The Syrian branch of al-Qaeda is currently having a dispute with al-Qaeda in Iraq. Al-Nusra Front has been different than other al-Qaeda affliates. They have not attacked Christians, it was other al-Qaeda factions that have. In areas under al-Nusra control, women do not have to covered and alcohol sales are permitted. They have also done something no other al-Qaeda faction has done, they have recruited female fighters!
Al-Nusra has learned the lessons of al-Qaeda in Iraq. Rather than use terror, they are trying to win hearts and minds of the Syrian population. Most of al-Nusra’s fighter are defected Syrian soldiers and were not hardcore Islamists to begin with. What is really going is that Nusra is playing a game for Western audiences. I would not be shock if they publicly break with al-Qaeda and declare they are fighting for a Democratic and tolerant Syria all to receive foreign aid. Then after Assad is removed, their true colors will be revealed.
Tags: al Nusra Front, Arab Spring, Syrian War
