DAMASCUS: Syria's Military Operations Administration on Thursday named  Ahmad al-Sharaa, a former rebel leader, as the interim president. Syrians took to the streets of Damascus, Syria's capital, to celebrate the announcement of his appointment.  He was given the power to form a temporary legislative council until a new constitution is adopted. This decision comes after a major offensive led by opposition forces that resulted in the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s govt a few months ago.

Al-Sharaa, formerly known as Abu Mohammed al-Jolani, has had a controversial past. Once affiliated with al-Qaeda, he was previously the leader of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), a group that emerged from Syria’s civil war. Over the years, he has distanced himself from his jihadist ties, presenting himself as a sensible leader ready to guide Syria through its transition.

Born in 1982 in Damascus' Mazzeh district, al-Sharaa came from a well-off family. Reports suggest his radicalization began after the 9/11 attacks, leading him to join al-Qaeda in Iraq, where he fought under Abu Musab al-Zarqawi before being captured by U.S. forces. After the Syrian civil war broke out in 2011, Ahmad al-Sharaa founded the Al-Nusra Front, which later evolved into Hayat

Tahrir al-Sham.

Despite his past, al-Sharaa has of late sought legitimacy on the global stage. In 2016, he severed ties with al-Qaeda and attempted to rebrand HTS as a nationalist movement rather than a jihadist insurgency. Over time, he has worked to transform his image, swapping his traditional attire for military fatigues and pledging to protect minorities and women’s rights.

Following his appointment, al-Sharaa announced the immediate dissolution of all armed factions and revolutionary political bodies, integrating them into state institutions. His government aims to unify Syria,  and improve relations with regional and international partners.

His rise to power seems mixed reactions. Supporters see him as a strong strategist capable of leading Syria into a new era, while critics remain wary of his past and question whether his leadership will truly bring stability and inclusivity to the nation.

Meanwhile, Syria’s new interim foreign minister, Asaad Hassan al-Shibani, stressed the importance of regional cooperation, highlighting the need to lift sanctions and integrate Syria into the broader Arab economic framework.

As Syria enters this changing developmental phase, the world will be watching closely to see whether al-Sharaa’s leadership can bring lasting change or if his past will continue to cast a shadow over his rule.