|
Trending Topics
|
Source: http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/nationworld/2018815626_apmlsyriadefectorsuspicions.html
Syria Rebels Suspicious over Defector's Motives
(AP-Seattle Times) Zeina Karam - Former Syrian general Manaf Tlass, Syria's most prominent defector, has been touring regional powers to garner support for the uprising. But many in the opposition are deeply suspicious of the longtime friend of President Bashar Assad, believing he is just trying to vault to power. To the international community, particularly Sunni powerhouses Turkey, Saudi Arabia and Qatar, Tlass may appear the perfect figure to lead a transitional government. As a secular Sunni Muslim with a military background and insider's knowledge of the regime, Tlass would seem to hold credentials to keep the country's military and security forces intact. According to one U.S. official, "The opposition views him suspiciously. He has no credibility. For us, he is really a non-player. We are not trying to maneuver anything with him."