Meet Jamal Maarouf, the West’s best fighting chance against Syria’s Islamist armies.
▻http://www.foreignpolicy.com/articles/2014/03/11/the_frontman_vs_al_qaeda_jamal_maarouf_syria_rebels
“In terms of the Syrian conflict all together, I think he’s predominantly been seen as an opportunist,” says Charles Lister, a visiting fellow at the Brookings Doha center. “For a period of time prior to the formation of the SRF under his leadership, his popular support on the ground had reduced significantly and he was almost decried within certain circles.”
All this turned on a dime when Maarouf first took on ISIS. (...)
For Maarouf and his men, this confidence has translated into an influx of weapons and cash — mostly from Saudi Arabia, Maarouf says. The rebel commander shrugs off a question about whether his close ties to the kingdom are problematic for someone who claims to fight only for the Syrian people.
“Saudi Arabia supported the revolution from the beginning,” he says, unruffled. “Until now we haven’t received any other support, so we thank Saudi Arabia very much for all they have given us.”
Et il a aussi la confiance de David Ignatius
▻http://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/david-ignatius-in-syria-a-rebel-with-a-cause/2014/03/13/ccaaec8e-aaeb-11e3-adbc-888c8010c799_story.html