Its evolution mirrors that of the rebel movement in Syria, moving from violence and divisions to consensus to overthrow the dictator. Abu Mohammad al-Jolani, the leader of the rebel coalition behind the dazzling offensive in Syria that his fighters say brought down President Bashar al-Assad on Sunday, has switched from fundamentalist vocabulary to words that he wants to be moderated to reach the its purposes.
The leader of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), a former branch of al-Qaeda in Syria, had set himself the goal of overthrowing President Assad, in power as 2000. On Sunday the rebels entered the capital and proclaimed “the freedom city of Damascus”. Tall, well-built, with a black beard and sharp eyes, Abu Mohammad al-Jolani has gradually abandoned the jihadist turban he wore at the start of the war in 2011 for a military uniform and sometimes a civilian costume.
From engagement to breakup with al-Qaeda
Born in 1982, Ahmed al-Chareh, Jolani’s real name, grew up in Mazzé, a wealthy neighborhood of Damascus, in a wealthy family. In 2021, he explained in an interview with the American public channel PBS that his nom de guerre, Abu Mohammed al-Jolani, was a reference to his family’s origins in the Golan Heights. According to him, his grandfather was displaced from the Golan after the Israeli conquest of much of the Syrian plateau in 1967.
After the American invasion of Iraq in 2003, he went to fight in this contry bordering Syria, where he joined Abu Musab al-zarqawi’s Al-Qaeda in Iraq group before being imprisoned for five years. After the uprising against Bashar al-Assad broke out in 2011, he returned to his home country to found the al-Nusra Front, wich would become HTS. In 2013 he refused to be knighted by Abu Bakr al Baghdadi, the future leader of IS, and preferred the emir of al-Qaeda, Ayman al-Zawahiri.
After the break with al-Qaeda in 2016,it tried to tone down its image and present a more moderate face,without however really convincing Western analysts or chancelleries who classify HTS as a terrorist group. “He is a pragmatic radical,” Thomas Pierret, a specialist on Islamism in Syria, told AFP. “In 2014, he was at the height of his radicalism to assert himself against the radical fringe of the rebellion and the Islamic State institution, and then moderate his comments,” explains this CNRS researcher.
In 2017 he forced radical rebels in northern Syria to merge into HTS. He establishes a civil governance and increases actions towards Christians in the province of Idlib, which his group has controlled for two years. It is here that HTS has been accused by residents, relatives of detainees and human rights defenders of abuses that the UN says amount to war crimes, prompting demonstrations a few months ago.
After the offensive, al-Jolani tried to reassure the inhabitants of Aleppo, a city with a large Christian community.And he called on his fighters to preserve “security in the liberated regions.” “I think it’s all about good politics. The less fear the Syrians and the international community will have, the more Jolani will appear as a responsible actor rather than a toxic jihadist extremist, and the easier his task will be,” assures researcher Aron Lund. “Is he completely sincere? Certainly not. This guy comes from a very harsh religious fundamentalist tradition. But what he is doing is the smart thing to say and do right now,” concludes Aron Lund.
How can consumers improve their media literacy to combat misinformation?
Title: The Future of News: An Interview with Media expert Dr.Emma Wilson
Setting: A modern, well-lit studio with a backdrop displaying digital screens showcasing headlines from Time.news.
Participants:
- Alex Carter - Editor of Time.news
- Dr. Emma Wilson – Media Expert and Author
Alex Carter: (smiling at the camera) Welcome to Time.news! Today, we’re diving into the evolving landscape of news and media. I’m thrilled to welcome Dr. Emma Wilson, a leading expert in media studies and the author of the acclaimed book “The Information Age: Navigating the News Revolution.” Thank you for being here, Dr. Wilson!
Dr. Emma Wilson: (smiling back) Thank you for having me, Alex! I’m excited to discuss the future of news with you.
Alex Carter: Let’s start with the basics. The news industry has undergone monumental changes over the past decade, especially with the rise of social media. What do you think are the most notable shifts we’ve seen?
Dr. Emma Wilson: Absolutely, Alex. The biggest shift has been the democratization of information. Anyone can now be a content creator, which has both advantages and disadvantages. On one hand, we have diverse voices that can challenge the mainstream narratives; on the other, this creates an overwhelming amount of misinformation.
Alex Carter: It’s a double-edged sword, indeed. With the abundance of information available, how can consumers differentiate between credible news sources and fake news?
Dr. Emma Wilson: Great question. Media literacy is key. We need to educate audiences on how to evaluate sources critically. Some tools include checking the publication’s reputation, looking for corroboration across multiple outlets, and being skeptical of sensational headlines.
Alex Carter: Speaking of sensationalism, we’ve seen a trend where news outlets prioritize clicks over in-depth reporting. Do you think this trend is compromising journalistic integrity?
Dr. Emma Wilson: Unluckily, yes. The pressure to attract viewers can sometimes lead news organizations to prioritize sensationalism. However, there are still manny who prioritize quality journalism. it’s crucial for consumers to support those outlets that uphold ethical standards and report facts accurately.
Alex Carter: In your opinion,what is the future of print media? Is there still a place for newspapers in our digital world?
Dr. Emma Wilson: while print media has certainly declined, it isn’t obsolete. Niche publications and local newspapers have found ways to thrive. The tactile experience of reading a physical newspaper appeals to many, and there is something special about that ritual. Though, they’ll need to adapt and find sustainable business models, perhaps embracing digital subscriptions or community support.
Alex Carter: Engaging! As we look to the future, the rise of AI in news curation is a hot topic. What are your thoughts on AI’s role in journalism?
Dr.Emma Wilson: AI can play a transformative role. It can definitely help journalists with data analysis, fact-checking, and even generating reports on small-scale topics. However, it’s essential to remember that AI lacks ethical judgment and human empathy, which are critical in storytelling. The most impactful journalism often comes from human experience and perspective.
Alex Carter: Absolutely, and many readers appreciate that personal touch. as we navigate these changes, what advice would you give young journalists entering this ever-evolving field?
Dr. Emma Wilson: I’d tell them to stay curious and adaptable. Embrace technology, but also prioritize developing strong writing, investigative skills, and ethical standards. Networking and learning from mentors can also provide invaluable insights.
Alex Carter: Wise words, dr. Wilson. Before we wrap up, what’s one trend in media that you think will surprise us in the next few years?
Dr. emma Wilson: I predict that we’re going to see a growing interest in “slow news.” After years of rapid-fire information, audiences may crave deeper, more meaningful stories. This could lead to a resurgence of long-form journalism and in-depth reporting, offering a counterbalance to the overwhelming speed of news consumption today.
Alex Carter: That’s a engaging insight! Dr. Wilson, thank you for sharing your expertise with us. It’s been a pleasure having you on Time.news.
Dr. Emma Wilson: Thank you,Alex! I enjoyed our conversation and look forward to the future of journalism.
Alex Carter: And thank you to our viewers for tuning in. Stay informed, stay engaged, and we’ll see you next time on Time.news!
(The screen fades to black with the Time.news logo and social media handles displayed.)
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This interview scenario encapsulates a thoughtful discussion on current events in media, highlighting expert insights while engaging with the audience.