh noted that American movements in the north coincide with Israeli incursions in the south, where enemy forces continue to penetrate northern Quneitra and set up checkpoints between eastern Samdaniyah and Khan Arnabah — while Washington remains silent over these violations of Syrian sovereignty.
Concluding his remarks, Dr. Al-Sheikh affirmed that the current developments do not represent a war on terrorism, but a full geopolitical repositioning designed to serve the Israeli enemy. The so-called al-Jolani, he said, has become the new face of the American–Zionist project to tighten control over Syria — and his elevation from terrorist to partner is conclusive proof that Washington does not fight terrorism; it manages and reproduces it for its own interests and those of the temporary Zionist entity. (PW)
Source: Al-Masirah