Abu Mohammed al-Jolani, once a little-known figure, has rapidly transformed into a key player in Syria, leading a coalition to take Damascus and promising a new government.
Idlib: Just a few weeks ago, you probably wouldn’t have heard of Ahmed al-Sharaa, but now he’s making waves as Abu Mohammed al-Jolani. This guy is on fire! He’s even being talked about for a Time Magazine cover alongside big names like Donald Trump.
In just over ten days, al-Jolani led his group from Idlib to take Aleppo and then stormed into Damascus. His forces were quick and agile, making the Syrian army surrender or run for the hills. Even President Bashar al-Assad’s crew packed up and headed to Moscow, while Iranian and Hezbollah forces pulled out.
With Russian bases cut off, the remaining troops there are now stuck. Al-Jolani’s moves have really caught everyone off guard. He’s not just a military leader; he’s got some serious diplomatic skills too. He started out in the Sunni Islamist Jihadi scene but has shifted gears over the years.
Back in 2015, he set up shop in Idlib and has since shown a surprising tolerance for minorities, allowing Christians and Kurds to practice their beliefs, albeit with some restrictions. This approach has helped him build alliances, especially with the Kurds, who are crucial in his rise to power.
As he got closer to Damascus, al-Jolani reached out to the current prime minister, asking for a peaceful transition to a new government. He didn’t even bother talking to the Assad family. Instead, he’s working with Mohammed al-Bashir, who previously led the Syrian Salvation Government.
Before heading to the capital, he even gave an interview to CNN, laying out his vision for a peaceful government for all Syrians. He made a strong statement at the Ummayad Mosque, a historic site, declaring that his victory was for the entire Islamic nation while rejecting Iranian influence in Syria.
Al-Jolani’s journey reflects Syria’s struggles since the Assad family took control. Born in Riyadh and raised in Damascus, he initially crossed into Iraq to fight against the American invasion. He later returned to Syria to lead an offshoot of Al Qaeda during the civil war.
In 2015, he broke away from Al Nusra and founded Hayat Tahrir Al-Sham, distancing himself from ISIS and even fighting against them. His coalition now includes a mix of Sunni fighters, Kurdish militias, and various ethnic groups, all united under his leadership.
Now, he’s trying to form a unity government in Damascus to prevent chaos. Analysts have been caught off guard by his rapid rise, and while there are concerns about his past, he’s showing a different side compared to other extremist leaders.
It’s unclear if peace can truly return to Syria, especially with ongoing airstrikes from Israel and the U.S. targeting ISIS remnants. But al-Jolani’s approach might just be the fresh start needed for the region.