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CIA and Mossad's Role in the Formation of ISIL and Al-Nusra

Aug 23, 2026
CIA and Mossad's Role in the Formation of ISIL and Al-Nusra

The narrative surrounding al-Julani, a prominent figure in Syria, is marked by contradictions and complex historical ties. Allegations suggest that he joined al-Qaeda during the Iraq War, which was initiated by the U.S. under President Bush. Reports indicate that he was captured in 2006 and held at Camp Bucca until 2011, despite the camp's closure in 2009 and its transfer to the Iraqi government. Camp Bucca has been described as a breeding ground for ISIL, where many detainees faced severe conditions, and it is claimed that al-Julani received training from U.S. forces to lead al-Nusra with the intent of overthrowing President Assad.

Before al-Nusra was designated as a terrorist organization, it reportedly collaborated with U.S. interests. The CIA's Timber Sycamore program, which operated from 2012 to 2017, aimed to train and equip Syrian rebel factions opposing Assad. Al-Julani and al-Nusra were allegedly viewed as assets rather than adversaries during this period, with foreign support from nations like Saudi Arabia, the UK, and Jordan.

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The dynamics shifted when Israel capitalized on the situation, taking control of a buffer zone established by the UN. Recent developments have seen al-Julani aligning with Turkish interests, complicating the already intricate relationships among Israel, Turkey, and other regional players. This has led to military actions, including Israeli airstrikes on Syrian bases that al-Julani purportedly allowed Turkey to occupy.

In a related incident, ICE has attempted to deport Blerim Skoro, another individual linked to CIA operations against al-Qaeda, raising concerns about his safety due to his former role as a CIA asset. The historical context of U.S. involvement in Syria dates back to the 1949 coup, with a series of interventions aimed at influencing the region's political landscape.

The relationship between the U.S. and Syria has been tumultuous, particularly after the U.S. shifted its stance from ally to adversary, inciting protests and military actions under the pretext of combating ISIL, which some argue was partly a creation of U.S. and Israeli intelligence operations. The narrative of U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East continues to evolve, with implications for both regional stability and international relations.

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Diplomacy, rivalries, and the backstory behind the next international headline.

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