"No longer just about a revolution"

"There may have been some truth to the opposition's accusations in the past, but both explanations now seem unsatisfactory. As the state's grip on the country weakens and the bloodshed increases, there is more space for radicalisation. Extremists have been a tiny contingent of the uprising thus far but last month a new jihadi group calling itself "Jabhat al-Nusra" ("The Salvation Front") released a video claiming responsibility for previous bombings and a string of small explosions. Those on the ground say members of Hizb al-Tahrir, a pan-Islamist group, are also appearing at demonstrations. Although it is unclear who is behind this weekend's bombings, the involvement of extremist groups in Syria's violence looks increasingly likely.  The latest violence confirms to Syrians that the stability for which their country has long been renowned has all but gone. Improvised explosive devices are now regular occurences. The uprising continues, but as one young professional from Damascus comments: "There is a sense that this is now bigger than us. It is no longer just about a revolution but about something else that feels out of our control."" (thanks Mohammad)