[Al Ahram] Syria's main political opposition will attempt to nominate a new leader to unify a fractured coalition when members reconvene in Istanbul on Thursday, an official said.They can forget it now. Just go home, once the Syrian opposition became tainted by cannibalism.
Frontrunners include the secretary general of the Syrian National Coalition Mustafa al-Sabbagh, and Ahmad Assi Jarba, representing the faction of veteran secular dissident Michel Kilo.
They change leadership about as often as most people change socks.
Recognised by dozens of states and organizations as the legitimate representative of the Syrian people, the umbrella group is seeking a successor to interim president Georges Sabra, who may also seek nomination.
The recognition's getting hazier, the more beards, prayer bumps, and curly-toed slippers appear on the Heroic Fighters of the Opposition.
The opposition has been rudderless after the departure in May of Ahmad Moaz al-Khatib in protest at the world's "inaction" over Syria's civil war.
Don't hold your breath, Ahmad. The arms are flowing in, but the interest is flowing out.
Coalition member Samir Nashar told AFP: "The names of Ahmad Assi Jarba, representing Michel Kilo's faction, and Mustafa al-Sabbagh, representing the local councils, are being formally proposed as possible leaders for the coalition, but there could be surprises.
"Informally, the names of Burhan Ghalioun, Georges Sabra and Louay Safi are also being discussed. But of course we never know.
"If there is speedy agreement on the name of the new president, then I would still have some hope," Nashar said Wednesday.
"Of course the coalition's last meeting was very difficult, and if things get blocked, then I think there will be some serious consequences that will affect both the coalition and the way it is perceived, both by its friends and its enemies."