This is part of an effort to unify a fragmented coalition of rebel groups into a professional military structure, according to two Syrian sources cited in the report. The decision to grant official roles—some of them senior ones—to jihadists may raise concerns among foreign governments and Syrian citizens, despite the administration’s pledges to govern with tolerance and avoid exporting an Islamic revolution.
A spokesperson for Syria’s government did not respond to requests for comment regarding the rationale behind these appointments. According to the sources quoted by Reuters, six of the 49 military positions announced by the Defence Ministry on Sunday were assigned to foreign fighters. Reuters has not been able to independently verify the nationalities of those appointed. (Read More)
