Syrian Rebel Leader Jolani: From Al-Qaeda to Political Power
Mohammad al-Jolani, leader of the Syrian rebel group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), has emerged as a key figure following the toppling of Bashar al-Assad's regime. Once affiliated with Al-Qaeda and ISIS, al-Jolani has a $10 million FBI bounty on his head due to his past terrorist activities. Despite accusations of human rights violations, he is attempting to rebrand himself as a moderate leader advocating for a tolerant Syria under Sharia law. Al-Jolani's governance in Idlib has been marked by efforts to provide civil services, though reports of abuses persist. His recent public appearances and interviews suggest a strategic shift to improve his image internationally.