The Daily Star Ireland
Analysis of the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham Leader and His Role in Toppling Assad
The recent fall of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has raised an essential question: who now represents the Syrian people after a half-century of oppressive rule? One prominent group making a claim is Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), led by Abu Mohammad al-Jolani, which was instrumental in the opposition’s efforts that led to Assad’s downfall.
Origins and Evolution of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham
Hayat Tahrir al-Sham emerged during the early stages of the Syrian civil war in 2011, which started as a popular uprising against Assad’s authoritarian regime. Initially an offshoot of the Nusra Front, al-Qaida’s official affiliate in Syria, HTS was known for its combat effectiveness and commitment to global jihad, aiming to establish strict Islamic rule across the Muslim world.
In 2016, the Nusra Front publicly severed ties with al-Qaida and rebranded itself as Jabhat Fateh al-Sham, meaning “Front for the Conquest of the Levant.” The following year, it merged with several other factions to form Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, or the “Organization for the Liberation of the Levant.” This rebranding was an attempt to distance itself from al-Qaida’s global jihadist agenda and focus more on issues specific to Syrians, such as local governance, economic concerns, and humanitarian aid.
Despite these changes, HTS’s core ideology remains rooted in jihadism, with the primary goal of overthrowing the Assad regime and establishing Islamic rule in Syria.
Abu Mohammad al-Jolani: A Key Figure
Born Ahmed al-Sharaa in 1982 in Saudi Arabia, al-Jolani moved to Damascus with his family in 1989. His jihadist career began in Iraq following the 2003 US-led invasion, where he joined forces aligned with al-Qaida. In 2011, under the direction of then-al-Qaida in Iraq leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, al-Jolani was tasked with establishing the Nusra Front in Syria, quickly becoming a significant force in the civil war.
Under al-Jolani’s leadership, HTS has aimed to portray itself as more pragmatic, focusing on governance issues in Idlib, Syria’s largest rebel stronghold. This shift has been part of al-Jolani’s effort to transition from a jihadist leader to a more politically viable figure in Syrian politics.
Al-Jolani’s pragmatic approach post-2017 has been crucial in helping HTS control territories and assert itself as a regional governing force. His recent actions, such as adopting a moderate persona and engaging in public services, reflect his central role in HTS’s military and political evolution, reinforcing the group’s hold on power and efforts to gain legitimacy both locally and internationally.
HTS’s Rise to Power in Syria
HTS has maintained control over its territories by implementing governance systems that provide stability and services, legitimizing its rule in the eyes of local populations. The group aimed to expand its influence and win international acceptance by minimizing opposition and collaborating with the broader Syrian revolutionary movement. This involved working with other actors in Syria to present a united front appealing to international observers and potential allies.
Since 2017, HTS has dominated Idlib, the last major stronghold for various rebel groups after government forces retook Aleppo in December 2016. Over the years, HTS has solidified its control by functioning as a quasi-governmental entity, offering civil services and overseeing local affairs, such as highway control and commercial trucking duties, despite reports of human rights abuses.
HTS’s propaganda has increasingly emphasized protecting Syrian territory and its people from Assad’s government, enhancing its standing among local communities and other rebel groups. To further improve its image, HTS has ramped up public relations efforts, both domestically and internationally. This includes engaging with international media and humanitarian organizations to negotiate and document aid deliveries, helping to position HTS as a defender of Sunni Muslim interests.
