Israel will find that Syria hasn't changed for its population since Assad was driven out. The shift to Ahmed al-Sharaa from Jolanicoincided with his group's rise to power and the fall of the Assad regime in Syria. This change is part of a broader effort to present a more pragmatic image and gain international legitimacy.
Omran Alhalabi of Damascus is not accepting al-Sharaa's acceptance of Sharia Law, nor are a lot of other Syrians. Omran was an engineer in and around Damascus working on building projects when the change took over. He notices that education in the schools is leading to Sharaa's thinking and goal in life. They are being taught the Shi'a ways. Omran found out that the parents of the children were wasted from the Civil War and have no strength to fight against Sharia law today. They are poor, many are hungry and need help to learn what is possible with education today. Today's faults and bombing have become their norm. Al-Sharaa doesn't want to be remembered as a terrorist,
which he was, but his constiuents remember very well as they do not
see much of a change in their lives.
Ramadan praying:Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, is a holy period of fasting, prayer, and reflection where Muslims abstain from food and drink from dawn to sunset. In 2026, it is expected to begin around February 17 or 18. The fast strengthens self-discipline, compassion, and spiritual connection with God. The problem so often is that the people are told to pray for what their leaders want; the extinction of Israel instead of good things.
The power of his religion: Abu Mohammad al-Jolani is a Sunni Muslim militant leader who founded and leads Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) (formerly Jabhat al-Nusra), a group that adheres to a strict, hard-line Islamist ideology which is more like the Muslim Brotherhood and/or the Shi'a religion of Iran.
The one surprising outcome of HTS was in Regional Politics: While opposing the Assad regime, HTS has shown pragmatism, including maintaining a 1974 agreement with Israel regarding the Golan Heights and engaging in negotiations with other Syrian opposition groups.
Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), formerly Jabhat al-Nusra, evolved from an al-Qaeda affiliate into a locally focused Sunni Islamist group, advocating for the overthrow of the Assad regime and the establishment of Islamic rule in Syria. Under Abu Mohammad al-Jolani, HTS has prioritized territorial control, specifically in Idlib, through a nationalist agenda, distinguishing itself from international jihadi. This meant that he expected all of Syria to accept Islamic decisions and rule like Iran has become.
Syria's population is predominantly Muslim (roughly 90%), with about 74% being Sunni and 16% belonging to other Muslim groups like Alawites, Druze, and Shi'a. Christians make up around 10% of the population. The population, deeply affected by the civil war, was historically estimated at over 20 million, but recent figures often refer to the displaced population, with over 12 million displaced.
As of early 2026, the population of the Syrian Arab Republic is estimated to be between 26.2 million and 26.5 million, according to Worldometer and World Population Review. Following a significant decline during the civil war, the population has rebounded. Approximately 53–54% of the population is urban, with the largest cities being Aleppo and Damascus.
Today the population of Syria is 26,472,497.
In 1980 the population of Syria was 8,957,663.
Founded in 1928 in Egypt by Hassan al-Banna, the Muslim Brotherhoodis the world's oldest and most influential Islamist movement, advocating for a, bottom-up, gradual Islamization of society and government based on Sharia law. It operates as a global network, with branches across the Middle East and the West, focused on religious, social, and political reform, often under the motto "Islam is the solution."
Both groups are advocating for a complete take-over of the whole world by Shi'a Islam.
While formerly affiliated with Al-Qaeda, he has rebranded his image to appear more moderate to the international community while maintaining an Islamist base.
Syria, historically under Bashar al-Assad, was a core member of the Iran-led "Axis of Resistance" against Israel, working closely with Iran and the Lebanese Hezbollah. Russia also provided military support to the Assad regime. Following a potential post-Assad transition, the country's alliances are shifting, with new regional power dynamics emerging.
Iran: The primary ally, using Syria as a conduit for weapons transfers to Hezbollah and establishing a military presence on Israel's border. All the more reason why backing the new Revolutionaries of Iran would be the best act of the USA and allow the Crown Prince to return and lead them until he holds elections, which he plans on doing.
Hezbollah: The Lebanese militant group has been a key partner in fighting to support the Syrian regime while maintaining anti-Israel operations.
Russia: Provided significant military intervention for the Assad government since 2015, which created a tense, complex security environment for Israel in the region.
Non-State Actors: Various pro-Iranian militias in Syria, including groups like PFLP-GC, have supported the alliance against Israel.
As of late 2024–2025, with Assad's regime facing instability, the "Axis of Resistance" has weakened, with new, evolving power struggles involving Turkey and changing stances on Iran's presence in Syria. Turkey needs watching.
It appears that Assad of Syria was taken down by several factors, pointed out by researcher, Omran Alhalabi of Syria. A terrorist, Jolani (now using birth name of Ahmed al-Sharaa) is the new president. Many still see him as a terrorist. Like they say, getting rid of one person might lead to one far worse. This may be the case, because Assad was not a beloved President. He put people in prison when they didn't deserve it, too.
Here I present Omran who has been working on the problems of his native land, Syria.
