Wednesday, March 4, 2015

The Rebranding Of A Syrian Al Qaeda Linked Rebel Group

Members of al Qaeda's Nusra Front gesture as they drive in a convoy touring villages, which they said they have seized control of from Syrian rebel factions, in the southern countryside of Idlib, December 2, 2014. Credit: Reuters/Khalil Ashawi

(Reuters) - Leaders of Syria's Nusra Front are considering cutting their links with al Qaeda to form a new entity backed by some Gulf states trying to topple President Bashar al-Assad, sources said.

Sources within and close to Nusra said that Qatar, which enjoys good relations with the group, is encouraging the group to go ahead with the move, which would give Nusra a boost in funding.

The exercise could transform Nusra from a weakened militia group into a force capable of taking on Islamic State at a time when it is under pressure from bombing raids and advances by Kurdish and Iraqi military forces.

WNU Editor: With the defeat of U.S. backed Syrian rebels in the northern part of the country by the Al Qaeda linked al-Nusra Front .... this soon to be "re-branded group" will have the weapons .... U.S.-Backed Syrian Rebel Group Collapses, U.S.-Supplied Weapons End Up in Al-Qaeda Hands. Unexpectedly. (PJ Media). Here is a sober analysis on this development .... U.S., Qatar Plan To Rebrand AlQaeda Into "Moderate" Rebels (Moon Of Alabama).

More News On Reports That Syrian Rebel Group Al-Nusra Wants To Sever All Ties With Al Qaeda

Syria's Nusra Front may leave Qaida to form new entity -- Jerusalem Post
Syria's al-Nusra Front mulls cutting al-Qaeda ties in Qatar-backed plan: sources -- Middle East Eye
Al-Qaeda Losing ‘Deadly Competition’ With ISIS -- Jack Moore, Newsweek

WNU Editor: Hat Tip to reader Jay for this lead.

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