article_snippet: Sources within and close to Nusra said that Qatar, which enjoys good relations with the Western-backed moderate rebel group Harakat Hazm, is encouraging the terrorists to go ahead with the move, which would boost the militants' funding.
article_snippet: The exercise could transform Nusra from a weakened militia group into a force capable of taking on Islamic State at a time when The exercise is under pressure from bombing raids and advances by Kurdish and Iraqi military forces.
article_snippet: The exercise could also boost the influence of Qatar and Qatar allies in the campaign to oust Assad, in line with the Gulf state's growing diplomatic ambitions in the region.
article_snippet: Qatari officials were not available for comment.
article_snippet: Intelligence officials from Gulf states including Qatar have already met Nusra Front's leader Abu Mohamad al-Golani several times in a effort to encourage Nusra Front's leader Abu Mohamad al-Golani to abandon Al Qaeda, sources say.
article_snippet: Intelligence officials from Gulf states including Qatar promised funding once it happens. '
article_snippet: A new entity will see the light soon, which will include Nusra and Jaysh al Muhajereen wel Ansar and other small brigades,' said Sham. '
article_snippet: The name of Nusra will be abandoned.
article_snippet: The name of Nusra will disengage from Al Qaeda.
article_snippet: But not all the Nusra emirs agree and that is why the announcement has been delayed,' said Sham.
article_snippet: The Qatari-led bid to rebrand Nusra and to provide Nusra with new support could further complicate the war in Syria as the United States prepares to arm and train non-jihadist rebels to fight Islamic State.
article_snippet: Nusra Front is listed as a terrorist group by the United States and has been sanctioned by the UN Security Council. 
article_snippet: But for Qatar at least, rebranding Nusra would remove legal obstacles to supporting Qatar.