Ex-ISIS Leader recognised by the West as Syrian President: A Watershed Moment for Islamist Politics?

By New Age Islam Staff Writer 28 May 2025 The recognition of a an ex-ISIS leader as Syrian Islamist president by both American President Donald Trump and the European Union marks a critical turning point in how Islamist movements are perceived internationally. For decades, political Islam was synonymous with extremism in the eyes of the West. However, the normalization of an Islamist-led government signals a potential redefinition of global alliances and ideological acceptance. The article is timely and essential as it explores whether this recognition represents a broader shift in global policy and what it means for Islamist parties seeking legitimacy through democratic means. It critically examines the opportunities and challenges ahead, offering insights into how Islamist movements might reform themselves to participate constructively in modern democratic societies, thus bridging the gap between traditional Islamic values and contemporary political expectations. Major Points: 1. Mainstream Acceptance of Political Islam: The recognition of a Syrian Islamist president by global powers like the EU and Donald Trump marks a significant shift, signalling that Islamist parties can be integrated into mainstream politics if they adopt democratic and peaceful practices. 2. Challenges Facing Islamist Movements: Islamist groups face hurdles such as past associations with extremism, internal ideological divisions, lack of governance experience, and pressure to align with international human rights standards. 3. Global Signals and Opportunities: This recognition sends a powerful message to other Islamist parties worldwide—that peaceful, democratic participation is possible and can lead to legitimacy on the global stage. 4. Need for Internal Reform: To gain wider acceptance, Islamist parties must modernize by promoting inclusivity, addressing real socio-economic issues, clearly defining the role of religion in governance, and rejecting all forms of violence. ----- Ahmed Hussein al-Sharaa also known by his nom de guerre Abu Mohammad al-Julani, is a Syrian politician and former rebel commander who is currently serving as the president of Syria since January 2025. ------ A Syrian Islamist president recently met with former U.S. President Donald Trump and was formally recognized by the European Union (EU). This is a significant development in world affairs. Islamist forces were considered enemies or threats to most Western nations for decades. Now, things are gradually beginning to change. This action would make Islamist parties part of the mainstream politics. This action also brings up significant questions: Can Islamist parties be accepted everywhere in the world? What are the issues that they would face? What does this imply to the world and to the Islamist parties? And how can the parties adapt themselves to be more acceptable? All of these concepts are explained in easy-to-understand terms in this article. 1. From the Margins to the Mainstream: A New Opportunity The Syrian Islamist president and the Donald Trump summit is not just about one country. It proves that the Islamist politics can be embraced globally if they are not violent. Previously, most of the Western leaders believed that all the Islamist groups were just like terrorists. Nowadays, they are coming to know that not all the Islamist groups are violent. This shift gives hope to Islamist parties elsewhere. Tunisia's Ennahda party, for instance, is an excellent example of an Islamist party that is democratic. Morocco's Justice and Development Party (PJD) has also participated in elections without violence. Malaysia's PAS party also works within the democratic framework. These are signs that it is possible to be democratic and Islamic. It is highly significant that the European Union is hosting a Syrian Islamist leader. The EU generally has faith in human rights, democracy, and secularism. So, if the EU can accommodate an Islamist government, it indicates that the world is increasingly tolerant of political Islam. 2. Challenges to Islamist Groups While this change is promising, Islamist movements still face a lot of challenges in being embraced all over the world. a. Past Issues Most of the Islamist movements have a history behind them. Some of them were linked to extremist movements or had radical ideologies. This history does not make it easy for individuals to believe in them now. Western nations and even individuals in Muslim-majority nations fear that such movements would bring strict laws again or violence. B. Divisions Within Not all Islamists are the same. Some of them are democratic-minded, while others are extremely traditional or even extremist. All these differences keep all the Islamists apart. If they wish to be accepted, they must demonstrate that they are united and have a clear agenda. C. Lack Of Experience In Governance Some of the Islamist parties have never held power. When in power, at times, they cannot handle the economy, foreign policy, or public services. This can lead to losing the confidence of the people in them, as in the case of the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt since 2011. D. Opposition From Other Countries Most Middle Eastern governments are either secular or military. They perceive Islamist blocs as threats to their rule. Such governments may attempt to hinder or attack any progress achieved by Islamist parties. e. Expectations from the West Getting assistance from the EU or the U.S. is not without regulations. Islamist parties will have to advance women's rights, minority rights, peace, and democracy. These regulations may conflict with some of their beliefs, so they will have to compromise. 