The current situation is as clear as the As Sahada agency has acknowledged. All features and groups of Al Qaeda, including the Hurras Branch, must be dissolved, and Ahmed al-Charaa, formerly known as Abu Mohamed al Golani, must be declared the president of Nueva Syria. This development has significant implications, particularly in light of the recent actions of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), the group led by Golani.
According to anti-terrorist sources, the separation of HTS from Al Qaeda was never fully established, and the decision to dissolve its factions in Syria only serves to confirm these suspicions. It would be illogical for the terrorists to fight against their former leader; instead, they must adapt to the new situation. In fact, elements of Hurras al-Din, one of the strongest branches of Al Qaeda in Syria, are being integrated into the Ministry of Defense. This move can be seen as a logical step from a terrorist perspective, given their experience in combat.
The outcome is that Al Qaeda has successfully placed one of its most valuable elements at the helm of a nation that was once part of the Islamic State’s Caliphate, founded by Baghdadi. Despite the changing times, the presence of jihadists remains a constant factor. Since Golani assumed power, influential Al Qaeda clergy have reminded him of his obligation to establish an Islamic Republic, governed by the strict interpretation of Islam known as Sharis. Whether or not he chooses to implement this vision will depend on future developments and political opportunities, especially if he seeks international cooperation.
To achieve this cooperation, Golani must control HTS’s foreign combatants and prevent them from returning to their countries of origin as terrorists. One possible approach is to integrate these combatants into his administration, but it remains to be seen whether this will be feasible and beneficial for all parties involved. The situation is complex, and the path forward will depend on various factors, including political will and the ability to balance competing interests.