Ahmed Al Sharaa, a former Islamist militant, returned to Syria in 2011 and emerged as Abu Mohammed al-Jolani, leading a rebellion against Bashar al-Assad. His evolution from a jihadist linked to Al Qaeda to a more moderate leader reflects a calculated strategic shift to engage with local and international actors, although challenges, including human rights concerns and US designation as a terrorist, persist.
Ahmed Al Sharaa, an Islamist militant in his late 20s, returned to Syria from Iraq in 2011, funded by a monthly stipend from Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi. His primary mission was to establish Al Qaeda’s affiliate in Syria, Jabhat Al Nusra. Now known as Abu Mohammed al-Jolani, he commands thousands of fighters in a rebellion against Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.
Born in Riyadh to Syrian parents and raised in Damascus, Jolani found inspiration in the Second Palestinian Intifada and became a jihadist in Iraq post-2003 US invasion. His extensive knowledge of Syria attracted the attention of his superiors, seeking to enhance their influence during the Syrian uprising. Over time, his influence grew while maintaining a low profile.
Jolani’s public emergence occurred in a 2016 video, where he announced a split from Al Qaeda, forming a new group named Jabhat Fateh al-Sham, later rebranded as Hayat Tahrir Al Sham (HTS). He emphasized that this new group had no ties to external parties, strategic for distancing himself from his jihadist roots. His transformation aimed to mitigate the threat from Western powers involved in the Syrian civil war.
Over the years, Jolani shifted from a jihadist aesthetic to wearing a Western-style blazer, established a functional semi-technocratic government in Idlib, and positioned himself as a partner against Iran’s regional influence. His actions included fighting ISIS, such as leading the operation that killed the group’s leader in 2023.
During a recent CNN interview, Jolani reflected on his personal evolution, stating, “I believe that everyone in life goes through phases and experiences…As you grow, you learn, and you continue to learn until the very last day of your life.” This week, HTS disclosed his real name as part of a formal announcement.
Analysts noted that he has severed connections with extremist groups and purged ISIS and Al Qaeda elements from his territories. However, human rights concerns regarding HTS’s oppressive measures against dissidents have emerged, with reports of imprisonment and torture. Jolani insisted that abuses were not sanctioned by HTS leadership.
Despite his rebranding efforts, the United States still classifies Jolani’s group as a terrorist organization due to its historical ties to Al Qaeda. The shifting dynamics in Syria, particularly concerning Iran’s influence, suggest Jolani may seek to play a pivotal role in regional developments that may enhance his standing with both local actors and Western powers.
The article explores the evolution of Ahmed Al Sharaa, known as Abu Mohammed al-Jolani, from a radical jihadist to a leader perceived as a revolutionary figure in the Syrian conflict. It outlines his journey from fundamentalism, inspired by early uprisings, through his strategic realignment away from Al Qaeda, culminating in his contemporary governance efforts in Idlib province. Additionally, the article examines the broader implications of his shift for both regional and international politics amidst ongoing conflict in Syria.
In summary, Abu Mohammed al-Jolani represents a significant evolution from jihadist to revolutionary leader amid the complex Syrian civil war. His strategic distancing from extremist affiliations, combined with efforts toward governance and regional positioning, illustrate a concerted attempt to reshape his image. Nonetheless, challenges remain, including ongoing allegations of human rights violations and the persistent classification of HTS as a terrorist group by the United States, complicating his rebranding objectives.
Original Source: www.cnn.com
