On December 11, 2012 the U.S. Government declared al-Nusrah (aka the al-Nusra Front, Jabhat al-Nusrah) to be a terrorist organization linked to al-Qaeda. Over 30 independent Syrian opposition groups denounced the designation and gave their support to al-Nusrah. In the eyes of the Obama administration al-Nusrah’s links to al-Qaeda were strong enough to justify the designation. But your terrorist may be someone’s freedom fighter.
When the citizens of Deir Baalbeh, near the city of Homs, found themselves under attack by Alawite fighters who support Syrian President Assad they were unprepared for the level of violence aimed at them. These innocent civilians first suffered a crushing massacre in Assad’s December 29th assault on Homs. Over 200 died, including, of course, many women and children. While it is fruitless to compare tragedies, the latest atrocities are of smaller numbers but more horrifying details.
Kavkas is reporting that “Bodies of 50 ritually murdered Muslims [Young Madrassa students. ed.] were found. They bore signs of torture and have so far not been identified.” They were abducted Sunday, at a checkpoint, on their way home from school.
In shock and fear the residents of Deir Baalbeh are turning to al-Nusrah for help.Seen as a capable fighting force, al-Nusrah is gaining respect and power as it combats Assad’s forces. It is also gaining recruits. When the fighting is over and the power struggles intensify it is clear that al-Nusrah will have a big influence.
How this will play out for American foreign policy is unclear. Even though we’ve held hands with terrorists, dictators, and tyrants before, international media is a different now, and U.S. hypocrisy no longer goes without note by our allies and enemies alike. The fall of the Assad regime will probably mark a further deterioration of American influence in the Arab world.
January 5, 2013 by Bruce Wallace, 121Contact
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