Special Report - Syria's Islamists seize control as moderates dither

[dipsydoodle]

(Reuters) - As the Syrian civil war got under way, a former electrician who calls himself Sheikh Omar built up a brigade of rebel fighters. In two years of struggle against President Bashar al-Assad, they came to number 2,000 men, he said, here in the northern city of Aleppo. Then, virtually overnight, they collapsed.

Omar's group, Ghurabaa al-Sham, wasn't defeated by the government. It was dismantled by a rival band of revolutionaries - hardline Islamists.

The Islamists moved against them at the beginning of May. After three days of sporadic clashes Omar's more moderate fighters, accused by the Islamists of looting, caved in and dispersed, according to local residents. Omar said the end came swiftly.

The Islamists confiscated the brigade's weapons, ammunition and cars, Omar said. "They considered this war loot. Maybe they think we are competitors," he said. "We have no idea about their goals. What we have built in two years disappeared in a single day."

The group was effectively marginalised in the struggle to overthrow Syria's President Bashar al-Assad. Around 100 fighters are all that remain of his force, Omar said.

http://uk.reuters.com/article/2013/06/19/uk-syria-rebels-islamists-specialreport-idUKBRE95I0BJ20130619

[David__77]

1. The article clearly points out why arming insurgents means arming al Qaeda.

Nusra Queda is part of the "state power" in east/north Aleppo, as is the SNC-affiliated Islamist group operating there. The two groups are formally organizationally integrated. Qaeda = "Supreme Military Council" = "moderate rebels." This is really criminal. I hope that Obama rethinks the matter carefully.

[John2]

2. The information

on who joined his group was much more informational. Also what they did when they went into Aleppo. It seems like the merry gang of Robinhood. The law abiding citizens refused to join them and what he attracted were criminals and thugs. So they went into Aleppo and started stealing, but was muscled out by more organized Terrorists. Alqaeda just took advantage and moved in. That is exactly what they did.

The military authority and police authority, just broke down in Aleppo. Now all of Syria's enemies are trying to take advantage of the situation and move in. Where is this Free syrian Army and whom does General Idris really command except the group of soldiers that deserted their posts with him? If it was an American soldier, Idriss would be considered a traitor and deserter in violation of his oath.

I don't know these men personally, but how do we know, Idriss and his men, hasn't pocketed any money or payed a bribe by Turkey,Saudi Arabia or Qatar, to desert? He reportedly deserted with 2000 of his men. Like I said, any U.S. General or soldier doing what Idriss and his men did, would be considered traitors. Just how many of these soldiers that deserted has been killed, wounded or re-captured in this two year conflict? How do we know they are not on some beach living the good life? It is very easy to make some video, but doesn't mean you are still fighting in Syria. And if Idris was really in Syria, I'm pretty sure the Syrian Army would be attacking his head quarters. He probably just makes appearances and go back across the border in some hotel.

[bemildred]

3. They used to be called "free companies".

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Free_company

Their goals are loot, weapons, slaves, and power, it's always the same.