The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights on the Nusra Front

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) is a pro-opposition monitoring group. A score of mainstream Western and Arabic media outlets rely on SOHR for on-site data. Although the monitoring group is pro-opposition, it tends to make a noticeable distinction between the Nusra Front and other rebel groups, and has acknowledged the group’s links to al-Qaeda as far back as November 2012. Syria Rebels Take Swathe of East but Clash with Kurd Militia,” Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, November 23, 2012, http://syriahr.com/en/2012/11/Syria_rebels_take_swathe_of_east_but_clash_with_Kurd_militia/. The group frequently uses descriptors like “radical” “Friends of Syria Heading to Morocco to Boost Opposition,” Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, December 11, 2012, http://syriahr.com/en/2012/12/Friends_of_Syria_heading_to_Morocco_to_boost_opposition/. and “extremist,”“Syrian Sectarian Fighting Spills into Lebanon,” Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, December 11, 2012, http://syriahr.com/en/2012/12/Syrian_sectarian_fighting_spills_into_Lebanon/. in addition to “al-Qaeda-linked” “Syria Rebels Hope Arms Will Flow to New Fighter Command,” Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, December 11, 2012, http://syriahr.com/en/2012/12/Syria_rebels_hope_arms_will_flow_to_new_fighter_command/. and “al-Qaeda loyalist,” when describing the Nusra Front. “Syria Rebels Take Swathe of East but Clash with Kurd Militia,” Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, November 23, 2012, http://syriahr.com/en/2012/11/Syria_rebels_take_swathe_of_east_but_clash_with_Kurd_militia/.