Islamist Rebels Create Dilemma on Syria Policy

With the knowledge that Assad's regime has used chemical weapons against his own people, the Obama administration is hesitant to strongly support the rebel opposition because of its extreme Islamic nature. Rebels aligned with Al Qaeda have seized government oil fields and established courts that enforce Islamic law. Two years of violence has "radicalized the armed opposition," leaving few groups that share America's political vision for Syria. The descent into civil war has hardened sectarian differences. Of the most concern is the rebel group Nusra Front, whose leader confirmed cooperation with Al Qaeda in Iraq and pledged fealty to Osama bin Laden's long-time deputy and now top Al Qaeda leader. They are pushing for an Islamic state in the wake of Assad's secular government violence.

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/04/28/world/middleeast/islamist-rebels-gains-in-syria-create-dilemma-for-us.html?pagewanted=1&_r=0&ref=world

Jill Laumbacher