This episode discusses a significant political event that remained largely outside the media spotlight: the White House visit of Ahmed Al-Sharaa, the former al-Qaeda insurgent and leader of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), who ended Syria’s brutal 13-year civil war. How did a man once listed as a US terrorist end up shaking hands with the American President?

Joining the show is Dr. William Plowright, an Assistant Professor of International Security in the School of Government and International Affairs at Durham University, to explore the motivations behind the Trump administration's pragmatic decision. We take a close look at Al-Sharaa’s radical transformation "from jihad to politics," examining whether his moderate image is reliable or merely a political performance, and discuss the internal challenges Al-Sharaa faces in governing the country.

Discover the immense regional challenges, from dealing with Israel over the Golan Heights to preventing instability that could breed a new wave of extreme jihadism across the Middle East and Europe. Tune in to understand the immense stakes involved in Syria's future.

Link to Dr. Plowrights article in The Conversation: https://theconversation.com/how-former-jihadist-ahmed-al-sharaa-ended-up-being-welcomed-to-the-white-house-269631

To learn more about our guest and their research visit their website at https://www.durham.ac.uk/staff/william-plowright/