Ahmed al-Sharaa

Ahmed Hussein al-Sharaa (Arabic: أحمَد حُسين الشرع) (born 29 October 1982) also known by his nom de guerre Abu Mohammad al-Julani (Arabic: أبو محمد الجولاني) (Also transliterated as Joulani, Jolani, and Golani.) is a Syrian politician and former rebel commander who is currently serving as the president of Syria since January 2025. He previously served as the country's de facto leader from December 2024 until his appointment as president.

I speak to you today not as a ruler, but as a servant to our wounded nation, determined to achieve Syria's unity and revival.

De facto leader of Syria (2024–2025)

It doesn't matter if I'm under sanctions and on a terrorist list. The important thing is to lift the sanctions on Syria.

Speech at the Umayyad Mosque in Damascus (8 December 2024)

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• By God, goodness is abundant and far be it from God, far be it from God to let this tyrant oppress all the people of Syria. There is no house in Syria where the door of justice has not been knocked on, no house in Syria where the door of justice has not been knocked on. And praise be to God, on the day Syria recovers, God willing, this will be a new victory for the entire Islamic nation, this will be a new historic victory for the region.
• How many dangers we have avoided by not abandoning Syria, leaving it as a farm for Iranian expansion, spreading sectarianism in it, and stirring corruption, making it a place of innovation in the world.
• Today, Syria is being cleansed by the grace of Almighty God, by the grace of Almighty God and then by the efforts of the heroic mujahideen.
• This, my brothers, is a victory through the suffering of the people who languished in prisons, and by the grace of Almighty God, the mujahideen have liberated the body of the sect despite the tyrant’s blessings.
• This is a surprise to my eyes, my brothers, I hope you listen to us with your hands. Sit far away, my brothers, rise up, enter God Almighty. Yes, I said the prayer of the Prophet, yes, I said the prayer of the Prophet.

Interview with France 24 (17 December 2024)

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• We Syrians, the victims, are being punished for the acts of our executioner, who is no longer with us. We ask for the international community's help in prosecuting the Assad regime's criminals and recovering the money stolen from Syrians.
• Our terrorist listing is the result of a political will. We've carried out military operations, we haven't targeted civilians. Terrorism is about targeting civilians, and we haven't done that.
• In Syria, we spoke with all the communities, the Druze, who fought alongside us, the Christians, the Alawites, and the Kurds.
• It doesn't matter if I'm under sanctions and on a terrorist list. The important thing is to lift the sanctions on Syria.

Interview with the BBC (19 December 2024)

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• Now, after all that has happened, sanctions must be lifted because they were targeted at the old regime. The victim and the oppressor should not be treated in the same way.
• There are many things I just don't have the right to talk about because they are legal issues.

Interview with the Al-Arabiya Network (29 December 2024)

We will not allow Syria to become a source of harassment for neighboring countries.

The Kurds are part of our people. They were oppressed, just like we were, and it is our duty to protect and defend them, and to let them return to some villages from which they were displaced during the period of the revolution. This is our duty.

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• We will not allow Syria to become a source of harassment for neighboring countries.
• The new Syria needs to go through several stages. The first stage was to directly take over power, so that the state institutions do not collapse. The following stage will be a transitional phase. Formulating a new constitution, or amending the constitution, requires a lot of time. The experts may need 2-3 years, God knows how long...
• The Syrian problem has lasted for 14 years. There has been a lot of suffering and many attempts to fix things in Syria, but the UN and the international community have failed in bringing about the release of a single prisoner, in these 14 years. They have failed to bring back a single refugee, or to persuade the regime to accept even the minimal political solution, even though it served the interests of the regime. The Syrian people saved themselves by themselves, so I am asking not to burden them with frozen resolutions, which will only increase their suffering and bring them back to square one. What is the goal? The verbatim implementation of this resolution, or the benefit that was gained from this resolution?
• We addressed all the parties, and said that the problem is Syrian, and we should resolve it internally and try to find a proper solution in northeast Syria, according to some basic principles: There must not be any partition of Syria, and we should not cement the idea of partition in any way, shape, or form – not even in the form of a federation. Our society is still not ready to understand the nature of federations, and it will head for partition under the title of federation.
• The Kurds are part of our people. They were oppressed, just like we were, and it is our duty to protect and defend them, and to let them return to some villages from which they were displaced during the period of the revolution. This is our duty. On the basis of these principles... With regard to the militants in northeast Syria – all the weapons should be held exclusively by the state. Militants who are qualified to join the Ministry of Defense will be welcome there. On the basis of these terms and principles, we will open negotiations track with SDF, and inshallah, we will find a suitable solution through dialogue.

Presidency (2025–present)

Speech to “Syrian Revolution Victory Conference” (29 January 2025)

The fallen regime has left deep wounds—social, economic, and political and other.

