As rebel groups surge into Damascus amid the Assad regime’s collapse, Hayat Tahrir-al Shams (HTS) leader Abu Mohammad al-Jawlani, now known as Ahmed al-Sharaa, emerges as a pivotal figure in Syria’s transformation. Following a swift military victory, HTS aims to redefine governance in the region, though unity among varying factions remains uncertain. Observers emphasize the need for cautious engagement with al-Jawlani, who has attempted to reshape his image since breaking from Al-Qaeda in 2016, amid ongoing concerns from neighboring countries about stability and security.