CNN has truly outdone itself this time, publishing a glowing puff piece about Abu Mohammed al-Jolani, a man internationally recognized as a terrorist who is now the leader of Syria. Yes, this is the same Jolani who was, as CNN itself admits, sent to Syria in 2011 by none other than Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, the infamous founder of ISIS, with a monthly stipend of $50,000. Yet, somehow, Jolani is now being spun as a misunderstood “revolutionary” and potential Western ally. You can’t make this up.
The piece details Jolani’s rise, casually noting that he was tasked with establishing Al Qaeda’s Syrian affiliate, Jabhat al-Nusra, and even acknowledges his deep roots in jihadism. But rather than holding him accountable for years of terror, CNN writes about his “gradual transformation” as if he’s a contestant on some reality show about personal growth. We are treated to nauseating lines like, “His deep knowledge of Syria caught the attention of his commanders,” and “He exuded confidence and tried to present a moderate worldview during the interview.”
Moderate? Really? A man who led a terrorist organization responsible for countless atrocities, including the suppression of dissidents in Idlib, is now apparently a “soft-spoken” leader with a “well-groomed beard,” trying his best to govern four million people. CNN even goes so far as to highlight his fashion choices: “Jolani replaced his jihadist camo attire for a Western-style blazer and shirt.” Ah, yes, nothing says redemption like a wardrobe change.
The sycophantic coverage doesn’t stop there. CNN quotes Jolani directly, allowing him to excuse the human rights abuses under his leadership: “Incidents of abuse in prisons were not done under our orders or directions,” he claims. Sure, and I suppose the atrocities committed by his group were just unfortunate misunderstandings. Jolani even has the audacity to say, “I believe that everyone in life goes through phases and experiences… As you grow, you learn.” Phases? Like teenagers going through a phase? No, this is a man who has left a bloody trail across the Middle East, not someone experimenting with hairstyles.
Imagine, for one moment, if CNN had written this kind of fawning profile about a far-right Israeli leader. Or better yet, picture them publishing such a piece about Donald Trump. Would they describe Trump as “soft-spoken” and gush about his choice of a blazer over a MAGA hat? Would they let him downplay his most controversial actions by saying, “Everyone in life goes through phases”? Of course not. CNN would be falling over itself to condemn every word and action. The hypocrisy here is as blatant as it is disgraceful.
CNN also attempts to paint Jolani as a “viable partner” in Middle Eastern politics, an effort that is not only laughable but dangerous. Despite their efforts to rebrand him as a statesman, the article itself acknowledges that the United States still designates his group a terrorist organization. But apparently, even that doesn’t stop CNN from trying to polish his image. The outlet even quotes a Brussels-based analyst who parrots the same narrative: “He’s shredded all transnational ties and objectives and rooted out ISIS and Al Qaeda operatives in areas he controls.” Oh, how noble of him to clean up his own mess.
Abu Mohammed al-Jolani is not a revolutionary hero. He is a terrorist with blood on his hands, and no amount of PR spin—whether from his own group or CNN—can change that.
Joseph Schwartzberg – Geopolitical and military analyst
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8 Responses
Who is this new Shwartzberg dude?
Give the good man a chance, a’ight?
And, yes, he IS experimenting new hairstyles!
Sound a bitl familiar?!?
Fidel Castro?
Naw.
No way we get fooled again!!!
This headline is not לשון נקיה
Ronald Reagan used to say about Russia “Trust but Verify “.
What a dumb article written by a silly analyst.
The term “terrorist” became a loose word nowadays, they label anyone a terrorist if they don’t approve of their actions.
First of all, the only terrorist is the tyrant and the monster assad, who butchered millions of his own people, oppressed controlled and tortured the Syrian people for over 50 years under his corrupt regime, no other leader can possibly be worse than him.
Secondly, whether Golani is a terrorist or not, he managed to give the Syrian people their freedom, breaking them loose from the clutches of assad, something that world leaders like Obama Trump or Biden couldn’t do to unseat the animal for 13 years, but this guy and his people did.
Thirdly, Golani knows very well what the syrian people want and don’t want. They all have been through a lot, and he gave them the gift of freedom they have been longing for, he’s not that stupid to start imposing another form of religious dictatorship on them.
Forthly, Golani did not remove assad regime alone, he was joined by many other groups, including civilians who were motivated by his advances to uprise again. Those same people who pumped him up know also how to take him down quickly if he does something out of line. It’s still very early to tell, but he claims he wants to unify the country and form a new government that represents everyone, he is not looking to be the president.
fifthy, and last, the Syrian people know exactly who Golani is and what his group is about. They aren’t waiting to hear an analysis from joseph schwartzberg or cnn or ywn what they think of him. Instead of writing up some garbage article with dumb opinions about the man who gave the people their freedom, just congratulate them for accomplishing the unthinkable, wish them peace and wellbeing for the future, and keep your nose out of their lives.
@Truth social:
First and foremost, embrace the fact that there are no ‘good people’ in the
middle east who can come in and actually solve this problem.
Once you acknowledge that, think about how long the Syrian peoples’
‘freedom’ is going to last. Golani has been designated as a terrorist for years at this point, and the US has promised a reward of up to $10 million on any information leading up to him since 2012. Just like the Taliban, he is first advocating for different freedoms on ‘behalf of the people’ to get on the ‘good side’ of the Western countries but let’s wait and see what this actually results in…
Just listen to them side with Hamas: “O people of gaza, help is on the way…”
@ProudJew
The good people in the middle east who can solve the problem are the Syrian people themselves who showed that they have the patience and courage to get their freedom and get back their country. I’m sure they will figure it out if outside players like Iran Russia France US Israel keep out and allow them to choose their own destiny.
Golani is not like the wacko Taliban. His fighters and followers want nothing but to free their country from the assad regime which they have been fighting for for the past 13 years. Their motive is not to oppress their people like the Taliban, nor target and kill minorities like isis did. Their goal is to topple the old regime and take back their country, allow millions of refugees to come back home. In case you’re not aware, all Golani’s fighters are regular syrians from all across the country who originally opposed the regime and were rounded up and bussed to Idlib in the first years of the civil war, they made it their mission to fight for their land. It’s true that most of the fighters are religious muslims and religiously motivated to fight, and that because religion naturally gives a person the motivation and support to carry out a mission they believe in (unlike by us, where the chilonim are the ones fighting, and the religious ones abstain), but none of them are taliban like style.
And the fact that Golani is designated as a terrorist by the US with a bounty on his head means nothing. everyone knows it’s nothing but a political stunt. If they really want him they know how to get him, they aren’t waiting for anyone’s help. The Kurds who the US supports trains and funds aren’t less terrorist militants than Golani’s group, just ask Turkey what they think of them. The only difference between the two is one does the bidding and serve the interests of the US and the other doesn’t. It’s pretty simple.
It is still very early to tell, but I hope he does the right thing for the country and the people.