Who is Abu Mohammed al-Julani?

The international community's response to al-Julani and HTS has been complicated. While the group is designated as a terrorist organization by several states, it operates in a context where it has become a de facto authority in parts of Idlib province. This has led to a paradoxical situation where Western powers and regional actors must engage with HTS as a significant player in the conflict, even as they oppose its ideological foundations. Al-Julani’s ability to leverage this situation underscores his strategic effectiveness as a leader.