MESOP BACKGROUND : U.S.-backed Rebel Group Disbands
One of the main U.S.-backed opposition groups, Harakat al-Hazm, has disbanded, after their headquarters were overtaken by Jabhat al-Nusra. The group announced it is merging with the Shamiah Front in order to defend Aleppo. In other news, Special Envoy to Syria Daniel Rubinstein announced that he is leaving his post. Josh Rogin contends that, “Unless Rubinstein is replaced quickly and his replacement is empowered, there may not be any moderate opposition for the U.S. to support. That would add credence to the notion that Assad is the only alternative to the terrorists, an idea the Syrian president has been eager to promote.”
Full Text : http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2015/03/01/main-u-s-backed-syrian-rebel-group-disbanding-joining-islamists.html & http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/mar/02/us-syria-policy-tatters-moderate-rebels-disband