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• A few months ago, Damascus appeared to me like a devoted mother, gazing at her children with a look of both reproach and desperation, lamenting her wounds, humiliation, and suffering—bleeding but bearing the pain with resilience, on the verge of collapse, crying out: ‘Save your nation! Save it before the disgrace of nations befalls you!’
• By the grace of God, we broke the chains, freed the tormented, and wiped away the dust of humiliation from Damascus’s shoulders. The sun of Syria rose once more.
• The people rejoiced, chanting “Allahu Akbar!” for it was the clear conquest and the great victory—the day when the rightful triumphed over falsehood, justice over oppression, and mercy over torture.
• Those who believe that war permits moral corruption are mistaken, for power, wealth, and weapons lead to widespread tyranny if not governed by values and ethics. The essence of struggle is a battle between righthood and falsehood, good and evil, justice and oppression.
• The fallen regime has left deep wounds—social, economic, and political and other. Healing them requires a lot of wisdom, relentless effort, and tireless perseverance. Those who believe the time for struggle has passed and that comfort has arrived are deluded.
• If arrogance consumes the victor, and he forgets the grace of God, he will be led to tyranny. Victory is not merely an achievement; it is a responsibility. The burden on the victorious is heavy, and their duty is immense.
• Syria today needs more than ever before. Just as we were determined to liberate her, we must now commit to rebuilding and developing her.

Address to the Syrian Nation (30 January 2025)

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54 days have passed since the disappearance of 54 years of the darkest forms of dictatorial rule in the history of Syria and the entire world. Syria was liberated by God’s grace first, then by the grace of every person who strove on the inside and the outside. Every person who sacrificed his life and blood, and his home and wealth, and his peace and security.

Together, we will build the future Syria: the Syria that is the beacon of knowledge and progress, the refuge of security and stability, the Syria of comfort, progress and prosperity, the Syria that extends its hand with peace and respect, so that its people can return to a dignified noble homeland, which is prosperous, safe and secure by God’s permission.

• To the defiant Syrian people, I stand before you today with a heart filled with hope and determination, directing my speech to all Syrian men and women, to those who live in the displacement camps, to the internally displaced and the refugees, to the injured and wounded, to the families of the martyrs and the missing, to the revolutionary activists who dedicated their life to struggle for Free Syria. I stand before you today 54 days after we were all liberated and Syria was liberated from the bonds of a criminal regime that oppressed us for decades. 54 days have passed since the disappearance of 54 years of the darkest forms of dictatorial rule in the history of Syria and the entire world. Syria was liberated by God’s grace first, then by the grace of every person who strove on the inside and the outside. Every person who sacrificed his life and blood, and his home and wealth, and his peace and security.
• I speak to you today not as a ruler, but as a servant to our wounded nation, determined to achieve Syria's unity and revival.
• Syria was liberated by the martyrs, male and female detainees, men and women who were tortured, missing men and women, and all their nursing mothers and their oppressed people, because of all their sacrifices and your sacrifices I stand here today, so that together we can open a new chapter in the history of our beloved land.
• From here, I address you today in my capacity as president of Syria in this fateful period, asking God to grant us all success so we can revive our homeland, and overcome the challenges that we are facing, and that will only be through all standing together in people and leadership. I address you today not as a ruler but as a servant for our wounded homeland, striving with all power and will I have been given to realise Syria’s unity and renaissance, as we should all understand that this is a transitional stage, and it is part of a political process that requires true participation by all Syrian men and women, inside and outside the country, so that we can build their future with freedom and dignity, without marginalisation or sidelining.
• Oh people of Free Syria, building the homeland is the responsibility of all of us, and this is a call to all Syrians to participate in building a new homeland, in which there is rule through justice and consultation. Together, we will build the future Syria: the Syria that is the beacon of knowledge and progress, the refuge of security and stability, the Syria of comfort, progress and prosperity, the Syria that extends its hand with peace and respect, so that its people can return to a dignified noble homeland, which is prosperous, safe and secure by God’s permission.

Interview with The Economist (3 February 2025)

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Political solutions should be born from the events taking place, so importing political experiences and applying them to the Syrian context, I believe, is not a correct policy.

In our region, there are various definitions of democracy.

I am trying as much as possible not to have Syria live on aid and support, but rather build its economy. Syria has a huge opportunity for investment, and these countries can, through their sovereign funds, make wide investments in Syria.

I believe the people of each country are more entitled to stay in their country. Why should people be displaced? Displacing people is such a big crime rejected by the law.

