“The face of the rebellion has changed since the uprising against Syrian President Bashar Assad began nearly 1,000 days ago. Black flags with white calligraphy are increasingly common — a sign of the growing influence of Islamist extremists. Since Assad’s regime lost control of the northern borders in the summer of 2012, they have been streaming into the country. Now, foreigners are fighting alongside Syrians. They include Chechens, Libyans, Tunisians, Belgians and Germans — all jihadists fighting a war for Islam against what they believe is an infidel regime. Some already fought in Afghanistan and Iraq, and bring their valuable combat experience with them. Still others have spent time behind bars for their jihadist past, and from there they have found their way to the Syrian front……………………”

Yes, they come in from the North, mainly through Turkey but some through northern Iraq and some through Jordan. They are gaining valuable experience, using Saudi money and Western training and arms. And when it is all over in Syria and Iraq and Lebanon and Turkey, they will head to their homes in other Arab lands and in Europe. The oil potentates may yet regret again their dabbling in this new Afghanistan Jihad.
Cheers
mhg