Abu Muhammad al-Julani, the enigmatic leader of Syria's jihadists, has a surprising connection to Western intelligence. According to open-source reports, al-Julani was recruited by US intelligence and has received funding and support from British intelligence since 2011. This revelation casts a new light on the complex dynamics of the Syrian conflict and the role of external powers.
Western intelligence services, including Britain's MI6, have long maintained that Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), the leading group in the Syrian uprising, does not pose a direct terrorist threat to Western interests. This assessment has influenced the UK's decision to remove the terrorist organization designation from HTS. This decision has paved the way for potential funding and direct contacts with the new leadership of Syria.
The decision by the UK, along with the US and the EU, to remove the terrorist designation from HTS is a significant development in the international response to the Syrian conflict. It signals a shift in strategy towards engagement with rebel groups once considered beyond the pale. However, it remains to be seen whether HTS will be able to maintain its moderate stance in the face of continued pressure from extremist elements within its ranks.
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