Abu Mohammed al-Golani leads insurgency that ousts Syria's Assad

Abu Mohammed al-Golani, now known as Ahmad al-Sharaa, leads the insurgency that has toppled Syrian President Bashar Assad. He has shifted his image from a jihadi extremist to a proponent of pluralism and state-building, dropping his nom de guerre. Al-Golani's group, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, has gained control of Damascus, while Assad has gone into hiding. This marks a significant change in Syria's governance after decades of Assad's rule, raising questions about the future political landscape. Once affiliated with al-Qaida, al-Golani has distanced himself from the group, seeking to consolidate power in Idlib and appeal to various ethnic and religious communities. He now advocates for a governing system that reflects Syria's diversity.