• First of all, Syria was under the control of the previous regime for 54 years. During these 54 years, Syria went through many disasters. Syria has retreated regionally on the level of the development of human resources, the level of economy, and also the level of political relationships with neighbouring countries. Previously Syria was a source of concern for all neighbouring countries. At the same time, it was not fulfilling its basic duties towards the people. The most important thing for the previous regime was to maintain power and to use security methods to remain in power. The security method means torture, as you have seen in Saydnaya prison, and arresting and beating people, and when people revolted against him, he used chemical weapons, explosive bombs, and other methods.
• Therefore, the next phase of five years will revolve around rebuilding the state on new and modern foundations. It is going to promote justice and counseling, and it is going to be based on the participation of all segments of society in running the country. The next five years are going to have several milestones. We hope to overcome all these difficulties and obstacles in a smooth manner, and we are counting on the wisdom of the Syrian people and the forgiveness that is shown by all the sections of the Syrian people.
• The Syrian context is exceptional, and each country goes through a peculiar situation. Political solutions should be born from the events taking place, so importing political experiences and applying them to the Syrian context, I believe, is not a correct policy. I have read history from all contexts: Arabic, International, and Islamic; and from all places: East, West, North, and South. We tried to benefit from all that has taken place in the world to take lessons from all that happened, especially the past hundred years that included events such as WWI and WWII. In addition, the Arab region has been through a lot of trouble. Hence, the region is rich with lessons, and history is full of lessons. We will benefit from all that, and we will try to have an independent personality in studying matters, in addition to benefiting from other countries’ experiences. All the figures you have mentioned were successful in running their countries, but the Syrian context is different.
• In our region, there are various definitions of democracy. If democracy means that the people decide who will rule them and who represents them in the parliament, then yes Syria is going in this direction.
• First of all, in the Islamic system women play a role. Whoever says that a conservative Islamic system does not allow a role for women has a misunderstanding of Islam. Of course women are almost half of society, and the majority of the human resources at universities now are women, and the job market is a wide labor market for women. The Syrian women are already working, so if a woman wants to work then the labor market is open to her.
• First, a federal system in Syria does not have popular acceptance, and I believe it is not in the best interest of Syria in the future because our communities are not used to practicing federacy, so people’s opinions would go to complete independence in the name of federacy.
• I believe that the gravest risk is the sanctions that the American administration is still imposing on Syria although all the reasons that led to issuing these sanctions have ended. Any prohibition targeting Syria represents a punishment to Syrian people who have suffered enough at the hands of the previous regime.
• I am trying as much as possible not to have Syria live on aid and support, but rather build its economy. Syria has a huge opportunity for investment, and these countries can, through their sovereign funds, make wide investments in Syria.
• In light of the new Syrian state, I believe any illegal military presence should not continue. Any military presence in a sovereign state should take place under a certain agreement, and there has been no such agreement between us and the United States of America.
• I believe the people of each country are more entitled to stay in their country. Why should people be displaced? Displacing people is such a big crime rejected by the law. In addition, Syria has just come out of war, and it is suffering big burdens. Syria should not be overwhelmed with new problems because we need long years to fix the sixty-year legacy of the regime, let alone having new problems added.
• Actually, we want peace with all parties, but there is great sensitivity regarding the Israeli matter in the region, especially after the big wars that took place and that they have been occupying a Syrian region called the Golan since 1967. We entered Damascus only two months ago, and there are many priorities in front of us, so it is too early to discuss such a matter because it requires wide public opinion. It also requires a lot of procedures and laws in order to discuss it, and to be honest, we have not considered it yet.

Speech at Arab Summit in Cairo (4 March 2025)

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Today we see new attempts to impose solutions that seek to draw new geographical maps at the expense of the blood of the Palestinian people, and the calls for the forced displacement of the Palestinian people from their territory are disgrace against humanity.

• Today we see new attempts to impose solutions that seek to draw new geographical maps at the expense of the blood of the Palestinian people, and the calls for the forced displacement of the Palestinian people from their territory are disgrace against humanity.
• The Arab countries must unite their stances and assume their responsibilities towards the Palestinian people.

Interview with Reuters (11 March 2025)

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We confirm that Syria is a state of law. The law will take its course on all. We fought to defend the oppressed, and we won't accept that any blood be shed unjustly, or goes without punishment or accountability, even among those closest to us.

When I look at Damascus every day, I say: how could the previous regime look at Damascus and feel comfortable with what was happening there.

