""Most of the groups comprising the Army of Conquest are Islamist and jihadist in nature, but they have nonetheless beaten back Assad’s forces. They recruit fighters from the Syrian people despite their affiliation with Islamist groups such as the Nusra Front. The lack of international support for any major armed coalition in western Syria has cleared the way for the Army of Conquest to become the most powerful force in Syria in the future. Lieutenant Abu Hamza made it clear that, despite the presence of Al-Qaida in its ranks, there is nothing impeding the FSA’s cooperation with it."" (thanks Frank)