Opposition forces battling Bashar al-Assad's regime in Syria now number around 100,000 fighters, but after more than two years of fighting they are fragmented into as many as 1,000 bands.
The new study by IHS Jane's, a defence consultancy, estimates there are around 10,000 jihadists - who would include foreign fighters - fighting for powerful factions linked to al-Qaeda..
Another 30,000 to 35,000 are hardline Islamists who share much of the outlook of the jihadists, but are focused purely on the Syrian war rather than a wider international struggle.
There are also at least a further 30,000 moderates belonging to groups that have an Islamic character, meaning only a small minority of the rebels are linked to secular or purely nationalist groups.
The stark assessment, to be published later this week, accords with the view of Western diplomats estimate that less than one third of the opposition forces are "palatable" to Britain, while American envoys put the figure even lower.
Syria: nearly half rebel fighters are jihadists or hardline Islamists, says IHS Jane's report - Telegraph
Yeah WW has a thread up on this and we also have the info here with more on the Rebels/Terrorists.....including who's groups belongs to whom. The Command of the FSA SNC. Their backers. Al Nusra and the Kurds. Plus some of their heroic feats.
http://www.debatepolitics.com/middle-east/171776-honor-syrian-rebels-w-90-a-11.html#post1062320634
Whoops didn't see that !
If this is accurate I'll to re-think my position on the subject.
It's a private (publicly traded) data handling company. Where did they get their data?
Some of the same people who refuse to believe the US Secretary of State have no problem believing a private data handling company with data from an unknown source.
From the article:
"The study is based on intelligence estimates and interviews with activists and militants. The lengthy fighting has seen the emergence of hundreds of separate rebel bands, each operating in small pockets of the country, which are usually loyal to larger factions."
Intel estimates from whom? Who was interviewed?
I would assume intel estimates from the Westen intelligence agencies and militants on the ground, but IDK though.
I would assume intel estimates from the Westen intelligence agencies and militants on the ground, but IDK though.
And for the hat trick:
And? WHats your point?
It's a private (publicly traded) data handling company. Where did they get their data?
Some of the same people who refuse to believe the US Secretary of State have no problem believing a private data handling company with data from an unknown source.
More reputable than the White House, always has been.
You're now claiming that a random company, who does not reveal sources, is more reliable than the White House?
The White House spins as does #10 Downing Street and all the others.
Your loyalty is with corporations that refuse to reveal sources?
I have no loyalty other than to the constitution. And the truth when I can find it!
Your loyalty is with corporations that refuse to reveal sources?
So, are you saying you believe anything and everything the government says?
So, are you saying you believe anything and everything the government says?
No, I'm asking why you believe a private corporation that refuses to give sources or evidence.
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