Rise of the Nusra Front in the Syrian Civil War

Although much of media attention is given to Islamic State, there is another continually growing force known as Jabhat al-Nusra or the Nusra Front. In one article I read, “In Syrian Civil war, emergance of Islamic State of Iraq and Syria boosts rival Jabhat al-Nusra”, the author brings to light the increase in power and somewhat popularity of Nusra late in 2013. He illustrates that with the rise of ISIS, the extremist members and majority of foreign members of Nusra have left to join this new growing group, making Nusra appear to be more moderate, and therefore more tolerated by the public. He also explains that Nusra can now be a way for Syrians to fight against ISIS, although many are still weary about working with this group. However in an article written not a week ago, “Nusra Front Quietly Rises in Syria as Islamic State Targeted”, shows that the expansion and strengthening of Nusra has caused popularity to decrease with Syrians as the groups brutality has become more known. With IS purposefully publicizing its violent actions, many were more willing to support Nusra; however it is becoming more apparent that the group may not be any different morally. Both of these articles show how different extremist groups in this civil war have boosted and/or discredited one another. I also chose these articles because they showed another side of the Islamic fight in the revolution – that IS is not the only group who wishes for an all Islamic Syria.

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