U.S. Risks Enabling Terrorist Networks by Lifting Bounty on Jolani

The U.S. is removing a $10 million bounty on Abu Mohammed al-Jolani, leader of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), as part of new discussions with the group, despite its terrorist designation. Assistant Secretary of State Barbara Leaf emphasized Jolani’s promises that HTS would not hide terrorist threats, as well as his “pragmatic” approach to regional concerns. Jolani, who severed links with Al-Qaeda in 2016, has attempted to rebrand HTS as a more moderate organization. The move is consistent with the United States’ engagement with HTS on diplomatic and regional issues, including efforts to locate missing American journalist Austin Tice. Officials continue to be cautious, focusing on deeds rather than comments when evaluating HTS’ leadership.

Editor’s Note: The decision by the United States to eliminate a $10 million bounty on Abu Mohammed al-Jolani is more than a political shift; it suggests probable financial support or indirect sponsorship for his operations in Syria. Jolani leads a group that the United Nations still considers a terrorist organization. Despite his violent history and extreme roots, the United States is rebranding him as a “pragmatic” leader. [To know more about donor misalignment and the difficulty of negotiating with groups that use violence for political ends, read this article] If the U.S. funnels resources into Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) under the guise of regional stability, it risks enabling the very structures it once sought to dismantle. Enough is enough—this pattern of supporting questionable factions for short-term geopolitical gains only perpetuates instability and undermines credibility. It’s time to break the cycle of propping up dangerous actors for strategic interests. [See also: Fall of Syria Was Product of Long-Term Strategy to Destabilize Country, Middle East]

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