THE HYBRID THAT MAY JUST CATCH ON!!!

First off, let me just say that this is a very well-written article by Hussein Jemmo.

Now, let's get down to what could prove to be a critical discussion on the future of the Middle East.

I'll start by saying Jabhat al-Nusra could very well be the result of years of experimentation by Islamic fundamentalist groups that has resulted in a concept an organization unlike any of its predecessors.

The author of this article has does an outstanding job of listing  the differences that Nusra has accomplished in its operations inside of Syria.

If you were to remove the religious aspects of these accomplishments, you might begin to see what I consider to be some of the 21st century tenants of warfare.

I'm not going to get tied down in discussions of fourth-generation and fifth generation and so on and so on; that's truly irrelevant at this point.

What is clear with the actions of the Nusra groups in Syria is their desire and their focus.

In an attempt to capture some of the more important aspects of what the author of this article states are taking place inside of this organization, I would like to speak to a few specific facts.

First off, it appears Nusra is already plotting and planning for dealing with the FSA and the so-called government in exile after the fall of Assad.

The simple fact that this group realizes that their in-state goal must have a plan for dealing with the FSA and all the others who will  come rushing to Damascus proclaiming they are the new government is brilliant.

The fact that Nusra already realizes this obstacle is in itself a change from some of the old habits of Islamic fundamentalist organizations.

The next item I found more than interesting is how Nusra controlled and continues to control the "targets" they choose to engage.

Determining conflicts based upon lines of support and friendly forces to your left and right is a concept not often followed by most amateurish resistance groups.

The fact that this organization picks and chooses after careful planning when to attack, where to attack and why to attack is an indication of just how more advanced they truly are in the other groups in the Syrian resistance.

I also found it noteworthy how this organization goes to great strides to keep its operational missions as simple as possible.

Understanding the confusion and distraction that results from being tied down in  support matters after a conflict, such as other Islamic fundamentalist groups tend to do, is detrimental to the overall mission and

 Avoiding these mistakes is key to this organizations overall success.

Simply put, Jabhat al-Nusra has developed a very focused and deliberate process for engagement inside of Syria.

This hybrid organization also seems to have captured the most critical issue to their survival and future; winning the respect of the people they claim to be defending.

Calling this organization the "Islamic Army" is an indication of just how far they have come in the critical process of "hearts and minds"!

When the FSA is referred to as "thieves" their future in a leadership role inside of Syria is more than doubtful!

Now, after heaping praise upon this author in this article, I do cast doubt on the amount of credit given toal-Qaeda for providing guidance.

We're really looking at here is an Islamic fundamentalists/military operation that is based upon some very proven concepts of engagement in both kinetic warfare, guerrilla warfare and psychological warfare.

The balance has been achieved here, at least for now, is noteworthy in quite frankly disturbing to those who oppose the Islamic fundamentalist movement.

One group we can place into the "proposed" column interestingly enough is the Syrian Muslim brotherhood.

The continued success of Jabhat al-Nusra is bad news for what the Islamic fundamentalist consider "middle of the road" members such as the Muslim brotherhood.

In the never-ending world of the betrayal Nusra leaders will have to be careful in the future topic of the Syrian Muslim brotherhood.

But, if these leaders have had the vision to deal with the FSA in the near future, then they are probably well underway formatting a plan to deal with the Syrian Muslim brotherhood.

Jabhat al-Nusra is exactly what this author claims it could be; a hybrid\Phoenix\that could prove far more effective in the region than many are giving it credit for.

It took years of conflict with the Soviet Union for the Taliban to shape itself into a refined operation.

Out of the ashes of Syria comes the Phoenix???

 I bet the GCC and the MB are praying it's just a myth!!! 

It could very well be we are witnessing the "Taliban" of Syria growing into a major player right before our very eyes.

We shall see!

http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/security/2013/01/jabhat-al-nusras-goals-extend-beyond-syria.html