Israeli Bombing of Syrian Army Headquarters in Damascus Raises Questions About Ahmad Al-Shara’s Role

Kokcha News Agency: Israel’s latest airstrike on the Syrian Army’s central command in Damascus has reignited debates about the role of Ahmad Al-Shara, also known as Abu Muhammad Al-Jolani, the leader of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS).

Many are questioning why Al-Shara has not declared jihad against Israel and whether he is acting as a proxy for the U.S. and Israel. Others are asking why Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who supports Al-Shara, has not intervened to stop Israeli attacks.

Some are even questioning whether Bashar al-Assad’s regime was better than Al-Shara’s, as Israel did not bomb Syria during Assad’s rule. The answer to these questions is complex and depends on different perspectives.

One interpretation is that Israel’s bombing of Al-Shara’s forces indicates that Israel sees him as a more dangerous enemy than Assad. Israel aims to weaken Al-Shara and strip him of any means to resist. Al-Shara now faces two options:

1. Accept Israel’s demands, including autonomy for the Druze under Israeli protection and the permanent occupation of the Golan Heights.
2. Confront Israel militarily, which would likely lead to the destruction of Al-Shara’s forces and the transformation of Damascus into another Gaza.

Erdogan, despite his support for Al-Shara, is unlikely to take further action against Israel, as he does not see it in Turkey’s interests to engage in a direct conflict with Israel.

It’s important to remember that Israel represents U.S. interests in the Middle East, and any confrontation with Israel is effectively a confrontation with the U.S. and the West. Israel’s defeat would only be possible if the U.S. and the West are defeated.

In the current situation, only the U.S. and President Trump have the power to stop Israel’s attacks on Syria and Al-Shara, not Erdogan, Arab states, or even Iran, which has limited influence despite its support for Syria.