Syria is in a new chapter after the fall of Bashar Assad’s regime. One man, Ahmed Hussein al-Sharaa – also known as Abu Mohammed al-Jolani – has become a major player in the country’s future. He leads a group called Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), which has roots in Al-Qaeda. But al-Sharaa has completely changed his image. Once known as a brutal jihadist, he now wears sharp suits and tries to present himself as a practical leader. Despite this makeover, his violent past and the support his group gets from powerful countries raise serious questions about the true nature of his leadership and Syria’s future.

From Jihadist to Leader

Ahmed Hussein al-Sharaa didn’t start out as a political leader. He was a committed jihadist, closely linked to Al-Qaeda, and fought under famous leaders like Abu Musab al-Zarqawi and Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi. In 2011, he helped create Jabhat al-Nusra in Syria, which later became a powerful force in the Syrian Civil War. In 2013, he broke away from Baghdadi’s group, wanting to run his own operation.

In 2017, al-Sharaa took another big step. He rebranded Jabhat al-Nusra into Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), claiming that his group was now a local force aiming to govern Syria rather than continue as an extremist group tied to Al-Qaeda. Many saw this as a shallow attempt to seem more moderate, but it worked. HTS gained support from regional powers and received a certain degree of tolerance from the international community.

A Bloody History of Violence

While al-Sharaa may try to present himself as a leader of peace, HTS’ history is soaked in blood. Under his rule, HTS has committed horrific acts of violence, targeting minorities and civilians with brutal campaigns. For example:

• The Yazidi Genocide (2014): Al-Sharaa’s group played a role in the genocide of the Yazidis in Sinjar, Iraq, alongside ISIS. Thousands were killed, and women and children were captured and sold into slavery. Survivors speak of the unimaginable cruelty they faced.
• The Afrin Campaign (2018): In northern Syria, HTS attacked Kurdish civilians, burning villages, executing men, and subjecting women to horrific violence. Survivors describe how HTS not only destroyed their homes but also erased their entire existence.

These events show that al-Sharaa’s leadership isn’t based on peace or reconciliation, but on using violence and fear to maintain control.

International Support for HTS

What’s even more troubling is that HTS has received help from powerful countries in the region, making it harder for the international community to stop them.

• Turkey’s Role: Even though Turkey is a NATO ally of the US, it has been accused of supporting HTS. Turkey has reportedly provided weapons, money, and tactical support to HTS in an effort to fight Kurdish forces, whom Turkey sees as a threat. Turkey’s backing has helped HTS hold on to power in Syria, raising ethical concerns.
• Qatar’s Funding: Qatar has been linked to funding extremist groups, including HTS. Despite denials from the Qatari government, there are reports suggesting Qatar has provided financial support to HTS under the guise of humanitarian aid. This funding has helped HTS maintain control in key areas of Syria.
• The US’s Complicated Position: The United States officially labels HTS as a terrorist group, but it’s been suggested that the US indirectly supports HTS through its alliances with countries like Turkey. This has created a strange and troubling situation where US allies help keep HTS in power, even though the US itself opposes the group.

These complex international relationships show how geopolitical interests can keep violent groups in power, even when they commit atrocities.

Al-Sharaa’s Transformation: A New Image

In recent years, al-Sharaa has been working hard to change his image. He now appears in public wearing suits instead of military fatigues, and he talks about governance, stability, and even working to counter ISIS. His new image and public statements paint him as a practical leader, trying to bring peace to Syria.

But is this change for real? Al-Sharaa’s transformation seems to follow the advice of the famous political thinker Machiavelli, who said that leaders need to balance fear and virtue to hold onto power. Al-Sharaa has certainly used fear to stay in control, and while he claims to want stability, his group’s past actions show that he rules with terror and violence.

The Human Cost of HTS’s Rule

For many Syrians, life under HTS is far from peaceful. Minority groups like Yazidis, Kurds, and Christians, as well as anyone who speaks out against HTS, live in constant fear. Secular activists are silenced, women face severe restrictions, and people who don’t follow HTS’ strict rules are punished.

One Kurdish survivor described the horror of living under HTS: “They erased us. Not just our homes, but our history and our future.” Life for anyone who doesn’t conform to HTS’ strict version of Islam is incredibly dangerous.

The Illusion of Stability

Some regional powers see HTS as a tool to fight ISIS and Iranian influence, and they may believe that supporting HTS can help stabilize the region. But this view is dangerous. It overlooks the long-term consequences of supporting a group that rules with fear and violence. HTS’ control over northern Syria means that many Syrians are suffering, and the group’s actions only continue to worsen the country’s instability.

Can Syria Ever Find Peace?

The rise of al-Sharaa and HTS shows just how complex Syria’s situation is. While al-Sharaa may try to present himself as a moderate, his past and the ongoing violence under his rule show that peace is far from being achieved. The question for the world is: can Syria ever heal if leaders like al-Sharaa continue to hold power?

As long as countries prioritize short-term gains over long-term peace and justice, Syria’s wounds will remain unhealed. The people of Syria deserve better than a future under a leader who rules through fear and violence.