He opened a small grocery store in Mezzeh, which became a gathering place for those who shared his anti-regime views. Sharaa grew up surrounded by discussions of politics, human rights, and the need for change in Syria. He absorbed these conversations like a sponge, shaping his own views and beliefs as he grew older.
When the American invasion of Iraq began in 2003, Sharaa felt compelled to act. He left his studies behind and joined the fight against the US forces, believing it was his duty to defend his fellow Muslims. His family, already accustomed to his rebellious nature, feared they would never see him again.
But Sharaa survived, enduring imprisonment in Abu Ghraib and eventually returning to Syria, where he continued his fight against what he saw as oppressive regimes. Over the years, he took on different names and roles, leading rebel groups and gaining a reputation as a fierce and determined fighter.
His ascension to power in 2024 came as a surprise to many, but for Sharaa, it was the culmination of years of struggle and sacrifice. As he stood in his childhood home, surrounded by memories of his past and the remnants of a family forced to flee, he knew that his journey was far from over.
Sharaa’s story is a complex one, filled with contradictions and challenges. But through it all, he remains steadfast in his commitment to his beliefs and his vision for a new Syria. Only time will tell if he can navigate the treacherous waters of post-war politics and lead his country towards a brighter future.
During his time in prison, Sharaa reportedly underwent a transformation. He engaged in discussions with other inmates, including senior al-Qaeda leaders, and began to question his beliefs and actions. He started to distance himself from the more extreme ideologies of the jihadi group he had joined and instead focused on studying Islamic theology and philosophy. He also learned English and Arabic literature, expanding his intellectual horizons beyond the narrow confines of his previous worldview.
After his release from prison in 2011, Sharaa returned to Syria a changed man. He no longer espoused violence as a means of achieving political change and instead advocated for peaceful, democratic reform. He began working with civil society groups and human rights organizations to promote dialogue and reconciliation in war-torn Syria.
Despite his efforts to distance himself from his past, Sharaa’s association with al-Qaeda continues to haunt him. Many Western governments still view him with suspicion, fearing that he may still harbor extremist beliefs. However, those who know him personally attest to his genuine desire for peace and reconciliation.
Today, Sharaa continues to work tirelessly towards building a better future for Syria. He has become a respected figure in the country, known for his intelligence, integrity, and unwavering commitment to peace. While his past may always be a part of his story, it is clear that Ahmed Sharaa has undergone a profound transformation and is now dedicated to making a positive impact on his homeland.
Sharaa saw Baghdadi’s approach as reckless and detrimental to the goals of Nusra in Syria. He believed that a more nuanced and strategic approach was needed to win over the Syrian population and ultimately achieve their objectives. Despite their ideological differences, Sharaa still recognized the value of Baghdadi’s resources and network, which had been crucial in the early days of Nusra.
As the rift between the two leaders deepened, it became clear that a confrontation was inevitable. In 2013, Sharaa officially broke ties with Baghdadi and declared Nusra’s independence from al-Qaeda. This move was met with mixed reactions within the jihadi community, with some supporting Sharaa’s decision and others remaining loyal to Baghdadi.
Despite the split, Nusra continued to grow in strength and influence in Syria. Sharaa’s leadership and strategic vision played a crucial role in the group’s success on the battlefield. By focusing on military targets and avoiding excessive brutality, Nusra was able to garner support from the Syrian population and establish itself as a formidable fighting force.
Today, Sharaa remains a complex and controversial figure in the world of jihadism. His evolution from a minor jihadi operative to the leader of one of the most powerful rebel groups in Syria is a testament to his skill and determination. While his methods and ideology may be divisive, there is no denying the impact he has had on the conflict in Syria and the broader jihadi movement.
Sharaa’s strategy seemed to be working. The journalists in the mosque were surprised at how approachable and charismatic he appeared. He spoke of rebuilding Syria, of providing security and stability, of creating a society that respected the rights of all its citizens. He even fielded questions from the journalists, showing a level of transparency that was unheard of in the region. Sharaa seemed to be transforming from a shadowy figure into a leader who was willing to engage with the public, to listen to their concerns and to work towards a better future for all Syrians.
But not everyone was convinced. Many still saw Sharaa as a ruthless warlord, a man who had committed atrocities in the name of his cause. His past affiliations with al-Qaeda and his violent tactics were not easily forgotten. And as HTS continued to crack down on dissent and impose strict Islamic laws in the areas under its control, doubts remained about Sharaa’s true intentions.
