Abu Mohammed al-Jolani shifts strategy as HTS occupies Damascus and seeks to redefine leadership in Syria

Abu Mohammed al-Jolani, leader of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), has made significant changes in his approach following HTS's recent occupation of Damascus. He has pledged to protect various religious groups and announced an amnesty for Syrian army conscripts. In a recent interview, Jolani emphasized the need for a governing system in Syria that is institutional rather than ruled by a single leader. He also shed his alias, adopting his birth name, Ahmed Sharaa, to present himself as a regular citizen. Jolani's past includes joining al-Qaeda in Iraq and founding Jabhat al-Nusra in Syria. HTS, formed in 2017, has provided services in Idlib but has faced criticism for its authoritarian rule, raising questions about its acceptance among Syrians seeking change.