Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa, who once led an al Qaeda affiliate and was designated as a terrorist by the U.S. in 2013, has transitioned from a militant past to leading Syria's efforts to rebuild after years of civil war. Al-Sharaa, who was released from prison in 2011, has publicly renounced his allegiance to al Qaeda in 2016 and now seeks international support for Syria's reconstruction, estimated to cost between $600-900 billion. He emphasizes the importance of lifting sanctions and gaining global backing to restore stability and development. Al-Sharaa's rise to power followed a dramatic overthrow of Bashar al-Assad in November 2024, when Islamist forces captured Damascus and ended 54 years of Assad's rule in just 11 days. He was appointed president by militias that led the regime's fall. In his first U.S. interview since assuming office, al-Sharaa expressed a desire for peace, reconstruction, and a transition to a democratic government where every citizen can vote. He faces numerous challenges, including rebuilding devastated communities, protecting minorities, and navigating complex geopolitics involving Russia, Iran, Israel, Turkey, and the U.S. The country remains fractured with ongoing sectarian violence, accusations of human rights violations, and external threats. Al-Sharaa advocates for the lifting of sanctions, which he blames for hampering Syria’s recovery, and calls for international support. The political landscape remains fragile, with ongoing negotiations over Kurdish integration, decentralization, and control of armed factions. The SDF and Kurdish leaders have engaged in talks with Damascus, aiming for a framework that grants significant self-governance, but obstacles remain, including constitutional debates and regional security concerns. Al-Sharaa also discusses regional tensions, especially with Israel, which has conducted airstrikes against Syrian targets, and the ongoing conflict along Syria’s borders. He advocates for legal and diplomatic solutions, emphasizing Syria’s non-aggressive stance and desire for peaceful coexistence. Despite the hurdles, al-Sharaa’s leadership symbolizes a potential shift towards stabilization, reconstruction, and peace in Syria, contingent on international support and internal political reforms.