Omran Alhalabi
Nadine Epstein is the editor-in-chief and CEO of Moment magazine. She also is founder and executive director of the Center for Creative Change. Epstein frequently writes and speaks on a variety of topics including American Jewry, antisemitism and Israel. She and Berman (below) have been doing some research on Syria's problem of today.
lan Berman is Senior Vice President of the American Foreign Policy Council in Washington, DC. An expert on regional security in the Middle East, Central Asia, and the Russian Federation, he has consulted for the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency as well as the U.S. Departments of State and Defense, and provided assistance on foreign policy and national security issues to a range of governmental agencies and congressional offices. He has been called one of America's "leading experts on the Middle East and Iran" by CNN.
The Syrian Civil War, a seemingly frozen conflict for years, has taken a dramatic turn. Rebel forces have made significant gains, pushing back the Assad regime in a swift and unexpected offensive. What triggered this sudden shift? How did Israel’s recent actions against Hezbollah and Iran in Lebanon impact the dynamics in Syria? And what does this mean for the future of the country? In this in-depth discussion, Moment Editor-in-Chief Nadine Epstein explores these critical questions with Ilan Berman, Senior Vice President of the American Foreign Policy Council.
Hezbollah hitting Kiriat Bialik
We delve into:
The factors that led to the sudden collapse of the Assad regime: Including the impact of Israel’s actions against Hezbollah and Iran.
Israel: When a country has threatened the lives of a people, they are on the list. Hezbollah is the terrorist organization of Syria that is out to destroy Israel. Bashar al-Assad was aiding and abetting Hezbollah, or they wouldn't have lasted until the end.
Turkeyplayed a central, instrumental role in the collapse of Bashar al-Assad's regime in December 2024, acting as the primary supporter of the Syrian opposition. Ankara provided critical backing, including intelligence and weaponry, to rebel forces like the Syrian National Army (SNA) and Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS). Turkish military presence in Idlib shielded opposition groups, enabling the offensive that ultimately forced Assad's ouster.
Technically speaking, the removal of the Assad regime was orchestrated by
Turkey, Israel and Qatar. The how and why remains unknown to most
Syrians but researchers have found out that....it's true: they all played a hand in
ending Assad's regime.
Qatar played a significant, long-term role in the fall of Bashar al-Assad's regime by providing extensive financial, diplomatic, and military support to Syrian opposition groups, including Islamist factions, since 2011. Working closely with Turkey, Qatar maintained a no-compromise stance against the Assad government, helping to sustain the insurgency that ultimately led to the regime's collapse in December 2024.
Ha Alabi brings up the names of Jeffrey Epstein and Michael Wolff and a
Robert Ford who trained Jolani to become President.Erdogan of Turkey
helped them as well. I suppose that means a person just has to read the
news and find ways to improve what dastardly deeds they can pull off.
Jolani was a terrorist and the claim is that he's still terrorizing.
A newly released batch of correspondence involving disgraced sex offender Jeffrey Epstein has prompted new speculation about ties between the deceased financier and United States President Donald Trump, but experts say its significance stretches beyond the White House.
But the newly released emails also raise ethical questions about the role played by acclaimed author Michael Wolff as he appeared to provide advice to Epstein on how to handle his dealings with Trump.
Jeffrey Epstein described himself as Donald Trump’s “closest friend” and claimed intimate
knowledge of his proclivity for sex, including cuckolding his best friends, according to
recordings obtained exclusively by the Daily Beast.
The convicted pedophile even boasted of his closeness to Trump and his now-wife Melania
by claiming, “the first time he slept with her was on my plane,” which was dubbed the Lolita
Express.
Epstein spoke at length about Trump with the author Michael Wolff in August 2017, two
years before being found dead in his jail cell. Wolff was researching his bombshell bestseller
Fire and Fury at the time.
Katie Ford: According to testimony from abuse survivor Lisa Phillips, Jeffrey Epstein was introduced to Katie Ford, the former owner of the Ford modeling agency, indicating Epstein’s influence reached the highest levels of fashion.
Rob Ford (Academic): Rob Ford, a professor of political science at the University of Manchester, is quoted in the news commenting on the impact of the Epstein file revelations in Britain.
Ford Motor Company Worker: A Ford line worker (TJ Sabula) in Michigan was suspended and subsequently received large donations after criticizing President Trump's handling of the investigation into Jeffrey Epstein.
Dr. Ford (Testimony): The search results mention Dr. Christine Blasey Ford in the context of her 2018 Senate testimony, in which Epstein reportedly sympathized with Brett Kavanaugh.
Katie Ford: According to testimony from abuse survivor Lisa Phillips, Jeffrey Epstein was introduced to Katie Ford, the former owner of the Ford modeling agency, indicating Epstein’s influence reached the highest levels of fashion.
Rob Ford (Academic): Rob Ford, a professor of political science at the University of Manchester, is quoted in the news commenting on the impact of the Epstein file revelations in Britain.
Ford Motor Company Worker: A Ford line worker (TJ Sabula) in Michigan was suspended and subsequently received large donations after criticizing President Trump's handling of the investigation into Jeffrey Epstein.
