Abu Mohammad al-Jolani, whose real name is Ahmed al-Sharaa, is a key figure in Syria’s recent history. Leader of Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) and a central player in the offensive that led to the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime, al-Jolani is now at the center of an animated debate. This debate concerns not only his political and military role but also how his figure is portrayed in the most widely consulted online encyclopedia, Wikipedia. A comparison between the English and French versions of al-Jolani’s Wikipedia page reveals significant differences in his portrayal. These changes, far from being purely academic, reflect a political narrative aimed at redefining the Syrian leader’s public image.
The French and English versions of Wikipedia agree on many aspects of al-Jolani’s biography. Both mention his past as a jihadist militant, his role in founding HTS, and his participation in Syria’s long civil war. However, the English version introduces a narrative that appears to redefine his profile, using terms like “revolutionary” to describe him. This term, absent in the French version, has important implications. The word “revolutionary” evokes historical figures such as Che Guevara, Gandhi, or Lenin, often viewed as idealistic leaders driving social change. Applying this label to al-Jolani risks romanticizing his image and downplaying the complex and controversial reality of the Syrian conflict.
Another significant difference lies in the use of images. Until shortly before Assad’s fall, the English profile displayed a photo of al-Jolani on a U.S. State Department wanted poster, with a $10 million bounty on his head. After the late 2024 offensive, this photo was replaced with a more institutional image: al-Jolani in a suit and tie, with a trimmed beard, resembling a head of state. This visual transformation is not merely a simple update but reflects the political rebranding of the leader, now portrayed as a moderate politician and responsible commander, receiving foreign dignitaries and discussing constitutional reforms. By contrast, the French version retains a more sober and critical profile, avoiding this new visual narrative.
The changes to the English Wikipedia page cannot be separated from the international political context. The Syrian civil war was a theater of external interference, and Assad’s fall has redefined power dynamics in the region. Once considered a jihadist militant, al-Jolani is now Syria’s de facto leader. Regional and international actors, such as Turkey, may have influenced this more favorable narrative, aimed at presenting him as a legitimate and acceptable figure to the global community. The surge in edits to the Wikipedia page, with 528 recorded in December 2024 alone, highlights how interpretations of al-Jolani’s figure have become a battleground in the media. This phenomenon is not new: Wikipedia, with its open and collaborative model, is often used as a soft power tool to shape public opinion.
Labeling al-Jolani as a “revolutionary” could shape how his leadership is perceived, especially by readers relying on Wikipedia as their primary source of information. This term not only softens his past but also omits the role of external influences, such as Turkey’s support for HTS. The French version, adopting a more cautious stance, avoids assigning this label and emphasizes the leader’s more controversial aspects. This approach, though less flattering, better reflects the reality of a long and bloody civil war characterized by external interventions and complex power dynamics.
The differences between the two Wikipedia profiles reflect a broader debate on how history is narrated and reinterpreted. Words and images are never neutral, and in a world increasingly dominated by information warfare, even a single edit on Wikipedia can have a significant impact. A more balanced approach would be desirable, portraying al-Jolani as he is: a politician and military commander who filled a power vacuum in an extraordinarily complex context. Avoiding the label of “revolutionary” could help maintain a more objective perspective while respecting readers’ right to form an informed opinion.
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Abu Mohammad al-Jolani, HTS, Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham, Wikipedia profiles, Syrian civil war, Bashar al-Assad, jihadism, revolutionary narrative, political rebranding, Syria leadership, soft power, Turkey in Syria, media manipulation, Syrian Salvation Government, Middle East politics, international narrative, jihadist leaders, geopolitical context, war of information, history reinterpretation, public perception.
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