Syrian Rebel Leader Al-Jolani's Transformation from Jihadist to Revolutionary

Abu Mohammad al-Jolani, leader of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), has emerged as a significant figure in Syria's civil war, leading a successful offensive that captured Aleppo and Hama, challenging President Bashar al-Assad's regime. Jolani, who has moderated HTS's Islamist doctrine and established a civilian-led government, aims to position himself as Syria's future leader. Despite being designated a terrorist by the US, Jolani's strategic moves and outreach efforts have bolstered his influence, though his ability to reconcile HTS's jihadi roots with aspirations for broader legitimacy remains uncertain.