From militant to president, has Syria's new leader Ahmed al-Sharaa gained legitimacy?
Ahmed al-Sharaa, a former jihadist commander with a prominent role in Syria's civil war, met US President Donald Trump during his recently concluded Middle East tour. Al-Sharaa was appointed interim president following the ouster of Bashar al-Assad. Once known for leading Islamist militant factions, al-Sharaa's rise to power reflects a dramatic transformation from insurgent leader to head of a transitional government tasked with rebuilding a deeply fractured nation.
From Jihadist Roots to National Leader
Al-Sharaa, born in 1982 to Syrian parents in exile, rose to prominence in the early 2010s as the founder of Jabhat al-Nusra, an al-Qaeda affiliate active during the Syrian civil war. After years of combat and controversial alliances, he publicly broke ties with al-Qaeda and rebranded his group, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), as a Syrian nationalist movement. His forces played a decisive role in toppling Assad's regime in late 2024, leveraging both military strength and political maneuvering to consolidate control over key regions.
Following Assad's departure, a transitional council made up of rebel leaders and civic representatives appointed al-Sharaa as interim president. In a televised address, al-Sharaa declared the formation of a transitional authority and vowed to steer Syria toward democratic elections within four years.
A Contested Legacy
Despite efforts to moderate his image, al-Sharaa's militant past continues to cast a shadow. Human rights groups and international observers have raised concerns about his record during the conflict, including reports of extrajudicial detentions, suppression of dissent, and harsh rule in areas previously controlled by HTS.
"He carries significant baggage from the war years," said Dr. Layla Hamdan, a Middle East analyst at the Institute for Strategic Studies. "While he has shown some willingness to engage with civil institutions, questions remain about the sincerity and sustainability of his commitment to democratic governance."
Public Sentiment and Internal Challenges
Domestically, public reaction has been mixed. In regions such as Idlib, which were once HTS strongholds, protests erupted earlier this year over allegations of corruption and authoritarian practices. In response, al-Sharaa's administration released hundreds of political prisoners, abolished unpopular tax measures, and pledged local elections -- steps seen as attempts to win public trust.
"We want peace and stability," said Omar Khalil, a shopkeeper in Idlib City. "But we also want justice and freedom, not just a new strongman."
The transitional government has also committed to disbanding all armed factions, including HTS, and integrating their fighters into a newly formed national army under civilian oversight. However, implementing this directive remains a formidable challenge amid ongoing tensions between rival militias.
International Response and Outlook
The global response to al-Sharaa's appointment has been cautious. Some Western nations have resumed limited diplomatic engagement with Syria, contingent on human rights improvements and political reforms. Regional powers have expressed concern about the precedent of an armed group leader assuming national leadership, but several governments have signaled a willingness to support Syria's reconstruction if a credible transition unfolds.
As Syria emerges from more than a decade of war, al-Sharaa faces immense pressure to deliver on promises of reform, inclusivity, and reconciliation. With a nation still scarred by conflict and division, the coming months will test whether he can shift from wartime commander to legitimate statesman -- or whether his past will ultimately undermine the country's fragile hopes for peace.
