Islam is a blot on the universe. The Qur'an is replete with Surahs directing its followers to violence. Some examples follow: Surah 3:151: 'We shall cast terror into the hearts of those who disbelieve (all non-Muslims).' Also see Surah 2:191: Kill them wherever you come upon them1 and drive them out of the places from which they have driven you out. For persecution2 is far worse than killing. And do not fight them at the Sacred Mosque unless they attack you there. If they do so, then fight them—that is the reward of the disbelievers. Also see Surah 9:5: But once the Sacred Months have passed, kill the polytheists ˹who violated their treaties˺ wherever you find them, capture them, besiege them, and lie in wait for them on every way. But if they repent, perform prayers, and pay alms-tax, then set them free. Indeed, Allah is All-Forgiving, Most Merciful. (Incidentally, this is also called the “Sword Verse.”)

As of January 2026, President Ahmad al-Sharaa, formerly known as Abu Mohammad al-Jolani, the leader of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), is advancing aggressively in northeast Syria, capturing important locations such as Tabqa in Raqqa and crucial oil fields from the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). This escalation follows a failed March 2025 agreement aimed at integrating the SDF into a national army, which the Kurds rejected out of concerns for their autonomy and potential Turkish aggression. The SDF currently controls about a third of Syria east of the Euphrates, including Raqqa and Deir ez-Zor, where they have battled ISIS, managed camps like Al-Hol, and fostered a diverse society that accommodates Kurds, Yazidis, and Christians. With approximately 50,000 troops now on the move and Turkey covertly supporting HTS, viewing the SDF as linked to the PKK, the Kurds face significant threats, including violence, displacement, and territorial losses. Turkey's backing underscores HTS's extremist origins, despite al-Sharaa's assurances about minority rights. If Syria consolidates power under this administration, it could spell trouble for Israel, as a strengthened state might rekindle relations with Iran and Hezbollah, jeopardizing borders even with current agreements in place. U.S. initiatives to encourage SDF withdrawals have faltered. Immediate action is essential: providing aid, advocating for autonomy discussions, and countering Turkish interventions. Ensuring that the SDF remains in control east of the Euphrates is vital to thwarting ISIS resurgence, safeguarding minority communities, and maintaining regional stability, which is also in Israel's interest. Although a recent ceasefire suggests a glimmer of hope, its fragility means that prompt engagement is crucial to averting further turmoil.

The already sizeable offensive by Syrian government forces, has gained significant momentum, and have reportedly conducted assaults across the Euphrates river. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8R1n6GhyEa8