A recently surfaced video features Ahmad Al-Sharaa, also known as Abu Mohammad al-Jawlani, discussing his reaction to the 9/11 attacks, showing a disturbing level of approval. In an interview aired on PBS in 2021, he expressed a sense of satisfaction regarding the attacks that resulted in nearly 3,000 deaths, mostly among Americans.
The clip, originally shared as part of PBS’s documentary “Frontline,” has ignited controversy, with many condemning his remarks as insensitive and tone-deaf to the suffering of the victims’ families. In the interview, he suggested that those from the Arab and Islamic communities were, in fact, pleased with the attacks, stating, “Anyone who lived in the Islamic and Arab world said he was lying” if they claimed otherwise.
Moreover, this resurfacing of Al-Sharaa’s comments comes just days after Donald Trump met with him, calling him “strong” and a “young, attractive and tough guy,” seemingly praising his potential leadership in Syria. Trump indicated that he believes Al-Sharaa could effectively govern amidst the chaos in the region.
Following their meeting, Trump suggested removing sanctions that have bound Syria for almost five decades. This change is seen as an attempt to support the Syrian populace, many of whom live in poverty, and might attract foreign investment while boosting trade in the region.
From Terrorist to Leader
Al-Jawlani’s journey is quite dramatic. He once held a significant position in organizations like Al-Qaeda and ISIS. In fact, he was listed as a global terrorist by the UN in 2013. Having coordinated with Al-Qaeda’s previous leaders and initially instructed by Abdul Bakr al-Baghdadi to strengthen operations in Syria, he established the Al Nusra Front in 2012. This group was an affiliate of Al-Qaeda in Syria amid the uprising against President Bashar al-Assad’s regime.
Over the years, his organization has transformed, rebranding as Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) with the intention of toppling Assad and establishing an Islamic state. The ongoing civil unrest in Syria has seen HTS gain significant ground, culminating in the collapse of Assad’s regime in late 2024, leading to Al-Sharaa’s appointment as interim president.
