Kadyrov's strategy: Reshaping ties with Syria's new regime
The leader of Chechnya, Ramzan Kadyrov, has proposed initiating the procedure to remove the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, which played a major role in challenging Bashar al-Assad's regime in Syria, from Russia's list of terrorist organizations. This group is now establishing governmental structures in the country.
"The collective West is trying to escalate tensions between Russia and the new Syrian authorities, but we will not allow such a scenario," Kadyrov wrote on his Telegram channel.
"The citizens of Syria are seeking stability and a peaceful life, and the decisions of the country's new authorities, such as the refusal to persecute journalists and officials and the elimination of all armed groups, will fulfill these aspirations. Without the help of partners, it will be difficult," he stated.
He acknowledged that the most important thing is to prevent a humanitarian disaster in Syria, and that Russia has the "strength and means" to help resolve the issue.
"To initiate positive processes, it is necessary to launch the procedure to remove Hayat Tahrir al-Sham and its representatives from Russia's list of terrorist organizations. It is important, without waiting for the beginning or end of this process, to immediately organize the work of a contact group from both countries, which can establish initial connections and begin solving problems. This is a global practice that allows us to exit the crisis as quickly as possible and help society," he wrote.
He stated that the contact group could recruit Syrians who, for instance, live in Chechnya. "Their work experience in both countries will help build strong horizontal relationships and further improve the social situation in the republic," he wrote.
Kadyrov announced that he is able to involve Chechen services to "patrol the streets" in Syria, together with local law enforcement. "The Chechen Republic's police have already ensured order in some parts of Syria, protecting the population from looting and violence," he wrote.
He emphasized that he is ready to send instructors to train the Syrian police. He added that the presence of Russians in Syria is crucial to ensuring "stability and security."
"The Chechen people have always been loyal helpers and friends to the long-suffering Syrian nation. They remain so," he wrote.
Roots in al-Qaeda
Hayat Tahrir al-Sham is a group that formed from the merger of several Syrian factions, primarily the Jabhat al-Nusra movement, which was a local branch of al-Qaeda. HTS severed ties with the jihadist formation and, in subsequent years, increasingly distanced itself from its Islamist image. The group’s leader, Abu Muhammad al-Joulani, even established relationships with Christian and Druze minorities.
The group was considered a terrorist organization by, among others, the U.S. and Russia, and a bounty was placed on al-Joulani's head. However, attitudes have shifted after the Assad regime fell, and HTS began establishing government structures in Syria.
On December 10, the State Duma adopted amendments in the first reading allowing the suspension of the ban on activities in Russia of organizations recognized as terrorists. The bill, which is believed to have been submitted to parliament to exclude the Taliban movement, which came to power in Afghanistan in 2021, from the terrorist register, could also be used to normalize relations with HTS.