3. Message To The International Community This fresh affirmation conveys strong messages to everyone: A. Political Islam Is Not Necessarily Dangerous It shows that peaceful Islamist groups who have faith in democracy can help bring peace. Islamists are not all extremist groups such as ISIS or al-Qaeda. B. Practical Politics Is About Winning The West is more interested in actual goals such as peace, trade, and stability and less in adhering to principles. If peace in Syria results from cooperation with an Islamist regime, then most nations will consider it a good deal. C. Islamism Can Be Normalized By embracing an Islamist government, the EU and Trump are essentially telling Islamism that if it plays by the rules, it can be included in politics. This sends a message to other Islamist movements that they should play by the rules and attempt to become popular. 4. Message to Islamic Groups This experience also holds significant lessons for Islamist movements: A. Being Moderate Makes You Successful Communities that avoid violence and participate in elections and legislations tend to be recognized more. Extremism only keeps them in isolation. B. Openness Is Necessary If such organizations want to be respected, then they must be open. This means that they must not have hidden agendas or deceive people. They should be involved in addressing real problems for people. C. Be Open And Current Holding on to outdated concepts won't work. The world evolves, and Islamist movements must evolve. They must recognize the issues of today and provide genuine solutions. 5. The New World Order: Room for Islamist Governments? The world is no longer controlled by a superpower or double superpower. Power is distributed among various countries, and governments of various forms are tolerated. Islamist governments belong to the new world order. A. Turkey: A Special Case In President Erdogan's Turkey, nationalism is blended with Islam and modernization. Turkey is viewed by some as a good example of an Islamic democracy, but others are concerned that it is turning into an authoritarian regime (where one person has too much power). B. Tunisia: An Example To Follow The Tunisian Ennahda party attempted to create a democratic Islamic state. They agreed to losing elections and worked with non-religious parties. Even though they are doing poorly today, they proved that Islamist parties can be democratic. C. Malaysia And Indonesia: Islamic Concepts Of Democracy These nations demonstrate that Islamic values are possible in democratic regimes. Islamist parties function within the ballot box, obey the law, and collaborate with other parties. They are not flawless, but they prove that political Islam is possible and can be successful. D. Morocco: Steady Improvement Morocco's PJD dominated for decades in a democratic manner. Even when they lost an election, they conceded graciously. This indicates maturity and respect for democracy. These are examples that show that Islamist states can be of the contemporary world if they are willing to do business honestly and peacefully. 6. What Islamist Groups Ought to Do In order to be received more and to thrive, Islamist organizations must transform on some fronts: A. Welcome All Citizens Islamist parties must demonstrate that they are concerned about everyone and not only Muslims. They must defend the rights of religious minorities, women, and individuals with different beliefs. B. Fix Real Issues Citizens demand jobs, schools, health care, and security. Islamist parties must address these matters, and not solely religion. C. Define The Political Boundaries Of Religion Islamic values are important, but the government can't force individuals to be religious. Religion should provide good leadership, but not control everything in life. d. Working with others Islamist parties are required to join either secular parties or other parties. Collaboration is a sign of maturity and results in stable governments. e. Abhor violence entirely They have to say no clearly and openly to all kinds of violence. When people perceive them as belonging to extreme groups, they lose popular support. 7. Global Reactions and Future Steps The world is watching these events with interest. There could be nations that would welcome this new policy. There are nations, particularly dictatorships, that may be concerned about losing control. Western nations are also taking precautions. If this new trend leads to peace and progress, they may support more Islamist-ruled governments. But risks exist. There are right-wing parties in the West who may not wish to cooperate with Islamists. Extremists can attack moderate Islamists as "traitors" to their cause. The Syrian Islamist president must be careful and show firm leadership. 8. Conclusion: A Moment of Transformation Powerful global actors recognizing a Syrian Islamist president is a big change. It allows Islamist political movements to prove they can be peaceful, democratic, and supportive of their people. But this is not an easy way in. Islamist groups need to work hard to fit into global politics by changing, getting better, and paying attention to their people’s needs. They must let go of old habits and prove that they can govern fairly. This is a time to harbour hope. Political Islam can be afforded a chance to improve the world and make it a more vibrant place. This is a chance. The future will depend on how well they utilize it. ---- URL: https://www.newageislam.com/islam-politics/ex-isis-syrian-president-watershed-islamist-politics/d/135690 New Age Islam, Islam Online, Islamic Website, African Muslim News, Arab World News, South Asia News, Indian Muslim News, World Muslim News, Women in Islam, Islamic Feminism, Arab Women, Women In Arab, Islamophobia in America, Muslim Women in West, Islam Women and Feminism