Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Shaibani, HTS commander, was recently photographed with U.S. Congressman Joe Wilson, a staunch pro-Israel Republican from South Carolina. Wilson praised the meeting, stating that easing sanctions on Syria would help its people rebuild. However, the minister’s past ties to extremist groups have sparked controversy.

According to the Syrian media outlet Syria TV, Shaibani—previously known as Zaid al-Attar—played a key role in transforming Al Qaeda’s Nusra Front into HTS. Reports also link him to the group’s founding alongside ex-leader Ahmad Sharaa (al-Julani). He reportedly resided in Turkiye until 2024 before rising to his current position.

Wilson, often called “Netanyahu’s messenger” in the U.S., wore a pin for Israeli hostages in Gaza during the meeting. His embrace of Shaibani, despite the latter’s extremist past, raises questions about shifting U.S. policy toward Syria. The meeting highlights the complex alliances shaping Middle Eastern geopolitics.