Abu Mohammed al-Golani rebrands as leader of Syria's insurgency after Assad's fall

Abu Mohammed al-Golani, now known as Ahmad al-Sharaa, has transformed his image from a jihadi leader to a proponent of pluralism. Following the capture of Damascus, he declared the fall of Assad a victory for the Islamic nation, signaling a shift in Syria's governance. Al-Golani's group, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, has consolidated power in northwest Syria. He has worked to distance himself from al-Qaida, promoting a vision of a more inclusive governance system amid fears of extremist rule in a fragmented country. Once a prominent figure in the Nusra Front, al-Golani has rebranded his leadership style, advocating for religious tolerance and engaging with various ethnic communities. His past ties to extremism remain a concern, as he navigates the complex political landscape of post-Assad Syria.