The article examines the complex figure of Abu Muhammad al-Julani, also known as Ahmed al-Sharaa, questioning whether he is a reformed leader seeking stability in Syria or a deceptive figure masking extremist intentions. It highlights the challenges Western policymakers face in assessing Middle East leaders, referencing historical precedents where Western optimism about supposed reformers led to misguided policies and unintended consequences. The piece argues that any Western engagement with al-Sharaa should be strictly conditioned on genuine reforms, including the elimination of hate-driven education and media, and a clear break from extremist ideologies and terrorist entities. Ultimately, the article urges caution, suggesting that Western leaders must learn from past mistakes and thoroughly scrutinize the true intentions behind apparent transformations in the region.