Executive Summary

Syria’s transitional government, under the leadership of President Ahmed al-Shara, has made early diplomatic and military strides and facilitated the return of over one million displaced Syrians. It remains uncertain, however, whether al-Shara can contain the escalating internal unrest, as recent sectarian clashes and unresolved tensions risk undermining Syria’s fragile post-Assad stability.

Background: The government, led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), in December 2024 formally appointed al-Shara to his current position to preside over a transitional period. Also known by his nom de guerre Abu Mohammad al-Jolani, Al-Shara is a Syrian rebel leader-turned-statesman who rose to his current station from commanding an Islamist insurgency. He led the coalition of rebel forces, dominated by HTS, that swept through Syria and ousted the regime of President Bashar al-Assad. Al-Sharaa’s journey from underground jihadist fighter to head of a new national leadership reflects a complex trajectory and demands ideological evolution.

Images Sourced From: European Commission, SyPresidency, Turkish Presidency