Syria’s Assad Ruling Falls: Former Al-Qaeda Commander, Poised to Lead
The decades-long Assad dynasty in Syria has crumbled, with insurgent forces led by Ahmad al-Sharaa (formerly known as Abu Mohammed al-Golani) seizing control of Damascus, The Associated Press reports.
The capture of the capital city marks the end of the Assad family’s 50-year ruling in the country.
Al-Sharaa, a former al-Qaeda (considered a terrorist group in the USA) commander, made his first appearance in Damascus Sunday at the Umayyad Mosque, declaring Assad’s fall a “victory for the Islamic nation.” He emphasized a message of inclusion, with senior rebel commander Anas Salkhadi appearing on state television.
This declaration, however, comes from a leader who still carries a $10 million bounty on his head. Al-Sharaa’s Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), a force comprising numerous jihadi fighters, now holds a pivotal role in shaping Syria’s future.
For years, Al-Sharaa consolidated his power base in Idlib province while Assad’s ruling, bolstered by Iranian and Russian support, remained entrenched in much of the country. He strategically maneuvered amongst extremist factions, eliminating rivals and former allies. He worked diligently to improve the image of his de-facto government in Idlib, hoping to gain international acceptance and reassure Syria’s minorities. He cultivated relationships with various tribes and other groups.
His history, however, is deeply rooted in extremism. Beginning in Iraq in 2003, he fought alongside insurgents against US forces. He joined al-Qaeda, later establishing the Nusra Front in Syria, which was designated a terrorist group by the US. He defied Al-Qaeda’s leader, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, refusing to merge with ISIS. Over time, he rebranded HTS, distancing himself from al-Qaeda and promoting a more moderate image, though his past actions continue to raise serious concerns.
The fall of Damascus presents a complex and volatile situation. Syria’s fractured state, the involvement of multiple foreign powers (Russia, Iran, the US, Turkey, and Israel), and the presence of various armed factions, create a precarious environment.
