This article discusses the recent massacre of over 1,000 individuals by Turkey-backed jihadists in Syria, drawing parallels to Hamas’s violence. Highlighting the insufficient attention from Western media, it examines the brutality of Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham, the newly established government, and contextualizes the situation within the historical suffering of Syrian minorities. The piece argues against the portrayal of these groups as moderates and emphasizes that no form of governance can arise from such radical ideologies.
Recent events in Syria have highlighted an alarming escalation of violence attributed to Turkey-backed jihadists, with over 1,000 individuals brutally murdered by newly established Syrian security forces. This horrifying massacre, reminiscent of Hamas’s actions on October 7, has seemingly evoked little concern among Western observers. The executions, which were marked by extreme cruelty and humiliation, included forcing victims to bark like dogs under duress, with the perpetrators recording these barbaric acts for public dissemination.
Despite the gravity of the situation, there has been a concerning absence of protests or international outcry regarding the violence in Syria, a stark contrast to reactions seen in other regional conflicts. The notable phrase, “No Jews, no news,” succinctly illustrates the perceived disparity in media coverage and public response to atrocities based on the affected demographic.
The suffering of Syrian civilians has been ongoing for years, exacerbated by armed groups supported by Iran, Russia, Turkey, and Qatar. Following the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad by rebel forces in December 2024, a new Sunni-led government emerged under the leadership of Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) head, Ahmed al-Sharaa, raising significant concerns regarding the fate of Syria’s minorities. Particularly noteworthy is that HTS, an offshoot of al-Qaeda, gained power not through democratic means but through violent seizure.
In its initial stages, the Sharaa regime attempted to project a narrative of reform and progress to Western media, even securing interviews with outlets such as CNN to reshape its image. However, this facade was shattered in light of recent events, during which HTS security forces massacred 830 Alawite Syrians in merely two days, underscoring their brutal reality.
Similarly, just as Western media characterized the new Iranian president Masoud Pezeshkian as a reformist following his predecessor’s death, he has displayed authoritarian tendencies consistent with previous leadership while continuing to support the policies of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
The Western portrayal of jihadists as moderates is becoming increasingly tenuous as these groups continue their violent campaigns against their own citizens. The recent violence erupted after a confrontation between Alawites and Sharaa’s forces, sparking disproportionate retaliatory measures against minority groups such as Druze and Kurds, further fueling fears of another oppressive regime.
It is crucial to acknowledge that true democracy cannot exist under jihadist leadership. Syria’s current regime, emerging from al-Qaeda roots despite a presented civilized facade, perpetuates a cycle of violence with no end in sight. The Alawite community has even called for Israeli military intervention as a response to the multi-dimensional threats currently facing them.
Iran, Russia, and Turkey’s involvement in Syria has manifested an anti-Israel agenda rather than a genuine desire to aid the Syrian populace, highlighting the geopolitical complexities underpinning the conflict. The disconnect regarding the realities faced by populations under radical Islamist rule remains troubling, as many in the West struggle to comprehend the depths of human depravity displayed by these groups.
The ideology of groups like HTS in Syria and Hamas in Gaza demonstrates a fundamental rejection of governance in favor of chaos and destruction; both entities are characterized as genocidal in nature. The damages wrought by radical Islamism serve only to validate the notion that there is no such thing as a good jihadist, as they perpetuate ongoing brutality against their own people, failing in every aspect of governance and civil society.
In conclusion, the recent atrocities committed by HTS in Syria underscore the brutal reality of jihadist rule, which is often misrepresented by Western narratives. Over 1,000 people were slaughtered in what became a massacre reminiscent of previous atrocities in the region, revealing an alarming disconnect between Western perceptions of these groups and the grim realities faced by civilians. It is crucial to recognize that there is fundamentally no justification for the brutal actions of jihadist factions, and Western media’s portrayal must shift towards acknowledging the true nature of these regimes to foster a deeper understanding of their impact on societies and global stability.
Original Source: www.jpost.com
