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Jihad in Syria: The Penetration of Radical Islam in the Syrian Conflict

(Institute for National Security Studies-Tel Aviv University) Jonathan Robinson, Tal First, and Einav Yogev - Recent reports of dozens of Kuwaiti jihadists traveling to fight in the Syrian conflict further highlight the stronger foothold radical Islamic groups are gaining in Syria. Since January 2012, Syria has been transformed into a major battleground of the jihad world. At least ten different notable foreign and Syrian groups with varying ideologies are waging militant jihad in Syria. For the main Syrian opposition, the radical Islamic elements are currently a necessary but problematic partner in its fight against the Syrian government: By keeping these radical Islamic groups at arm's length, making alliances with some, and denouncing others (especially al-Qaeda), they are hoping to utilize these groups' fighting power without damaging their credibility in the eyes of the Syrian people and the international community.
2012-07-18 00:00:00
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