The Man Who Took Aleppo in 24 Hours: The Biography of Abu Mohammad al-Jolani

Abu Mohammad al-Jolani is one of the most controversial figures in the Syrian conflict.

As he transformed his jihadist group Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), he tried to project the image of a pragmatic leader. Al-Jolani moved away from ideas of global jihad and focused on local goals, such as overthrowing the regime of Bashar al-Assad and establishing Islamic rule in Syria.

Career highlights:

1. Beginning of the journey: Al-Jolani, whose real name is Ahmed Hussein al-Shara, joined al-Qaeda in Iraq in 2003. After being arrested and imprisoned in US military custody, he returned to Syria in 2011, where he founded the al-Qaeda-affiliated al-Nusra Front.

2. Break with al-Qaeda: In 2017, al-Jolani distanced himself from al-Qaeda and united other factions under the HTS banner. The move was aimed at increasing legitimacy and removing the terrorist label.

3. Playing 'moderation':

   • HTS has abandoned some of the strict Sharia rules associated with ISIS, such as the mandatory niqab for women and the smoking ban.
   • Jolani has said his group does not support external attacks against the US and Europe, in contrast to al-Qaeda's policy.
   • An administrative wing, the 'Salvation Government', has been created to run basic services in the territory it controls, home to some 3 million people.

Criticism:

• Repressive Policies: Despite its professed moderation, HTS has been accused of suppressing political dissent, torturing prisoners, and cracking down on rivals.
• Authoritarianism: The group more closely resembles an authoritarian state than a democratic movement, particularly in its governance and suppression of protests.

Jolani has sought to portray himself as a leader focused on local governance and stability, in contrast to his extremist past. However, to many countries, including the United States, he remains a terrorist with a $10 million bounty on his head.

Last year, the Washington-based Center for Strategic and International Studies said:

"Beyond the messaging campaign, there have been some significant signs of moderation within the group, including curtailing the powers of its so-called morality police. But despite some moves toward religious moderation, HTS has demonstrated limited tolerance for political dissent, reacting quickly and harshly to any protests or civilian complaints. Today, HTS is more of an authoritarian state than the transnational Islamist militia it once was."

Territorial Control:

HTS retains control over parts of Idlib province and surrounding areas, which remain the main opposition enclave in Syria. But the group faces ongoing criticism for its repression and lack of genuine reform.

Jolani has tried to cling to power by balancing pragmatism and tough measures, making him a key figure but leaving his group's future uncertain.

As his forces stormed Aleppo, Jolani issued a statement ordering them "not to scare children," "not to cut down trees," and "not to instill fear in people of other religions."

We also posted General Hossam Louka's biography.

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