Ahmed Muwaffaq Zidan, a former Al-Jazeera journalist known for his extensive coverage of extremist groups and past interviews with Osama bin Laden, was appointed media and political advisor to Ahmad al-Sharaa, the transitional president of Syria, on August 3. Al-Sharaa, also known as Abu Mohammad al-Jolani, leads Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), a group with historical links to al-Qaeda. This appointment has drawn significant criticism from various quarters, including secular Syrian activists, Kurdish sources, and international observers. Zidan, born in Idlib in 1966, served as Al Jazeera's bureau chief in Islamabad, Pakistan, for over two decades, covering Afghanistan and Pakistan. During this period, he gained notable access to al-Qaeda and other jihadist organizations. According to the announcement, > "Zidan had significant access to al-Qaeda and other jihadist groups, conducting at least two exclusive interviews with bin Laden (one in Kabul in November 2000, where bin Laden indirectly claimed responsibility for the USS Cole attack, and another earlier)." His interactions with al-Qaeda figures, including covering bin Laden's son's wedding and broadcasting exclusive tapes, led to him being described as a "close associate" or "advisor" to bin Laden in various reports. Zidan, however, has consistently maintained that his contacts were purely journalistic, asserting he was embedded to report on extremist groups, not to support them. He also authored a book, "Bin Laden Without a Mask," detailing his experiences. Controversies surrounding Zidan persist, notably with leaked U.S. intelligence documents from 2015 that allegedly placed him on a U.S. government "kill list." These documents, revealed by The Intercept and WikiLeaks, labeled him a suspected al-Qaeda courier and member based on metadata. Zidan subsequently sued the U.S. government in 2017, challenging the targeting and classification of journalists operating in such sensitive environments. His past has also seen accusations of softening the image of jihadist groups and mediating for HTS, including arranging press conferences. Critics argue that his appointment signals continued influence of hardline Islamist elements within the new Syrian government. This raises concerns about the direction and inclusivity of the transitional administration, which is striving to gain broader trust and international recognition. Ahmad al-Sharaa assumed the presidency of Syria in January 2025, following the fall of the Assad regime in December 2024, leading a transitional government. His administration is tasked with filling the power vacuum, maintaining civil peace, and building state institutions. The inclusion of figures like Zidan, despite their controversial pasts, highlights the complex political landscape and challenges facing the new Syrian leadership.