Abu Mohammad al-Julani

Who is Abu Mohammad al-Julani?

Abu Mohammad al-Julani, born Ahmed Hussein al-Sharaa in 1982, has been a pivotal figure in the Syrian conflict since his early days as a revolutionary militant. His journey from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, to becoming the emir of Tahrir al-Sham is a tale that intertwines with the complex web of Middle Eastern politics and terrorism.

Radicalization and Early Involvement

Al-Julani’s path to radicalization began in 2000 during the Palestinian Second Intifada. This period, marked by intense conflict between Palestinians and Israelis, played a significant role in shaping his ideological stance. He joined al-Qaeda in Iraq (AQI) before being captured by American forces. After his release, he returned to Syria with a mandate to expand AQ’s presence.

Formation of Al-Nusra Front

Upon returning to Syria, al-Julani established the al-Nusra Front and later merged it with other organizations to form Tahrir al-Sham. His leadership was marked by strategic decisions that often put him at odds with other militant groups. For instance, he rejected Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi’s attempt to merge al-Nusra into the Islamic State of Iraq (ISI) and pledged allegiance directly to Ayman al-Zawahiri.

Rebranding and Expansion

In 2015, al-Julani rebranded Jabhat al-Nusra as Jabhat Fateh al-Sham. In January 2017, he dissolved Jabhat al-Fath al-Sham and merged it into Hayat Tahrir Al Sham (HTS). Despite these changes, the US government continued to consider Nusra a designated terrorist organization.

Political and Economic Impact

Under al-Julani’s administration, Idlib experienced significant development. However, his rule faced criticism for its taxation policies and economic impact on the region. In March 2024, widespread protests erupted in Idlib Governorate against al-Julani’s rule, triggered by allegations of brutality and economic grievances.

Offensive Against Assad Regime

In late November 2024, al-Julani led HTS in its Deterrence of Aggression offensive against the pro-Assad Syrian Arab Army. After regime forces were expelled from Aleppo, he declared ‘diversity is a strength’ and established administrative bodies to restore basic services.

Transition to New Government

On 6 December, al-Julani announced that the offensive’s goal was to remove Assad from power. He outlined plans for establishing a government grounded in institutions and a ‘council chosen by the people.’ Syrian Prime Minister Mohammad Ghazi al-Jalali announced that the Syrian government would hand over power to a new elected government following the departure of al-Assad from Damascus.

Meeting with Turkish Officials

On 12 December, al-Julani met with Turkish officials. He stated that after the fall of the Assad regime, Israel no longer has ‘any excuses’ for attacking Syrian territory and advocated for ‘diplomatic solutions.’

Documentary and Public Perception

A documentary titled The Jihadist, released in 2021, investigated al-Julani’s past, including his affiliation with Al-Qaeda. In an interview, he discussed US foreign policy in the Middle East and the Palestinian cause, questioning whether US policies are responsible for driving people to extremist organizations.

Conclusion: The Complex Legacy of Abu Mohammad al-Julani

Abu Mohammad al-Julani’s legacy is a testament to the complex dynamics of conflict in Syria. His leadership has been marked by strategic decisions, political maneuvering, and ideological battles. As he steps into a new chapter with the Syrian government, his actions will continue to shape the future of Syria and its relationship with neighboring countries.