The Global Story: The rehabilitation of Syria’s ex-jihadist president

In a bonus episode of The Global Story podcast, Tristan Redman interviews Orla Guerin, a BBC senior international correspondent, about the recent political changes in Syria. The discussion centers on Ahmed al-Sharaa, the new Syrian president, his controversial past as a member of al-Qaeda, and his efforts to stabilize Syria and gain international legitimacy. Guerin provides insights into al-Sharaa's background, his rise to power after the ousting of Bashar al-Assad, and the complex dynamics of Syrian politics. The episode explores the concerns surrounding the new regime, including the lack of direct democracy, potential cronyism, and the influence of family members in the government. It also examines the international community's perspective, particularly the United States' interest in maintaining stability in the region and the potential risks of backing a leader with a questionable past.