Analysis: After all, Do Syrians

Really Want An Islamic State?

"The truth is that, led astray by the fear regarding Assad's chemical arsenal and the uncontrolled warlordism unravelling on the ground, analysts 'overestimated' the link between the Syrians' short-term need to find an 'efficient' liberator and the willingness to follow such radical agenda later at times of peace. Indeed what is happening is that Jabhat al-Nusra is building its popularity on the ability to address the civilians' primary needs while carrying out the most effective military operations against the regime. But this does not mean their ideological aim matches the kind of Syria most citizens wish to see out of this bloody conflict. Therefore it seems the popularity of the 'hardcore' narrative is just temporary."