At home and abroad, Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa, who once led an affiliate of al Qaeda and was designated as a terrorist by the U.S. in 2013, is facing questions over whether he can stabilize, unify and democratize a fractured and traumatized Syria .

He is encountering major challenges, including rebuilding devastated communities, protecting minorities from persecution, and getting oppressive economic sanctions permanently lifted. If al-Sharaa can follow through on his promises, it would be a new day for Syria and for the Middle East.

"Syria deserves to live in peace and security, and the world will benefit from Syria's new situation," al-Sharaa said. "It is a great historical opportunity for the region."

Ahmed al-Sharaa's path from al Qaeda to president of Syria

About 20 year

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