Dr. Ahmad Muwaffaq Zaidan has been appointed as a personal adviser within the Syrian presidential palace, according to multiple sources. Zaidan, a Syrian journalist and author formerly serving as Al Jazeera's Islamabad bureau chief, has a history of commentary and activism linked to groups associated with the Muslim Brotherhood. His work has extensively covered Afghanistan and jihadist movements, offering deep insights into their political and military strategies. Leaked U.S. National Security Agency documents from 2012-2015 alleged associations between Zaidan and both al-Qaeda and the Muslim Brotherhood. Zaidan has denied these allegations, attributing them to misinformed intelligence and distorted conspiracies surrounding his journalistic activities. His professional career has primarily focused on Afghanistan, Pakistan, and global jihadist movements. Zaidan's writings and commentary indicate a detailed understanding of insurgent calculations, tribal dynamics, and military strategy, often contextualizing events within the ideological currents and long-term objectives of militant groups. His continued presence in areas with significant militant activity suggests a potential role as a mediator, information conduit, or narrative shaper between militant groups and state or non-state actors, which could influence perceptions on various sides.
