over the years, Abu Muhammad al-Jolani Known as the shadowy figure leading the Syrian branch of al-Qaeda. As the founder of Al-Nusra Front (ANF), his group was designated by the United States in 2013 as an extremist ideology, brutal tactics and a global terrorist entity. Yet today, Jolani is projecting a dramatically different image, positioning him as the de facto leader of Syria’s rebel stronghold. .
Ahmed al-Shara, born in Damascus in 1982, is a far cry from Jolani’s original jihadist persona that he later cultivated. Raised in Mazeh, a wealthy district of the Syrian capital, he excelled academically and came from a privileged background. However, the post-9/11 era proved to be a turning point.
Drawn to jihadist ideology, he joined al-Qaeda in Iraq, eventually crossing paths with its notorious leader, Abu Musab al-Zarqawi.
In 2011, as Syria’s Arab Spring protests evolved into civil war, Jolani returned to his homeland, founding the al-Nusra Front. Under his leadership, the group pledged allegiance to al-Qaeda, becoming one of the most dangerous factions in Syria’s divisive conflict. However, Jolani’s affiliation with al-Qaeda began to wane.
In 2016, he announced that his group was breaking away from al-Qaeda, rebranding the group Jabhat Fath al-Sham and later Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS).
From Extremist to Politician
The shift marked the beginning of Jolani’s attempt to soften his image. While Western governments still classify HTS as a terrorist organization, Jolani has taken steps to present himself as a more moderate figure.
The turban of his militant past has been replaced with military fatigues or plain khakis. His rhetoric has shifted from fiery jihadist speeches to political pragmatism.
In an effort to position the HTS as the legitimate governing force in rebel-held Idlib, Jolani oversaw the establishment of a civilian administration, which created a semblance of governance in the war-torn province. He has also tried to allay fears among minority communities by addressing Christians in Aleppo with promises of safety and security under HTS rule.
His appearance on CNN earlier this year marked a defining moment in his rebranding journey. Talking about personal evolution, Jolani said, “A person in their twenties will have a different personality than someone in their thirties or forties. This is human nature.”
However, many view the change with skepticism, arguing that it is a calculated attempt to secure international legitimacy.
A ‘practical’ radical
Jolani’s leadership is polarizing. While it has distanced itself from al-Qaeda and its global ambitions, HTS continues to face accusations of human rights abuses in its territories. Many have described Jolani as a “pragmatic radical” who embraces the changing dynamics of Syria’s conflict.
The offensive, which began with the surprise capture of northern Aleppo, has quickly turned into a series of stunning victories for the rebels. The cities fell in quick succession as Assad’s forces failed to hold their ground. The strategic capture of Homs cut Damascus from the Alawite-dominated coastal region, where Assad’s Russian allies maintain important air and naval bases.
The rebels suddenly advanced, capturing the Syrian capital of Damascus and the end Bashar al-Assad24 years of rule.