Abu Mohammed al-Golani: Former Al Qaeda commander led overthrow of Syria’s Assad
Abu Mohammed al-Golani, once a shadowy figure as the leader of al Qaeda’s Syrian affiliate, has emerged as the most prominent face of the Syrian rebellion. His transformation from militant commander to a public leader marks a significant shift in Syria’s post-Assad era.
Golani led the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), formerly the Nusra Front, through a stunning advance that culminated in the ousting of President Bashar al-Assad. The rebels, spearheaded by HTS, seized Damascus on Sunday, declaring the end of Assad’s authoritarian rule. Golani, previously known for his reclusiveness, played a visible role in the campaign, issuing orders to protect civilians and forbidding looting during the rebel takeover.
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Videos showed him in military fatigues, directing operations and visiting Aleppo’s citadel, once a symbol of Assad’s rule. His public appearances signaled a deliberate effort to present a new image, distancing himself and HTS from their al Qaeda roots.
Golani has made unprecedented overtures to Syrian minorities, including Alawites and Christians, urging unity in a post-Assad Syria. In statements aired on state television and through HTS channels, he assured minorities of their safety, urging reconciliation and rejecting sectarianism.
For instance, in a message to a Christian town near Aleppo, Golani promised protection for residents and their property, encouraging them to stay in their homes. These gestures aim to dispel fears of retribution or extremist rule, which had long been associated with his past.
Since severing ties with al Qaeda in 2016, Golani has worked to rebrand HTS as a nationalist movement rather than a global jihadist faction. HTS has adopted symbols of the broader Syrian uprising and shifted its focus to governance within Syria. The group runs a civil administration, the “Salvation Government,” in the northwestern province of Idlib, showcasing its logistical and administrative capabilities.
Despite this transformation, critics remain skeptical. HTS retains a hardline reputation, and Golani’s gestures have been dismissed by some as public relations moves to gain legitimacy. “It’s PR, but the fact they are making these efforts shows they’ve evolved from their rigid past,” said Aron Lund, a fellow at Century International.
Golani’s journey began with al Qaeda in Iraq, where he spent five years in a U.S. prison. He returned to Syria during the civil war, tasked by Daesh leader Abu Omar al-Baghdadi to establish a foothold for al Qaeda. However, Golani later broke from Baghdadi, engaging in a bloody conflict with Daesh and distancing himself from their heavy-handed tactics.
Golani first appeared publicly in 2013, shrouded in a scarf during an interview with Al Jazeera. By 2021, he adopted a markedly different persona, sitting for an interview with PBS’s FRONTLINE, wearing a suit and claiming HTS opposed external attacks and sectarian violence.
Despite this evolution, the United States and Turkey still designate Golani and HTS as terrorists. Western governments remain cautious, weighing the risks of legitimizing a group with extremist roots.
Golani’s leadership faces significant hurdles. While his statements aim to foster unity, the presence of HTS, a formerly al Qaeda-linked group, raises concerns among international and regional actors. Nations like Turkey and the UAE, which oppose extremism, are wary of HTS’s expanding influence.
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