The gun will continue to be the decisive factor in Syria’s civil war as both President Bashar al-Asad’s Ba’th Party and the opposition Syrian National Coalition (SNC) undergo leadership transitions.
Ghassan Hitto, named Prime Minister of the Istanbul and Cairo-based SNC in March, resigned his post on 8 July – citing his inability to form a transitional government. The SNC has yet to replace Mr Hitto. On 6 July, Ahmad al-Jarba was named President of the SNC, replacing acting President George Sabra. Mr Jarba fled Syria for Saudi Arabia in 2011 and is said to have since developed close ties with the Saudi leadership. He is also a prominent advocate for international arms transfers to rebel groups. His Saudi ties may help to facilitate this. (CONTINUED - 363 WORDS)
