An official with opposition factions in Syria told AP this week that leaders of the Islamic State (IS, formally ISIS) terror militia and Al-Qaida factions active in Syria have officially decided to stop fighting each other and cooperate against their mutual enemies. If confirmed, the report would massively complicate US-led efforts to fight IS, but American intelligence officials reportedly believe the two groups are unlikely to be able to work together because of their many differences. However, Washington has other problems, as reports have surfaced that air strikes against Al-Nusra Front positions in Syria have had the effect of alienating many of the “moderate” rebel factions the US is trying to recruit and train to battle IS. Also, IS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, who was rumored to be killed in an airstrike last week, released a 16-minute voice recording Thursday showing that he is very much alive. Read More
