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The man now leading Syria, known alternately as Ahmed al-Sharaa or Abu Mohammed al-Jolani, stands at a crossroads, with his dual identity reflecting the nation’s uncertain future.
On Sunday, a 42-year-old wearing a plain green military uniform appeared at the historic Umayyad Mosque in Damascus. Addressing a small audience and the world, Sharaa declared the fall of Assad’s regime a “victory for the Islamic nation,” urging reflection and prayer.
“I have been away from this land for over two decades, longing for this moment,” Sharaa said. “Sit quietly, my brothers, and remember God Almighty.”
For much of the past 20 years, Sharaa has operated under his nom de guerre, Abu Mohammed al-Jolani. Once a medical student from a progressive Damascus family, he embraced a militant identity shaped by jihadi insurgency.
Jolani fought U.S. forces in Iraq from 2003 to 2006 before being detained for five years. He returned to Syria in 2011, aligning with Islamic State (IS) and later al-Qaeda. By 2017, he led Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), imposing control over Idlib, a region with two million residents. Last month, Jolani spearheaded a swift 12-day offensive that brought rebels to Damascus.
The key question now is which persona will lead Syria: Jolani, labeled a terrorist with a $10 million bounty, or Sharaa, a figure who has shown signs of moving away from extremist ideologies.
Experts point to Sharaa’s decision to reclaim his birth name as a significant signal. Some suggest his transition toward moderation is genuine, while others remain skeptical.
During HTS’s recent campaigns, the group extended amnesties to regime soldiers, reassured Christians of their safety, and emphasized national unity. Sharaa reportedly played a role in securing alliances with minority groups like the Ismaili Shia without bloodshed.
Shiraz Maher, an extremist Islam expert at King’s College London, noted, “Sharaa appears to have developed a pragmatic theology in Idlib. This transformation seems authentic.”
Even before reclaiming his name, Sharaa distanced himself from global jihad, opposing both IS and al-Qaeda. Although he once celebrated al-Qaeda’s 2001 attacks on the U.S., his recent actions reflect a focus on Syria’s welfare rather than global campaigns.
Symbolically, abandoning the name “Jolani” suggests a shift from his militant roots. Analysts believe his focus now lies on rebuilding Syria’s fractured society.
However, doubts remain. Critics caution that Sharaa’s authoritarian tendencies, seen in his strict rule over Idlib, could hinder efforts to create a truly inclusive government. Some fear his moderation could be a tactical rebranding, masking long-term radical ambitions.
Others highlight the precarious state of Syria. Poverty, crime, and millions of displaced citizens present overwhelming challenges. Hussain Abdul-Hussain from the Foundation for Defense of Democracies warned that Sharaa’s reliance on Islamist principles could resurface under pressure.
For now, Sharaa urges the world to judge him by his actions. “Don’t judge by words, but by actions,” he told CNN, signaling a desire to move forward.
As Syria grapples with its identity, Sharaa’s next steps will determine whether he can lead the nation toward stability or deeper unrest.
