The article criticizes Western media for downplaying the brutal actions of Turkish-backed jihadists in Syria, exemplified by the recent massacre of over 1,000 Alawites. It highlights the historical suffering of Syrian minorities and challenges the narrative that presents HTS as a moderate force. The author argues that there is an alarming disconnect between Western perceptions and the realities on the ground, emphasizing that radical Islamism leads only to chaos and destruction.
Recent events in Syria have revealed unprecedented levels of brutality perpetrated by Turkish-backed jihadists, yet there appears to be minimal concern among Western audiences. Over 1,000 individuals fell victim to mass executions orchestrated by the newly formed Syrian security forces, mirroring the horrors inflicted by Hamas on October 7, 2023. The inhumane treatment of Syria’s minorities has reached appalling depths, exemplified by extreme acts, including forcing victims to bark like dogs before their execution.
The silence from the international community is notable; there have been no protests, petitions, or calls for boycotts against the Syrian regime’s actions. As noted, “No Jews, no news.” This lack of coverage underscores a deeper issue that civilians in Syria have endured severe suffering long before the civil war’s onset in 2011, battling relentless brutality from radical Islamists supported by foreign powers.
The aftermath of the rebels’ ascent to power in December 2024 saw the rise of Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham under Ahmed al-Sharaa, inciting skepticism in Israel regarding the safety of minorities and the nation’s security. Despite HTS’s efforts to present a reformed image to the West, including a CNN interview with Sharaa, this pretense crumbled with the recent massacre of 830 Alawite Syrians.
Similar narratives have been observed previously, such as when Ebrahim Raisi’s successor was heralded as a reformist despite maintaining authoritarian practices. Presently, Western media continues to minimize or ignore HTS’s atrocities, depicting them as moderate while the fierce violence persists unabated.
The escalation in violence began after Alawites ambushed HTS forces, leading to excessive reprisals aimed at communities loyal to the Assad government. The Alawites constitute approximately 10% of Syria’s population, with other minorities like Druze, Kurds, and Christians also targeted amid the chaos. The classification of this regime as democratic is questionable, given its jihadist roots and the continued cycle of tyranny.
Recently, Alawite leaders have appealed for Israeli military intervention in light of perceived threats following Russia’s abandonment. This plea illustrates the extraordinary circumstances in which Israel, already entangled in multiple conflicts, may be called upon to intervene in Syria.
The culpability for Syria’s devastation rests squarely with Iran, Russia, and Turkey, whose agendas prioritize geopolitical power over humanitarian concerns. There exists a significant disconnect in Western societies regarding the realities faced by individuals in nations ruled by radical jihadists, often resulting in misguided sympathies towards such groups.
Both HTS and Hamas embody dangerous ideologies marked by genocidal tendencies. In essence, radical Islamism fosters chaos and suffering, devoid of governance or reform, as evidenced by the ongoing devastation in Gaza and Syria. The complexities of these conflicts underscore the urgent need for a reevaluation of foreign perceptions regarding jihadist groups.
In concluding this discourse, it is imperative to recognize the heinous acts perpetrated by jihadist factions in Syria, particularly Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham, and understand the complexities surrounding the narratives shaped by Western media. The continued suffering of minorities in Syria, fueled by the actions of radical Islamists backed by foreign interests, reveals a troubling disconnect that can no longer be ignored. As such, the notion of a ‘good jihadist’ remains a myth; the reality is a landscape marked by violence and oppression.
Original Source: www.jpost.com
