Syria’s main opposition group, the National Coalition, has announced that it plans to form a government in areas ‘liberated’ by rebels. Analysts say the move could fill the security vacuum in areas where Islamists have greater control, as well as boost the group’s credibility internationally. The coalition group has been accused by its critics of being detached from ground realities. The group has recently slammed the international community for failing to act to end the killings of civilians in the conflict, and has withdrawn from scheduled meetings on the conflict in Italy, the US, and Russia. 1

• 1. “Planned government to boost opposition credibility”, The Daily Star, February 25, 2013 at http://dailystar.com.lb/News/Middle-East/2013/Feb-25/207769-planned-gove...