Syria, once the heart of ancient civilization and cultural richness, today stands at the crossroads of power transitions, foreign interests, and social disillusionment. The war-torn nation is now experiencing a new chapter under the leadership of Abu Mohammad al-Jolani, a figure who has traveled a long and controversial path – from jihadist insurgency to political dominance
Abu Mohammad al-Jolani emerged from the shadows of war in the early 2000s. Known initially for his ties with Al-Qaeda in Iraq during the U.S. invasion in 2003, Jolani was captured by American forces and held in detention for approximately five to six years. Upon his release in 2011, he returned to his hometown of Mazzeh, Damascus, just as the Syrian uprising began to unfold.
In 2012, Jolani founded his own militant group, rejecting the direct alliance with Al-Qaeda that had once defined his early militancy. Over the years, his forces became one of the strongest in the opposition movement against the Assad regime. By 2024, with the help of Assad’s rivals and foreign backers, Jolani’s administration seized control of Damascus, dramatically altering the balance of power in the region.His journey from Jihadi to Ruler has many unfolded stories.
What has shocked many observers is the level of international support Jolani appears to enjoy. Gulf nations, notably Saudi Arabia, have shifted their stance and now back his administration. His recent meeting with the U.S. President Donald Trump in Riyadh, alongside Saudi leadership, has been widely interpreted as a symbol of political legitimization. Celebrations erupted among his supporters, signaling a moment of triumph for a figure once vilified on the global stage.
Even more controversial is the speculation surrounding Israeli support for the new Syrian leadership. Though unofficial and widely debated, some reports suggest covert Israeli interests in Jolani’s rise – an alliance that would have been unthinkable a decade ago. If true, such alignment challenges long-standing ideologies within the Arab world regarding the Palestinian issue and Israeli occupation.
Despite his political ascent, Jolani’s military apparatus is reportedly weakened. Years of attrition, internal splinters, and foreign bombardment have left his forces ill-equipped to hold long-term power without external assistance. This vulnerability has increased Syria’s dependency on Gulf countries and, possibly, Western backing.
Yet, support from these quarters does not necessarily mean that Syria’s broader economic and humanitarian issues will be addressed. The country’s infrastructure lies in ruins, and poverty is widespread. More than 15 million Syrians are refugees scattered across neighboring countries and Europe. Rehabilitating them is a task that would require billions in aid and a long-term commitment – neither of which seems guaranteed.
History provides sobering precedents. In Afghanistan, the promises made by the United States and its allies were largely unfulfilled. The abrupt U.S. withdrawal in 2021 left a power vacuum and a humanitarian crisis. Many Syrians fear a similar fate: being used as pawns in a geopolitical chess game without a serious plan for rebuilding or democratic governance.
Syria’s strategic location and natural resources have long made it a focus of international interest. The emergence of a new leadership supported by both Gulf nations and potentially Israel suggests a recalibration of regional interests – one that might prioritize control over energy resources, military positioning, and the projection of influence over genuine humanitarian upliftment.
Some analysts draw comparisons to Africa, where foreign powers have historically exploited natural wealth under the guise of aid or stabilization. There is concern that the same could happen in Syria: a façade of support masking deeper economic exploitation.
Of particular note is the idea of a “Greater Israel,” a controversial and sensitive topic in Arab discourse. Any physical Israeli presence on Syrian soil, even under diplomatic pretenses, would be seen by many Arab nations as a betrayal of collective ideals and a dangerous precedent.
In the age of censorship and propaganda, one of the few relatively free platforms where Syrians are expressing their thoughts is Twitter Spaces on X. This live audio medium has become a digital town square where citizens – refugees, activists, analysts, and ordinary Syrians – openly discuss their hopes, fears, and criticisms.
Listeners have been tuning into these Spaces, where opinions range widely. A recurring concern is the behavior of Jolani’s supporters. Reports of intimidation, silencing of dissent, and a lack of tolerance for opposition voices are surfacing. These actions, if true, stand in stark contrast to the democratic norms championed by the Western allies now supporting the regime.
One question is echoing across these discussions: How can the U.S. and its allies promote democracy while backing a leadership that suppresses dissent? If the Jolani administration fails to uphold human rights, the credibility of its Western backers – especially the United States – will come under scrutiny. This could become a major issue for the U.S. in the international community, particularly under the Trump administration, which is already facing polarized views on foreign policy.
The people of Syria, worn but not broken by over a decade of conflict, are more aware than ever of the complexities around them. Many have learned to see beyond political slogans and foreign promises. There is a growing realization that national revival cannot be outsourced – it must come from within, built on justice, transparency, and inclusive governance.
Syrians are now at a critical juncture. They must navigate the challenge of establishing a stable political order while avoiding the traps of foreign exploitation. Economic revival, rehabilitation of refugees, and rebuilding of infrastructure are monumental tasks that require not just investment, but sincerity, unity, and a deep commitment to human rights.
Syria’s current state is fragile, its future uncertain. The ascension of Jolani’s administration has introduced a new dynamic to the Middle East, bringing with it both opportunity and peril. The support of powerful foreign allies may help stabilize the situation in the short term, but without accountability and a people-centered vision, lasting peace remains elusive.
As Twitter Spaces continue to capture the raw, unfiltered emotions of Syrians from all walks of life, one thing becomes clear: the Syrian people are not silent. Their voices, born from suffering and survival, demand to be heard. They are the true stakeholders in Syria’s future – and their resilience may yet shape a new chapter for their homeland.
