The day after in Syria

(JNS) — Following revolutions, we Americans have a touching inclination to ask: “Are the new leaders like us? Are they moderates who believe in tolerance and peaceful coexistence?”

Generally, the answer is no.

Take the revolution that just occurred in Syria. It was led by Ahmed al-Sharaa, better known by his nom de guerre, Abu Mohammad al-Julani. He runs Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, a rebel group with roots in both Al Qaeda and Islamic State. He and HTS have been officially designated as terrorists by the U.S. government.

Al-Julani is no moderate. Could he be a pragmatist? It’s not impossible that, a...