"But
as Jabhat al-Nusra increasingly claims a range of other attacks, including
kidnappings and bombings across the country, it is becoming clear that the group
is cementing a presence on the ground and expanding its reach, said Zelin of the
Washington Institute for Near East Policy.
There
is, however, no evidence that the group has logistical or financial ties to
al-Qaeda, Zelin said. Abu Ibrahim, whose pants, T-shirt and scruffy stubble give
him a more secular air than some of the heavily bearded fighters under his
command, denied any affiliation to the terrorist network." (thanks Mohammad)
