A $10 million bounty on Abu Mohammed al-Golani’s head may be just a distant memory as the US has now turned to him for help in stabilizing Syria. The rebel leader, who played a crucial role in ousting dictator Bashar al-Assad from power this weekend, faces numerous challenges in his new role.
Al-Golani was raised in a family that fled the Golan Heights after Israel’s invasion in 1967 and adopted an Islamic radical worldview early in life. He joined al-Qaida’s resistance in Iraq in 2003 and was captured by US forces five years later. After being released, he returned to Syria and took part in the revolt against Assad.
The US, Israel, Russia, Iran, and the Islamic State group have all opposed al-Golani at some point, but China remains his only major supporter. The Americans have actually helped fund his allies and weakened Assad with sanctions and occupation.
It’s unprecedented for a rebel leader to rise to power without a major ally. Typically, world powers support rebel leaders who come to power, as seen in the cases of Fidel Castro in Cuba, Daniel Ortega in Nicaragua, and Ho Chi Minh in Vietnam.
Al-Golani will face numerous challenges, including managing looters, handling independent areas not controlled by his forces, dealing with US troops and Russian bases, and addressing the influx of displaced persons back to Syria. His government will also have to navigate its relationship with Islam, a key aspect of Syrian identity.
The world waits to see how al-Golani will implement his vision for Syria’s future, particularly in terms of his approach to fundamentalist Islam or democracy. As Castro did when he took over Cuba, rulers reveal themselves in their choices, and the international community is watching closely.
Source: https://eu.usatoday.com/story/opinion/2024/12/10/syrian-rebel-government-prevent-syria-civil-war/76859485007