Imagine this: a group once labeled as dangerous terrorists by the West suddenly becomes their new ally. Confused? You’re not alone. This is exactly what’s happening in Syria, where a group called Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS)—linked to Al-Qaeda—is now being cautiously embraced by Western leaders.

Yes, the same HTS that has a long history of violence, including bombings, kidnappings, and torture. And yes, the same HTS whose leader, Abu Mohammed al-Jolani, still has a $10 million bounty on hi...