Abu Mohammed al-Golani leads insurgents in Syria after Assad's fall

Abu Mohammed al-Golani, now known as Ahmad al-Sharaa, leads the insurgency that has toppled Syrian President Bashar Assad. His group, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, has shifted from a hardline Islamist image to promoting pluralism and state-building. With Assad in hiding and insurgents controlling Damascus, al-Golani's transformation is under scrutiny. He has distanced himself from al-Qaida and sought to consolidate power in Idlib, presenting a more moderate public persona. Al-Golani's past includes ties to al-Qaida and the formation of the Nusra Front during Syria's civil war. His recent efforts focus on governance and inclusivity, aiming to reassure various ethnic and religious communities in a fragmented Syria.