Comment Central: UK political comment, opinion and analysis
The jihadist files Britain must not forget as it embraces Syria’s new ruler
The UK is deciding what kind of relationship to build with a Syria led by Ahmed al-Sharaa. Until a few years ago, London knew him mainly by another name - Abu Mohammed al-Jolani, the jihadist commander whose path ran through al-Qaeda, Jabhat al-Nusra, then Jabhat Fateh al-Sham and finally Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham.
Costantino Pistilli
September 28, 2026