• We confirm that Syria is a state of law. The law will take its course on all. We fought to defend the oppressed, and we won't accept that any blood be shed unjustly, or goes without punishment or accountability, even among those closest to us.
• There were clear statements from some regional countries that they want to destabilize the situation in Syria. There are some parties that lost out from the new reality in Syria and are trying to reestablish themselves and they only have these cheap means. We have seen their presence in more than one state, focusing on sectarian strife, spreading captagon, and political corruption. These are three components that are present in any country they enter. But we do not yet have clear evidence on which to build conclusions or practical steps.
• There were clear statements from some regional countries that they want to destabilize the situation in Syria. There are some parties that lost out from the new reality in Syria and are trying to reestablish themselves and they only have these cheap means. We have seen their presence in more than one state, focusing on sectarian strife, spreading captagon, and political corruption. These are three components that are present in any country they enter. But we do not yet have clear evidence on which to build conclusions or practical steps.
• I mean, a delusional person can say whatever they want. Every person can imagine that he is suffering from some danger and carry out a preemptive strike and kill. But that is not justifiable.
• We do not want to distribute positions in Syria as gifts to sects, ethnicities, and other parties - rather, we distribute positions according to competence.
• To be honest, my chest tightens in this palace. I'm astonished by how much evil against society emanated from every corner. I have a balcony that overlooks Damascus. When I look at Damascus every day, I say: how could the previous regime look at Damascus and feel comfortable with what was happening there.

Interview with The New York Times (23 April 2025)

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• Any chaos in Syria will damage not just neighboring countries but the whole world.
• Syria has been committed from the beginning, before we reached Damascus, to preventing its land from being used in any way that can threaten any foreign country.

Speech to “Aleppo: The Key to Victory” (27 May 2025)

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From the heart of Aleppo, I declare to the world that our war with tyrants has ended, and our battle against poverty has already begun.

• I was certain that liberating Aleppo was the key to victory, we prepared and equipped the armies, and we had never fought a war like we did for Aleppo, with our trust in God and the beginning of our forces advancing toward its walls, the enemy’s fortresses began to collapsed.
• Dear Syrians, see how your name is once again mentioned at forums and how Syrians are now valued and respected, after having been pushed out the door, deprived of their rights and left to their fate of killing, displacement, and humiliation.
• The battle for reconstruction has just begun, so let us all join hands and seek God’s help to create a bright future for a glorious country and people who deserve.
• From the heart of Aleppo, I declare to the world that our war with tyrants has ended, and our battle against poverty has already begun.
• Aleppo will be the greatest economic beacon.

Interview with The Jewish Journal (28 May 2025)

I accepted it because Syria must turn the page. And I would rather help write that history with others than watch it be torn apart again. We have no option but to succeed. We must make Syria great again.

We want the U.S. to partner with us in governance, in anti-corruption, in building institutions based on honesty and integrity.

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• The past is present in the eyes of every person, on every street, in every family. But our duty now is not to repeat it. Not even as a softer version. We must create something entirely new.
• We are not starting from zero, We are starting from the depths.
• Dignity through work. Peace through purpose.
• A stable Syria will not be built through speeches or slogans — it will be built through action: in the marketplace, in classrooms, on farms, and in workshops. We will rebuild supply chains. Syria will return as a hub for trade and commerce.
• Every young man with a job is one less soul at risk of radicalization. Every child in school is a vote for the future.
• I want to be clear, the era of endless tit-for-tat bombings must end. No nation prospers when its skies are filled with fear. The reality is, we have common enemies and we can play a major role in regional security.
• Syria’s Druze are not pawns, they are citizens deeply rooted, historically loyal, and deserving of every protection under the law. Their safety is non-negotiable.
• Peace must be earned through mutual respect, not fear. We will engage where there is honesty and a clear path to coexistence and walk away from anything less.
• We will not be a pawn. Nor will we be a fortress. We will be a state that governs with legitimacy, not just control. We want the U.S. to partner with us in governance, in anti-corruption, in building institutions based on honesty and integrity.
• This is not a fairy tale, it is a recovery. And recoveries are painful.
• I accepted it because Syria must turn the page. And I would rather help write that history with others than watch it be torn apart again. We have no option but to succeed. We must make Syria great again.

Quotes about Ahmed al-Sharaa

• I think very good. Young, attractive guy, tough guy, you know, strong pass. very strong pass fighter. He's got a he's got a real shot at pulling it together. I spoke with President Erdoğan. I'm very friendly with him. he uh he feels he's got a shot at doing a good job.
  • Donald Trump, 14 May 2025 Guardian News
• The real test will be how committed he is to govern via the democratic playbook, and not just borrow the vocabulary.
  • Dr Burcu Ozcelik, 14 May 2025 RUSI
• I believe his extremist and violent past has taught him how to navigate the future. You can change. You can grow. He has learned from experience, and twenty-twenty vision gives him the clarity to shape what comes next.
• He has grown from revolution to governance, and I believe he has the ability to lead and impact the real future of this country.
• There were no portraits of him on the wall, no slogans, no flags. Just a man trying to unite a map of Syria into a country of equals. He stands tall, firm in his resolve, with the odds set against him — but determined.
• He wants to build a future for his people, for the region, and for Syria to come out of the dark and take its rightful seat at the table of the world.
  • Jonathan Bass, 28 May 2025 The Jewish Journal

External links

• Abu Muhammad al-Golani—Profile in Counter Extremism Project