Post Reports From al-Qaeda to the White House
Nov 12, 2025
Susannah George, an International correspondent for The Washington Post, and Peter Spiegel, managing editor at the same outlet, delve into the astonishing journey of Ahmed al-Sharaa. Once a designated terrorist, al-Sharaa toppled Assad and made history by visiting the White House as Syria's leader. They discuss al-Sharaa's past, including his imprisonment and shift from insurgent to revolutionary leader. The conversation covers his efforts for Syria's future, the need for U.S. support, and the challenges of reconciliation in a fractured nation.
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A Leader's Two Very Different Public Faces
- Ahmed al-Sharaa entered a suite at the St. Regis and spoke comfortably with reporters, wearing a suit and tie.
- He contrasted that public appearance with the camouflage he wore when his forces took Damascus last December.
From Prisoner To Militant Founder
- Al-Sharaa left Syria to fight in Iraq after 2003, was captured and imprisoned in Abu Ghraib and other facilities, then returned in 2011 to form an al-Qaeda affiliate in Syria.
- He led that group against Assad before breaking from al-Qaeda and later creating an umbrella rebel force.
How Rapid Regime Change Rewrote Roles
- Al-Sharaa's route to the White House came after his forces overthrew Bashar al-Assad and filled the power vacuum in Damascus.
- That rapid change transformed him from a designated terrorist into a head of state seeking international legitimacy.