Al-Golani: From Al-Qaeda's Shadow to Syria's New Hope?

Ahmad al-Sharaa, previously known as Abu Mohammed Al-Golani, has transformed from an Al-Qaeda affiliate to a proponent of minority rights in post-Assad Syria.

Soon after Abu Mohammed Al-Golani formed the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) militant group, he took to wearing business attire often instead of his usual military garb.

After HTS toppled Syrian dictator Bashar Assad on Dec. 8, Al-Golani referred to himself with his real name, Ahmad al-Sharaa.

The newly-transformed leader now speaks of protecting religious and…