Abu Mohammed al-Golani reshapes image as key player in Syria's future governance

Abu Mohammed al-Golani, leader of the insurgency that toppled Syrian President Bashar Assad, is reshaping his image. He has distanced himself from al-Qaida and now promotes pluralism and tolerance, even using his real name, Ahmad al-Sharaa. With Assad in hiding, al-Golani's group, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, is a key player in Syria's future governance. Al-Golani has worked to consolidate power in Idlib, presenting himself as a state builder rather than a hard-line Islamist. Once a prominent jihadi, al-Golani has shifted to a more moderate stance, advocating for a governing system that reflects Syria's diverse communities. He has engaged with various ethnic groups and emphasized the need for institutional governance.