Ahmed al-Shara, formerly linked to Al Qaeda, has become the new President of Syria after leading a successful rebellion against Bashar al-Assad. Known for his previous jihadist stance, he now advocates for democratic governance, leaving many questioning his true political intentions.

Ahmed al-Shara, previously known as Abu Mohammed al-Jolani, transitioned from a rebel commander allied with Al Qaeda to the newly appointed President of Syria. His rise to power came after a successful ousting of Bashar al-Assad in December. Historically, al-Shara has condemned secular governance and advocated for an Islamic state but now promotes a vision of democracy for Syria.

With his controversial past as a jihadist leader and current role as president, Ahmed al-Shara’s intentions for Syria remain ambiguous. His claim of supporting democracy raises skepticism among both foreign officials and Syrians. Observers are keen to see how he reconciles his past beliefs with his present political responsibilities as he attempts to unify and lead the nation.

Original Source: www.nytimes.com