Ahmed al-Sharaa (Syria)

The leader of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, Ahmed al-Sharaa, emerged as Syria's de facto leader after the collapse of the Assad government in late 2024. In 2025 he oversaw a transitional governance process, sought international legitimacy, and faced the challenge of unifying a fractured country. His transformation from internationally designated terrorist to head of state was one of the most remarkable political developments of the era.