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RP Members and Connections - what are your thoughts?
The battle for Aleppo could be a turning point in Syria’s civil war — not simply because it may prove a decisive moment in the struggle between the government and the opposition, but because the leadership of the rebel forces is at stake.
Rebel groups have struggled to reorganize and recover from the heavy blows dealt them by the joint Russian and Iranian military surge that began last fall and has shifted the military momentum back toward the government. Yet the already powerful Qaeda franchise Jabhat al-Nusra (or Nusra Front) has now moved to ensure its indispensability and consolidate its influence over more moderate opposition militias.
The Nusra Front fighters have been key players in a loose alliance in the crucial struggle over Aleppo that has recently produced significant rebel victories. Nusra is seeking to build on this success with a deft tactical rebranding: On July 28, its leader, Abu Mohammed al-Jolani, announced that the organization was breaking ties with Al Qaeda and forming a new organization, Jabhat Fatah al-Sham (or Levant Conquest Front).
In practice, this rebranding is virtually meaningless. Mr. Jolani left no doubt that his group, under whatever name, retains its Qaeda-inspired ideology: His announcement was peppered with effusive praise for Al Qaeda, its current leadership and Osama bin Laden, and he promised no deviation from standard existing doctrines.
Analysts believe that the timing of Mr. Jolani’s announcement was linked to American and Russian air attacks — and especially a proposed but as yet unrealized joint air campaign — against his group. (Russia has already started targeting it.) For their part, Al Qaeda’s leaders said they approved the supposed split, strongly implying its tactical purpose.
(SEE THE REST OF THE ARTICLE!)
The battle for Aleppo could be a turning point in Syria’s civil war — not simply because it may prove a decisive moment in the struggle between the government and the opposition, but because the leadership of the rebel forces is at stake.
Rebel groups have struggled to reorganize and recover from the heavy blows dealt them by the joint Russian and Iranian military surge that began last fall and has shifted the military momentum back toward the government. Yet the already powerful Qaeda franchise Jabhat al-Nusra (or Nusra Front) has now moved to ensure its indispensability and consolidate its influence over more moderate opposition militias.
The Nusra Front fighters have been key players in a loose alliance in the crucial struggle over Aleppo that has recently produced significant rebel victories. Nusra is seeking to build on this success with a deft tactical rebranding: On July 28, its leader, Abu Mohammed al-Jolani, announced that the organization was breaking ties with Al Qaeda and forming a new organization, Jabhat Fatah al-Sham (or Levant Conquest Front).
In practice, this rebranding is virtually meaningless. Mr. Jolani left no doubt that his group, under whatever name, retains its Qaeda-inspired ideology: His announcement was peppered with effusive praise for Al Qaeda, its current leadership and Osama bin Laden, and he promised no deviation from standard existing doctrines.
Analysts believe that the timing of Mr. Jolani’s announcement was linked to American and Russian air attacks — and especially a proposed but as yet unrealized joint air campaign — against his group. (Russia has already started targeting it.) For their part, Al Qaeda’s leaders said they approved the supposed split, strongly implying its tactical purpose.
(SEE THE REST OF THE ARTICLE!)
Calling Al Qaeda’s Bluff - NYTimes.com
Posted from mobile.nytimes.com
Al Qaeda
Russia
United States
Edited >1 y ago
Posted >1 y ago
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The war in the Middle East will continue to resemble Whack-A-Mole until someone takes over who has the will to win it decisively and then leave before the next version pops up (which does not include nation building)
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They need to concentrate on what is helping them win the little battles.
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COL Mikel J. Burroughs the NY Times is not the most unbiased newspaper by any means. I had to laugh at the title of their editorial which focuses on al Nusra Front in Syria which is a franchise of al Qaeda.
Iran's franchisee Hezbollah has been active in western Syria near the Mediterranean and Lebanon while the Russians have been active in protecting their air bases and the Assad government assets.
"On July 28, its leader, Abu Mohammed al-Jolani, announced that the organization was breaking ties with Al Qaeda and forming a new organization, Jabhat Fatah al-Sham (or Levant Conquest Front)."
al Qaeda is deft at manipulating the news media. Rebranding has long been a tactic of radical Islamic groups going back to the PLO and its offshoots including Black September, Abu Nadal's various groups, etc. I expect the Nusra Front is exercising a disinformation campaign.
For a NY rag like the New York times to talk about calling al Qaeda's bluff was the 15th anniversary of the attack on the twin towers is ironic at best.
Disclaimer: When I was a plebe cadet at West Point [1976-1977] we had to be able to discuss the information in the NY times when asked by an upper classman. I get the NY Times news feeds sent to my email inbox each day.
Iran's franchisee Hezbollah has been active in western Syria near the Mediterranean and Lebanon while the Russians have been active in protecting their air bases and the Assad government assets.
"On July 28, its leader, Abu Mohammed al-Jolani, announced that the organization was breaking ties with Al Qaeda and forming a new organization, Jabhat Fatah al-Sham (or Levant Conquest Front)."
al Qaeda is deft at manipulating the news media. Rebranding has long been a tactic of radical Islamic groups going back to the PLO and its offshoots including Black September, Abu Nadal's various groups, etc. I expect the Nusra Front is exercising a disinformation campaign.
For a NY rag like the New York times to talk about calling al Qaeda's bluff was the 15th anniversary of the attack on the twin towers is ironic at best.
Disclaimer: When I was a plebe cadet at West Point [1976-1977] we had to be able to discuss the information in the NY times when asked by an upper classman. I get the NY Times news feeds sent to my email inbox each day.
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