As Sharaa navigated the complex political landscape of Syria, balancing alliances with other rebel groups, negotiating with international powers, and trying to maintain control over his own fighters, the future remained uncertain. The legacy of Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi and the rise of ISIS served as a cautionary tale of how quickly a movement could spiral out of control, how power could corrupt even the most well-intentioned leaders.
But for now, Sharaa was focused on his vision for Syria, on rebuilding what had been destroyed by years of war and chaos. Whether he would ultimately succeed in his quest for power and influence, or whether he would be remembered as just another warlord in a long line of tyrants, only time would tell.
Others were concerned about Sharaa’s links to HTS and its history of extremism. Despite his efforts to distance himself from the group and present a more moderate image, there were lingering doubts about his true intentions. Some worried that his outreach to Western officials and diplomats was simply a facade, designed to win support while continuing to consolidate power in Idlib.
Still, Sharaa’s willingness to engage with critics and address their concerns was seen as a positive sign. His promises to protect minority rights, improve the economy, and establish better international relations were welcomed by many, even as they remained cautious about his ultimate goals.
As Sharaa continued to navigate the complex web of alliances and rivalries in Syria, his relationship with Droubi became a symbol of his efforts to balance competing interests. Her public appearances and changing attire were carefully choreographed to send subtle messages to different audiences, highlighting Sharaa’s adaptability and pragmatism.
Ultimately, the true test of Sharaa’s leadership will be his ability to deliver on his promises and navigate the treacherous waters of Syrian politics. As the country remains mired in conflict and uncertainty, Sharaa’s vision for a new Syria will be put to the test, and his actions will speak louder than words.
Malam itu, ia tidak mengungkapkan pidato kepada rakyat Suriah. Sharaa hampir tidak pernah melakukannya sejak memegang kekuasaan, hanya mengucapkan kata “demokrasi” di depan umum sekali. Dia belum menunjukkan minat yang besar dalam memperluas pemerintahan di luar anggota HTS.
Sementara itu, pemerintannya bergerak dengan kecepatan yang sangat lambat, yang menurut orang-orang di sekitar Sharaa sangat berkaitan dengan gaya kepemimpinannya yang terpusat. Tidak mudah untuk percaya, dia telah membatasi pengambilan keputusan hanya kepada segelintir letnan terbaiknya dari Idlib, serta keluarganya. Termasuk saudara-saudaranya Maher, yang saat ini menjabat sebagai menteri kesehatan, dan Hazem, seorang penasehat senior tidak resmi. Juga termasuk Anas Khattab, salah satu dari enam pria al-Qaeda yang menyeberang dari Irak bersama Sharaa pada tahun 2011, yang kini menjabat sebagai kepala intelijen.
Tidak mengherankan bagi mereka yang akrab dengan tahun-tahun Sharaa di Idlib. Mereka mengingat kerasnya dia cenderung menempatkan orang-orang garis keras di posisi kekuasaan dan kebrutalan sesekali dalam pembersihan kepemimpinannya. Pada tahun 2023, misalnya, Sharaa memenjarakan banyak letnan terbaiknya, di mana mereka disiksa, memicu protes massal. Salah satunya — Abu Maria al-Qahtani, sekutu kunci yang juga datang dari Irak bersama Sharaa pada tahun 2011 — meninggal bulan April lalu, beberapa minggu setelah dia dibebaskan dari hampir setahun di penjara.
Banyak warga Suriah ingin Sharaa berhasil karena alternatifnya terlalu suram untuk dipertimbangkan. Tetapi sejak tiba di Damaskus, ia telah melakukan ratusan pertemuan dengan pejabat asing, diplomat, kelompok masyarakat sipil, pengusaha, anggota penting diaspora, dan lainnya. Dia mendengarkan saran dari para analis, pejabat, dan diplomat yang telah ia temui selama bertahun-tahun di Idlib, serta orang-orang garis keras yang masih menghuni lingkaran dalamnya. Di antara puluhan orang yang pernah saya bicarakan yang hadir dalam pertemuan tersebut, termasuk beberapa yang sudah lama menentang Sharaa, konsensusnya optimis hingga akhir-akhir ini. Dia sering dijelaskan kepada saya sebagai: “sangat cerdas”, “licik”, “berpengetahuan luas tentang sejarah regional”, “rajin membaca”, “pendengar yang baik” dan, paling sering, “pragmatis”. Tetapi, dalam beberapa minggu terakhir, kata lain mulai muncul: “penguasa otoriter”.
Raya Jalabi adalah koresponden Timur Tengah FT. Laporan tambahan oleh Andrew England, Sarah Dadouch, dan John Paul Rathbone
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