International politics has ceased to be a theater and has become a circus without a big top and without shame.
By Alberto García Watson
What used to be disguised as strategic diplomacy is now openly exhibited as geopolitical pantomime without shame or principle. Donald Trump's recent decision, with the enthusiastic blessing of diplomats from the United Kingdom and Spain, to remove Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) from the list of terrorist organizations is not only an affront to memory: it is an official consecration of hypocrisy as a diplomatic doctrine.
HTS, the marketing version of Al-Nusra Front, the Syrian branch of Al-Qaeda, has a Nuremberg-worthy record: a decade of beheadings, suicide bombings, slavery, sectarian repression, ethnic cleansing and social destruction under the leadership of its charismatic executioner, Abu Mohammad al-Golani. But, of course, it was enough for him to put on an Armani suit and take a couple of photos with his beard trimmed and combed for Syria's number one terrorist to suddenly become a “regional stability actor”. Hollywood should be taking note.
The marketing of terrorism: from jihad to “multilateralism”
The most insulting thing is not only its media whitewashing, but the real motive that has made it “digestible” for the West: al-Golani is now the guarantor of a future Syria that, surprise, would gladly adhere to the Abraham Accords. Yes, the same agreements that normalize relations with Tel Aviv, while bombs continue to fall on Gaza and illegal settlements devour Palestine. So he is not only forgiven for the past: he is rewarded for betraying what was once the most sacred pan-Arab cause.
This turn is not pragmatism: it is geopolitical prostitution. Golani has not changed his principles; he has simply learned to put them up for rent. And nothing rents more today than to offer a fragmented but obedient Syria, submissive to Israel's interests and aligned with Washington's whims. The noble Palestinian cause, which for decades was the banner of resistance in the Arab world, is today conveniently pushed under the bus by the same man who preached its defense with blood and fire.
The West: selective memory and moral balance
Meanwhile, European capitals are juggling to justify this diplomatic resurrection. The British minister speaks of “pragmatism”. The Spanish Chancellor calls for “reviewing certain designations”. That is to say: if a terrorist is useful, he is called a partner. If he serves the narrative, he is called reformed. And if he kisses the ring of power, he is offered immunity with canapé and glass in hand.
The victims, thousands of Syrians, beheaded journalists, massacred civilians have been filed away as footnotes in the great novel of realpolitik. Not a mention. Not an apology. Not a hint of memory. The West, which once painted its face with the war against terrorism, today paints its face with indifference.
What's next? Golani at the UN talking about Human Rights?
It would not be unusual to see him next as a panelist at a forum on “peaceful transitions” or “security in the Middle East”. Perhaps he will be invited to Davos, or even Jerusalem, to talk about how “regional cooperation is the way to the future.” The same man who murdered in the name of extremism will now lecture on interfaith coexistence. This is not satire. It is foreign policy.
Conclusion: Treason as diplomatic currency
Al-Golani's whitewashing is not a mistake, it is a clear message: terrorism is forgiven, recycled and rewarded, as long as the traitor on duty signs where he is told to. It doesn't matter if he stabs his own people, if he betrays the Palestinian cause or if his record is worthy of the Hague Tribunal: if he surrenders to the new order, he becomes a preferred partner.
And so, terrorism is institutionalized, betrayal is celebrated and dignity is exported at a bargain price. The fight against extremism is no longer a cause: it is a slogan. And forgiveness, like sovereignty, is bought in cash or oil.