Skip to main content

Jabhat al-Nusra Disrupts Syrian Opposition

Mohammad Harfoush analyzes the growing influence of the Salafist jihadist group Jabhat al-Nusra, and concludes that despite its military success, it has "contributed to the disarray of the revolution."
Fighters from the Islamist Syrian rebel group Jabhat al-Nusra sit in their tank near Taftanaz military airport January 12, 2013. Picture taken January 12, 2013.REUTERS/Abdalghne Karoof (SYRIA - Tags: CIVIL UNREST MILITARY POLITICS CONFLICT) - RTR3CFWU
Read in 

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.

Access the Middle East news and analysis you can trust

Join our community of Middle East readers to experience all of Al-Monitor, including 24/7 news, analyses, memos, reports and newsletters.

Subscribe

Only $100 per year.