Weeks of fighting at Bukamal between ISIS and the rival al-Qaeda faction Jabhat al-Nusra came to an end today, when Nusra’s local commander pledged his loyalty to ISIS.
The move reflects the growing ISIS control of the border between Iraq and Syria, and as ISIS was expanding its hold in Syria’s Deir Ezzor Province, Nusra could no longer practically resist them.
Nusra and ISIS were initially both al-Qaeda affiliates, but ISIS has since been disavowed over its tactics. As ISIS becomes more successful than al-Qaeda itself ever was, groups like Jabhat al-Nusra may be finding themselves looking to switch sides to the ideologically very similar faction.
The question of this merger being repeated is non-trivial, as Nusra is likely the second most successful rebel faction in Syria behind ISIS, and a merger would expand ISIS control over much of Syria, ending the disputed status of many towns.
Shocking, who would have thought…
And what's next, the US will arm them so they can overthrow Assad and kill Shia, and fulfill israel's dream, a dream that the Americans haven't entirely made happen- march into Tehran?
Knew it! Just a matter of time before those so- called “moderate rebels” jump ship and join ISIS with the looted Money and American stolen weapons….of course, those that were supplied by the US.
Has anybody told McCrazy and Grahamcrackers that their "moderates", you know, the ones they want us to supply lethal weapons to, have joined with the "badguys" they want us to help the Iraqis fight? I'm going to enjoy the spin on this one…
So if the US goal of replacing Assad succeeds, the replacement government will most likely be drawn from the leadership ranks of ISIS / Jabhat al-Nusra. The War on Terror that began with attacks on al-Qaeda strongholds in Afghanistan has reached a point where the USG is helping to create an al-Qaeda stronghold in Syria. If this is success, it's hard to imagine what failure would look like.
The US has no idea what it's doing. Well, maybe it is good at "flailing about blindly in a tub filled with chaos." Better to stay home, but, I digress.