Syria’s De Facto Leader: One Role, Two Perspectives

Amid the changes in the world’s political leadership, Syria’s elections do not proceed via votes. They are executed by the capacity to prove loyalty, enforce order, and negotiate peace among the different sects within a territory. Ahmad Al-Sharaa, known as Al-Golani, was able to cement his power and blur the lines of formal titles. He is widely considered a de facto leader, a term that echoes real authority that controls armed groups and underscores legitimacy through strategic negotiation rather than through constitutional or electoral recognition.

INTERNATIONAL LAWPOLITICSDEMOCRACYMIDDLE EASTCIVIL SOCIETY

Rena Raslan

10/11/20253 min read

Amid the changes in the world’s political leadership, Syria’s elections do not proceed via votes. They are executed by the capacity to prove loyalty, enforce order, and negotiate peace among the different sects within a territory. Ahmad Al-Sharaa, known as Al-Golani, was able to cement his power and blur the lines of formal titles. He is widely considered a de facto leader, a term that echoes real authority that controls armed groups and underscores legitimacy through strategic negotiation rather than through constitutional or electoral recognition.

Background: Ahmad al-Sharaa

Al Sharaa’s upbringing is complex. He gained battlefield experience supporting his political diaspora during his early adolescence, when he became involved with armed movements such as ISIS. Over time, he transitioned into a mediator, negotiator, and political leader. Also known as Al-Golani, he positioned himself as someone capable of connecting factions and implementing governance in a war-torn state.

Syria Before Al-Sharaa

Before Al-Sharaa’s growth, Syria was dominated by Bashar al-Assad’s authoritarian regime. The Assad family sustained tight central control using repression, intelligence networks, and violence, leading to widespread protests and civil war. Hence, extremist groups such as ISIS gained territory and influence. However, Assad’s weak and insecure regime created a power vacuum, leaving the floor to Al-Sharaa to step in and assert his influence and control.

Why “De Facto Leader”?

Ahmad Al Sharaa is nicknamed the de facto leader because his power is exercised outside conventional legal or electoral frameworks. He is known publicly through his presidential title, but his authenticity relies on his ability to negotiate with armed factions, maintain ceasefires, reduce violence, support the local minorities, and enforce compliance within different areas in Syria. He rules through consensus-building, direct involvement in security, and policy implementation.

A De Facto leader is someone who exerts authority without the legal right to do so. They have an ‘’assumed’’ authority regardless of the lawful, constitutional, or legitimate means. Al Sharaa obtained this title following the post-revolutionary establishment of the government, without any elections, until he was appointed as president by the Syrian General Command.

Role and Vision

As a typical upcoming leader, Al Sharaa has a vision and a role. He aims to stabilize his country through temporary constitutional reforms, ceasefire agreements, and engagement with communities. His past, including his ties with ISIS, has formed two different perspectives: a strategic asset in the Western eyes, or a blemish in Arab discourse questioning his loyalty.

Western Perspective

The West frames Ahmad Al-Sharaa as a pragmatic and stable leader who operates in a chaotic environment. The Public Broadcasting Service's Frontline highlights his ability to negotiate with former ISIS affiliates, demonstrating his strategic importance in stabilizing volatile areas. However, some analysts question whether these negotiations normalize radical actors. Western governments - the U.S State Department - and the media coverage classify him as a terrorist. Following the PBS Frontline, other headlines, such as The Guardian and The Washington Post, stress his past ties to ISIS and his relations with foreign fighters. Western analysts highlight his image as a peaceful mediator, framing him as a rational actor who balances diplomacy and deterrence. However, the Western perspective on Al-Sharaa acknowledges his attempts at rebranding, all while raising suspicion about his governance, describing it as precarious and potentially as a threat to regional and international security.

Arab Perspective

The Arab media portrays Al-Sharaa as a strategic and domestic authority. He leads while restoring stability and protecting civilians. The Syria Direct website talks about Al-Sharaa’s ceasefire deal as a major achievement because it has reduced casualties and promoted security. In addition, following Al Jazeera’s reports, the Arab perspective underlines Al-Sharaa’s domestic legitimacy and his engagement with Christian clerics, blurring the sectarian lines. He is praised for the temporary constitutional tools, described as practical, and their ability to be flexible following Syria’s realities. Moreover, his efforts to punish forces responsible for violations are portrayed positively. However, Al Jazeera also questions his expectations due to his militant past. The Arab perspective critiques Western cynicism, valorizing the effectiveness, security, and trust he placed in his country. It also highlights decisiveness and results-oriented leadership, showcasing agreements and ceasefires as proof of his purity.

Conclusion

Ahmad Al-Sharaa’s leadership underscores the intricacy of post-conflict governance. His authority is defined by his ability to control, negotiate, and maintain local legitimacy rather than by formal elections, earning him the name: De Facto Leader. What differentiates the Western from the Arab perspective is that the Western observers frame him as a pragmatic leader tainted by a questionable past. Whereas the Arab perspective defines Al-Sharaa as a strategic mediator and authority.

References

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