In territories under the influence of Abu Mohammad al-Jolani, a dangerous shift is occurring in the language of street mobilization. Local grievances are being eclipsed by transnational “Jihadi” slogans, the hoisting of extremist banners, and calls for a Caliphate. This transformation is far from a spontaneous expression of solidarity; it is a calculated strategy that raises serious questions about its timing and true objectives.
The Security Paradox: From Armed Incursion to “Vocal Warfare
The behavior of Jolani’s “General Security” and Ministry of Defense has raised eyebrows among observers. During previous offensives targeting Syria’s coastal regions and As-Suwayda, forces were heavily armed and sought direct kinetic confrontation. In contrast, current crowds calling for “Jihad” and the “liberation of Al-Aqsa” are notably unarmed. This “controlled” escalation demonstrates Jolani’s ability to manipulate the streets like a remote control—turning them into a “vocal” political pressure point against Israel. Meanwhile, he conspicuously avoids utilizing his grassroots base to open real fronts or engage Hezbollah in Lebanon, confirming that these movements are designed for optics, not combat.
Stoking Sectarian Tensions and Threatening National Security
Permitting Islamic State (ISIS) slogans and sectarian chants in religiously diverse cities like Damascus, Baniyas, and Tartus is a high-stakes “play with fire” that directly threatens civil peace.
These actions, documented with the participation of official security personnel, aim to:
* Fracture the Social Fabric: By reviving hate speech and invoking the specter of sectarian civil war.
* The “Jihadi Boogeyman” Narrative: Creating an impression for the international community that Jolani is the only “warden” capable of restraining these radical elements, implying that without him, Salafist mobs would run wild.
* Infiltrating the Syrian Heartland: Using motorcycle rallies and extremist rhetoric in major landmarks (like the Umayyad Mosque) to impose a radical social reality through security-backed intimidation.
Violations Monitored by “Enmaa Syria” (Syria Development Org):
* Damascus:
* The WSD organization documented “General Security” personnel directly participating in removing the UAE flag from its diplomatic mission and replacing it with the Palestinian flag to project a radicalized image.
* Armed factions raised the Hamas flag in Umayyad Square, chanting: “You called Hamas terrorists? We are all Hamas,” while distributing leaflets calling for a general mobilization from the Umayyad Mosque.
* Assault on Arab Sovereignty: A demonstration in the Al-Hamidiyah district of Damascus included insults directed at the King of Jordan and blatant attacks on Jordanian sovereignty, threatening Syria’s regional diplomatic ties.
* Aleppo (Military Displays): The so-called “Ministry of Defense” conducted military parades featuring the chant “Khaybar, Khaybar, oh Jews… the army of Muhammad will return,” giving official state-like backing to extremist incitement.
* The Coast (Tartus and Baniyas): Observers noted public calls for “Bay’ah” (allegiance) to the Islamic State, alongside Al-Nusra flags and chants warning that “The Organization [ISIS] is coming,” creating a climate of sectarian terror and putting civil peace at imminent risk.
* Hate Speech: Cities including Aleppo, Daraa, Idlib, Damascus, Homs, and Tartus were flooded with “Khaybar” chants and the public burning and trampling of the Israeli flag.
Conclusion
The glaring contradiction—inciting Jihadist fervor while simultaneously guarding “contact lines” to prevent any real friction with Israel—suggests that national security has become a hostage to Jolani’s personal maneuvers. His goal is to market himself as the “indispensable savior” capable of muzzling the very monsters he unleashed.