Abu Mohammed al-Golani reshapes image as leader of insurgency in Syria

Abu Mohammed al-Golani, leader of the insurgency that recently toppled Syrian President Bashar Assad, is shifting his public image. He has distanced himself from al-Qaida and is now promoting a vision of pluralism and tolerance. Al-Golani's group, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, has begun using his real name, Ahmad al-Sharaa, signaling a transformation from a hardline Islamist to a potential state builder. This change comes as Assad's regime faces significant challenges. With Assad in hiding and Damascus under insurgent control, the future governance of Syria is uncertain. Al-Golani aims to consolidate power in a fragmented country with diverse ethnic and religious communities.