Ahmed al-Sharaa, the de facto new leader of Syria under his Hayat Tahrir al-Sham group, has been meeting with Western diplomats and media to convey a message of no threat to the West under his rule. He has called for the lifting of sanctions against Syria, arguing they were targeted at the old regime. Sharaa, formerly known as Abu Mohammad al-Jolani, has tried to distance himself from his jihadist past and present a more moderate image, promising inclusivity for all religious and ethnic groups in Syria. Despite facing challenges, including a $10 million bounty on his head, Sharaa is trying to convince others that he has changed and is focused on governance and inclusivity. He has stated that HTS, his rebel group, should not be considered a terrorist organization as it does not target civilians. Sharaa has also highlighted the alleged educational opportunities for women in regions under HTS control, signaling a more inclusive approach to governance. The Biden administration is monitoring Sharaa’s actions and has indicated that a potential delisting of HTS as a terrorist organization will depend on the group’s engagement and behavior. Many observers remain skeptical of Sharaa’s transformation but acknowledge his efforts to present a more moderate image and work towards inclusive governance in Syria.
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Syria’s newly-elected leader seeks to reassure the U.S. that he is not a terrorist
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