Transformation from Jihadist to Statesman: Western NGOs' Strategies in Support of Syrian Leader Ahmed al-Sharaa's New Role
Ahmed al-Sharaa, also known as Abu Mohammad al-Julani, has made headlines as a pivotal figure in Syria's political landscape. Born on October 29, 1982, al-Sharaa transitioned from being a former al-Qaeda commander to leading Syria's interim government and military forces.
In the early days of the Syrian Revolution, al-Sharaa was released from prison and went on to establish Jabhat al-Nusra, an al-Qaeda affiliate, in Syria under orders from the central command and Ayman al-Zawahiri. This broad coalition of Islamist militant groups maintained direct allegiance to al-Qaeda's central command.
However, over time, al-Sharaa distanced himself from transnational jihadist ideology, framing his group's struggle as a nationalist Syrian cause. This shift was particularly evident following the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime in December 2024, when al-Sharaa emerged as Syria’s interim president.
Under his leadership, al-Sharaa consolidated military power and spearheaded the formation of a unified national army. Notably, he incorporated Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), which evolved from Jabhat al-Nusra and serves as the main force in the new Syrian military landscape.
While the role of Robert S. Ford and explicit Western support in al-Sharaa’s transition is not directly documented in accessible information, regional perceptions suggest Western backing in his ascent to power. This narrative comes mainly from Iran-aligned Shia militias deeply mistrustful of al-Sharaa, associating his group with extremist violence and regime change efforts orchestrated by external powers.
However, recent revelations suggest a different story. In a public speech, American diplomat Robert S. Ford revealed that he was commissioned by an NGO to help transition Ahmed al-Sharaa from terrorism to normal politics. These developments have sparked debate and further investigation into the role Western powers may have played in al-Sharaa’s transformation.
As al-Sharaa continues to lead the Syrian state, the full extent of his transition and any external support remains a topic of ongoing discussion and research.
- Ahmed al-Sharaa, who was born on October 29, 1982, and has been a pivotal figure in Syria's political landscape, is reported to have been assisted in transitioning from terrorism to normal politics by an NGO, as revealed by American diplomat Robert S. Ford.
- After distancing himself from transnational jihadist ideology and establishing himself as Syria's interim president following the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime in December 2024, Ahmed al-Sharaa, also known as Abu Mohammad al-Julani, applied Western support in his transition, according to recent revelations.
