How Syria rebel leader Abu Mohammed al-Jolani reinvented himself

The HTS chief has evolved from jihadist leader to rebel statesman while fighting to overthrow Bashar al-Assad.

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This move is part of Jolani's effort to bolster his legitimacy in a new context, as his Islamist militant group, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), leading other rebel factions, announces the capture of the Syrian capital, Damascus, solidifying its control over much of the country.

Jolani's transformation is not recent, but has been carefully cultivated over the years, evident not only in his public statements and interviews with international outlets but also in his evolving appearance.

Once clad in traditional jihadist militant attire, he has adopted a more Western-style wardrobe in the past years. Now, as he leads the offensive, he has donned military fatigues, symbolising his role as the commander of the operations room.

But who is Jolani - or Ahmed al-Sharaa - and why and how has he changed?

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c0q0w1g8zqvo


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Updated: 1 week ago
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