Abu Mohammed al-Jolani: The Rebel Leader Who Toppled Assad in Syria

Abu Mohammed al-Golani, leader of the insurgent group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, has emerged as a key figure in Syria after his forces captured Damascus, leading to President Bashar Assad's flight. Formerly tied to al-Qaida, al-Golani has rebranded himself as Ahmad al-Sharaa, advocating for pluralism and tolerance. His group, once known for its extremist roots, now seeks to establish a new governance system in Syria, amidst concerns from various ethnic and religious communities about potential Sunni Islamist dominance. Al-Golani's transformation from a jihadi leader to a state builder is now under scrutiny.