On January 30, 2025, Ahmad al-Sharaa, previously known as Abu Mohammed al-Jolani, emerged as Syria’s interim president following the ousting of Bashar al-Assad just months earlier. Al-Sharaa, who led the offensive responsible for this significant political shift, is positioning himself as pragmatically steering post-Assad Syria, marking a stark transformation from his earlier image as a jihadist.
Born in 1982 to a wealthy family in the Mazzeh district of Damascus, al-Sharaa’s radicalization traces back to the aftermath of the September 11 attacks. He became part of al-Qaeda during the Iraq War, fighting under notorious figure Abu Musab al-Zarqawi before facing detainment by U.S. forces. With the eruption of Syria’s civil war in 2011, al-Sharaa established the Al-Nusra Front, al-Qaeda’s branch for Syrian operations, later morphing it to Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS). Throughout his career, the U.S. had classified al-Sharaa as a terrorist, placing a $10 million bounty on his head.
His change of course began around 2016 when he publicly distanced HTS from al-Qaeda, emphasizing nationalism over jihadism. His new image includes swapping religious attire for military fatigues, and he has made pledges to protect both religious minorities and women’s rights within his governance plan. His leadership, praised by some as innovative, faces skepticism due to his authoritarian history with HTS, known for its harsh tactics against dissenters within rebel-held Idlib.
The announcement of al-Sharaa’s interim presidency followed the declaration of his appointment by state media, with military official Hassan Abdel Ghani noting, "Al-Sharaa was appointed as the country’s president in the transitional phase". According to reports, he is also charged with forming a transitional legislature, aiming to guide the country through the legislative process as it shapes its future following decades of Assad's rule.
During the same conference announcing his presidency, Ghani outlined significant changes including the dissolution of Assad-era institutions, stating, "All military factions and political and civil revolutionary bodies are dissolved and integrated…" This includes the thorough dismantling of the regime’s military and security forces, alongside the abolition of the Baath Party—marking the end of Assad's political legacy.
Sharaa articulated the pressing priorities for the new administration, focusing on filling the political vacuum left by Assad, preserving civil peace, and initiating the reconstruction of state institutions. He remarked, "The mission of the victorious is heavy, and their responsibility is immense." The interim president conveyed the heavy burden resting on himself and fellow leaders, stressing the determination required to mend the shattered nation.
The transitional government is envisioned to operate until March 1, 2025, after which the groundwork for elections and constitutional revisions will begin. Sharaa has indicated it could take up to four years before elections occur and three years to complete a new constitution. While discussions on holding inclusive national dialogues have been entertained, details surrounding such events remain sparse.
The Syrian civil war, ignited when Assad's regime suppressed peaceful protests, has resulted in more than 500,000 deaths and displaced millions. The transition to Sharaa's leadership creates ripples of hope and trepidation among the populace. Though there's recognition of the need for political stability, many question the feasibility of HTS's rebranded approach toward governance.
Interestingly, Western diplomats have indicated their support for this transition, urging al-Sharaa to pursue inclusivity. The newfound legitimacy he seeks faces scrutiny due to his tumultuous past with jihadist groups, leading diverse stakeholders to eye his next steps closely.
With Assad's removal, Syria stands at a crossroads, and al-Sharaa's presidency could either usher in genuine reform or reinforce the troubled legacies of war and extremism. How his government organizes, engages both liberal and conservative factions, and addresses the country's myriad challenges remains to be seen. Al-Sharaa’s dedication to “constructing a development-oriented economy” needs to transform rhetoric to tangible benefits for the battered Syrian populace.
The world watches as Syria witnesses this historic chapter, one filled with promise, skepticism, and the weight of expectation. The transformation of Ahmad al-Sharaa—from jihadist to president—is not just emblematic of his personal evolution but potentially symbolizes the broader challenges and aspirations facing Syria as it navigates the post-Assad era.