Dr. Ford (Testimony): The search results mention Dr. Christine Blasey Ford in the context of her 2018 Senate testimony, in which Epstein reportedly sympathized with Brett Kavanaugh.
The recordings cast more light on Trump’s long relationship with Epstein, and will add to
debate over the character of the Republican candidate, especially his attitudes and conduct
toward women, just days before the election.
Robert Ford may be several different people.
Katie Ford: According to testimony from abuse survivor Lisa Phillips, Jeffrey Epstein was introduced to Katie Ford, the former owner of the Ford modeling agency, indicating Epstein’s influence reached the highest levels of fashion.
Rob Ford (Academic): Rob Ford, a professor of political science at the University of Manchester, is quoted in the news commenting on the impact of the Epstein file revelations in Britain.The Prince Andrew has been disgraced and has lost his castle as a home, now, because of the Epstein files.
Dr. Ford (Testimony): The search results mention Dr. Christine Blasey Ford in the context of her 2018 Senate testimony, in which Epstein reportedly sympathized with Brett Kavanaugh.
A Book Fair is being held in Damascus. The books were published in Afghanistan and Saudi Arabia. They write about killing Jews. The authors, of course, are fanatics like Abu Musaab al Zargawi, and Abu baker al Baghdadi. The books are being given away; free books! The other terrorist groups are having fun and they think the prices in Syria are cheap. The terrorists also have the misconception that Israel will not react against them.
Israel is happy to hear that the books must be given away-really cheap stuff! No one wants to pay money for those books, anyway. No one is going to read them. They know Israel by now. In a free Democracy, right will always win over evil, and terrorism against Israelis is evil. You should be able to write without being killed off or put in prison.
According to Alhalabi, right now there is a clear and present danger which is Al Jolani and his group of
fanatics and they are the real threat to the government of Syria and the Middle East. He says that this
situation can't be overlooked with the trials of Iran's Revolution going on at present and must be handled now. Why isn't there a Mossad or CIA following Jolani-(Ahmed al Sharaa) today?
A Terrorist Changing His Spots, Really?
Ahmed al-Sharaa (formerly known as Abu Mohammad al-Jolani), who took power in Syria in early 2025 after leading the jihadist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), has transitioned from a US-designated terrorist leader to a transitional head of state. Despite his pivot to diplomacy and removal from the US terrorist list in late 2025, his past connects to his present in several ways:
Security Operations: As leader, al-Sharaa initiated large-scale security operations against ISIS cells, utilizing the same security apparatus and tactics developed during his time fighting in Syria. (Good stuff)
Controlling Radical Elements: His government has had to manage hardline elements within his own base that are wary of his shift towards Western powers and the Abraham Accords. (Good stuff)
Military Background: He maintains a reputation as a "tough guy" and "fighter," which has facilitated his transition to leading the Syrian state's military, aiming to combat ISIS and curb Iranian/Russian influence. (Good stuff)
International Legitimacy vs. Skepticism: While he has worked to soften his image, his history as an al-Qaeda affiliate has required him to prove his moderation to the international community, including taking steps to secure his new position after the fall of Bashar al-Assad.Now he's a moderate...prove to us he isn't !!
Al-Sharaa has recently met with US President Donald Trump and worked towards normalizing ties with Israel, effectively leveraging his experience from the battlefield to now lead the country.
Critics compared his rule to Assad's accusing HTS of authoritarianism, suppressing dissent dissent and silencing critics. Protesters labelled HTS's security forces as "Shabbiha", a term used to describe Assad's loyalist henchmen.They further alleged that HTS deliberately avoided meaningful combat against government forces and marginalised jihadists and foreign fighters in Idlib to prevent them from engaging in such actions, all to appease international actors. Even during the latest offensive, activists have persistently urged HTS to release individuals imprisoned in Idlib allegedly for expressing dissent.
In response to these criticisms, HTS initiated several reforms over the past year. It disbanded or rebranded a controversial security force accused of human rights violations and established a "Department of Grievances" to allow citizens to lodge complaints against the group. Its critics said these measures were just a show to contain dissent.
This move of reforms is part of Jolani's effort to bolster his legitimacy in a new context, as his Islamist militant group, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), leading other rebel factions, announces the capture of the Syrian capital, Damascus, on December 8, 2024, solidifying its control over much of the country. Jolani's transformation is not recent, but has been carefully cultivated over the years, evident not only in his public statements and interviews with international outlets but also in his evolving appearance.
Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) has enforced an authoritarian, religious-based rule over4 million people in northwest Syria, characterized by systematic human rights abuses, arbitrary detentions of critics, and control through the "Syrian Salvation Government". While providing basic services, HTS suppresses dissent, restricts personal freedoms, and collects heavy tolls on economic activity.
Following the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad in December 2024, Ahmed al-Sharaa (also known as Abu Mohammad al-Jolani), the leader of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), has taken steps to dissolve his own organization as part of a broader,, and, according to observers "hopelessly optimistic" plan to create a new, unified, and internationally recognized Syrian state.
