CAIRO – Abu Mohammed al-Jolani, leader of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), has risen to prominence as the key figure behind the offensive that ousted President Bashar al-Assad, marking the end of over five decades of Baath Party rule in Syria.
On Dec 8, as rebels entered Damascus, Jolani ordered his fighters to avoid targeting public institutions, further emphasizing his shift towards a more pragmatic leadership. Thirteen years after Assad’s violent crackdown sparked Syria’s civil war, rebels declared the capital free, with Assad reportedly fleeing the country.
A Shift from Jihadist to Political Leader
Jolani, born Ahmed al-Sharaa in 1982 in Damascus, transitioned from a privileged upbringing to a jihadist mindset after the September 11 attacks. His journey led him to join Al-Qaeda in Iraq and, upon returning to Syria in 2011, he founded the Al-Nusra Front, the Al-Qaeda branch in Syria.
In 2016, Jolani broke ties with Al-Qaeda and rebranded his faction as HTS, adopting a more moderate image and focusing on the overthrow of Assad. Despite this, HTS remains designated a terrorist organization by Western powers, which view Jolani’s intentions with suspicion.
Consolidating Control and Shaping the Future
Jolani’s HTS has expanded its reach, particularly in Idlib province, where it has established a quasi-government. The group has faced accusations of war crimes, with reports of harsh crackdowns on dissent and abuses in its controlled areas.
Recently, Jolani has aimed to soften his image, addressing residents of newly liberated areas, including Aleppo’s Christian minority, and assuring them of safety under HTS rule. Analysts suggest this shift in tone is a calculated effort to position him as a pragmatic, responsible leader.
“Jolani’s approach is pragmatic,” said Aron Lund of Century International. “While the sincerity is up for debate, it’s a strategic move to reduce resistance and gain support.”
As Syria’s political landscape continues to evolve, Jolani’s transformation from shadowy jihadist to pragmatic leader will play a key role in determining the country’s future trajectory.