The_Guardian_-_2016-12-29

links to the global jihadi struggle but dedicated only to fighting Bashar al-Assad’s regime and its
allies.
In recent years, al-Qaida has repeatedly attempted to downplay its links to local groups to avoid
alienating communities which do not want to be part of a “global jihad” but which hope Islamic
hardliners might impose order and honest, if rigorous, administration in areas they control.
Western officials fear JFS will not only dominate the jihadi landscape in the Levant following the
defeat of Isis, but may also provide a springboard for al-Qaida to launch strikes into Europe, should
the group change its current strategy. Zawahiri has made it clear that although the group may have
prioritised local campaigns for the moment, it still remains committed to attacks on the west in the
long term.
“As the Islamic State continues to lose territory and as the international coalition continues targeted
airstrikes, we are likely to see another name in the headlines more often: Jabhat Fateh al-Sham,” said
Matthew Henman, of Jane’s Terrorism and Insurgency Centre.
Hoffman described JFS as “even more capable than the Islamic State and a more dangerous long-term
threat”.
This article was downloaded by calibre from https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/dec/29/a-more-dangerous-longterm-threat-al-qaida-grows-as-isis-retreats
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