Contrary to claims by Bashar al-Assad's regime, the role of Islamists in Syria's uprising is minor
AhramOnline
"Despite accusations by Syrian authorities, Islamists did not instigate and are not leading the unrest that has rocked the country for a month, although they are partners in the protests, analysts say.
"They are certainly present but they are not directing it. This popular uprising does not depend on the old political parties," said Rime Allaf, a researcher on Syria at London-based think-tank Chatham House.
Around 220 people have been killed by security forces or plainclothes police since the emergence of the protest movement in mid-March, according to human rights watchdog Amnesty International.
"The Muslim Brotherhood has lost much of its influence since (the 1982 massacre in) Hama, and especially after they allied themselves with former vice president Abdel Halim Khaddam," Allaf said.
Khaddam was second in command during the rule of Hafez al-Assad -- father of the the current President Bashar al-Assad -- before breaking with the regime in 2006......"
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