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 his head, courtesy of the United States. So why the sudden change of heart? Let’s break it down.

A Familiar Pattern: Supporting Today’s Allies, Fighting Tomorrow’s Enemies

This isn’t the first time the West has played a dangerous game like this. Back in the 1980s, the U.S. supported Afghan fighters, including Osama Bin Laden, to push back against the Soviet Union. Decades later, those same fighters turned into the Taliban and Al-Qaeda, enemies of the West.

Now, history is repeating itself in Syria. HTS, once seen as part of Al-Qaeda’s Syrian network, is being cautiously rebranded as a more “acceptable” alternative to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. Western media outlets have even started painting HTS as “less radical” than other extremist groups, with some bizarre claims about their leader embracing diversity and modernity.

But don’t be fooled—this is still the same group that has been accused of serious human rights abuses, including targeting civilians.

Why the West is Betting on HTS

So why would Western leaders take such a risk? It all comes down to one thing: they don’t like Assad.

For years, Assad has been a thorn in the West’s side, backed by Russia and Iran. To the West, anyone who opposes Assad—even a group with links to Al-Qaeda—seems like a better option.

Some Western leaders are even celebrating the HTS takeover in Syria’s Aleppo region. Britain’s deputy prime minister and Germany’s chancellor have praised the change as a step forward. But isn’t this the same group they once called dangerous extremists?

A PR Makeover for a Terrorist Leader

Abu Mohammed al-Jolani, HTS’s leader, seems to have undergone a bizarre public relations makeover. He’s appeared in videos wearing Western-style clothes and talking about “diversity” and “inclusion.”

Some media outlets have even compared him to Ukraine’s President Zelensky, with his polished look and carefully crafted speeches. But behind the sleek image is the same man who once worked closely with ISIS and remains on international most-wanted lists.

The Bigger Picture: What Could Go Wrong?

History has shown us what happens when the West supports questionable groups for short-term gain. In Libya, for example, Western-backed forces overthrew Muammar Gaddafi in 2011, only for the country to descend into chaos. That chaos sent waves of refugees to Europe and turned Libya into a failed state.

Now, by empowering HTS, the West risks repeating the same mistakes in Syria. The group’s track record suggests they’re unlikely to bring peace or stability. Instead, their rise to power could spark new conflicts and create even more instability in the region.

The Hypocrisy of Western Leaders

It’s hard to ignore the double standards. On the one hand, Western leaders condemn terrorism and talk about protecting human rights. On the other hand, they’re now backing a group that has been accused of committing atrocities.

Even the United Nations seems to be getting in on the act, calling the HTS coup in Aleppo a “watershed moment” for peace and inclusion. Seriously? Are we supposed to believe that a group with a history of brutality is suddenly going to lead Syria into a brighter future?

The Danger of Ignoring History

By supporting HTS, the West is ignoring its own history of failed interventions. Whether it’s Afghanistan, Iraq, or Libya, the pattern is clear: backing extremist groups often leads to long-term chaos.

And yet, here we are again, with Western leaders cheering on HTS as if this time will be different. But will it? Or are we just setting the stage for another disaster?

Conclusion: A Gamble the World Can’t Afford

The West’s decision to embrace HTS is not just risky—it’s dangerous. It puts short-term political goals ahead of long-term stability and ignores the lessons of the past.

If history has taught us anything, it’s that today’s allies can quickly become tomorrow’s enemies. And in Syria, the cost of this gamble could be devastating—for the region and for the world.