Much has been written about Jabhat al-Nusra, which has been fighting alongside the Free Syrian Army (FSA). Many fear that its power is increasing as the opposition gains strength, especially now that some political and military analysts argue that the end is approaching for the Syrian regime.

Jabhat al-Nusra li-Ahl al-Sham, to give its full name, is a Salafist movement that first called for establishing an Islamic state in Syria when violence between the regime and opposition forces intensified at the end of 2011. In its first statement, issued on Jan. 24, 2012, the front called for jihad in Syria and urged the people to take up arms against the Syrian regime.

Jabhat al-Nusra has taken credit for several major attacks, notably the bombings of the general staff building in Damascus in fall 2012, of the Air Force Intelligence Directorate headquarters in Harasta and of the military club in Aleppo. The international community is increasingly worried about Jabhat al-Nusra, which is affiliated with the Sunnis, Syria's biggest demographic group. Jabhat al-Nusra is alleged to include Islamist extremists who plan to implement their personal agendas once Bashar al-Assad's regime falls and Syria enters a transitional phase.

When the front was first established, most of its members were experienced Syrian combatants who had fought previous jihadist battles in Iraq, Afghanistan, Chechnya and elsewhere. Its fighters today include Arabs, Turks, Uzbeks, Chechens, Tajiks and a minority of Europeans. To join the front, a recruit must commit to religious obligations, obtain a recommendation from a trusted person and prove his seriousness and discipline.