Op-Ed

Real clear world: A former terrorist inside the white house

This article examines the unprecedented decision to welcome a former jihadist—long designated as a terrorist by the United States—into the White House. It traces his trajectory from al-Qaeda operative to interim president of Syria, raising urgent questions about a dramatic shift in U.S. foreign policy. The piece challenges readers to consider the consequences of legitimizing a figure whose past is inseparable from decades of extremist violence.

Author: Hazem Salem Dmour
Date of publication: 18/11/2025

This article examines the unprecedented decision to welcome a former jihadist—long designated as a terrorist by the United States—into the White House. It traces his trajectory from al-Qaeda operative to interim president of Syria, raising urgent questions about a dramatic shift in U.S. foreign policy. The piece challenges readers to consider the consequences of legitimizing a figure whose past is inseparable from decades of extremist violence.

Hazem Salem Dmour
Author: Hazem Salem Dmour General Manager / Specialized Researcher in International Relations and Strategic Studies

This study expresses the viewpoint of its author, and the Strategies Center does not bear any responsibility resulting from the position or opinion of its author regarding security, political, economic, social, and other issues, and does not necessarily reflect the position and/or viewpoint of the Center.