This is great by @jeromedrev & @patrickhaenni -- #HTS has come to represent something uniquely challenging.

After violently achieving domination (vs. #FSA, #AQ & #ISIS), it's now pursuing a policy of "gradual opening & mainstreamisation," giving concessions & seeking acceptance. https://twitter.com/MEDirections/status/1356955420452085760

The U.S, #Europe & #Turkey should press #HTS to address concerns & "define clear benchmarks which (if met) could enable HTS to shed its “terrorist” label," argue @dkhalifa & @NoahBonsey.

Doing so would symbolize a new diplomacy+military approach to CT.

https://www.crisisgroup.org/middle-east-north-africa/eastern-mediterranean/syria/syrias-idlib-washingtons-chance-reimagine-counter-terrorism

Following yesterday's public revelation of #HTS hosting @FrontlinePBS (& others) in #Idlib, my thread below details how the former #AlQaeda affiliate has adapted in recent yrs & created new realities & challenges/dilemmas we'll have to deal w. eventually: https://twitter.com/Charles_Lister/status/1356644359786147841

. @azelin is right here -- things are being measured on a very low bar; calls to delist #HTS strike me as premature at best.

BUT given the severity of the crisis in #Idlib, the lack of other solutions & #HTS's evolution, is it worth setting benchmarks/red lines to seek stability? https://twitter.com/azelin/status/1357319063953932292

Important thread here from @dkhalifa, underlining why policy debate (& interim solutions) to the #Idlib & #HTS problem set can only be done in the "grey zone" -- viewing things in black/white terms will only benefit malign actors on all sides & damage our & allied interests: https://twitter.com/dkhalifa/status/1357671165960028163