The West appeared to pay little notice to Al-Nusra's amicable "break" away from al-Qaeda in August 5, says Jamestown Foundation, however, the newly-named Jabhat Fatah al-Sham (JFS), is now more palatable to potential rebel partners, such as Jund al-Aqsa, in Syria which could make the situation in the country even more difficult for the West. The author suggests that Washington should be prepared, as if a rejuvenated JFS returns to the al-Qaeda fold, "it will be in a stronger position than ever to advance the group’s violent agenda". It also highlights that the ease of the split revealed al-Qaeda’s quick adaptability to "reorient itself based on its operational interests in advancing the cause of militant Islamism".
The West appeared to pay little notice to Al-Nusra's amicable "break" away from al-Qaeda in July, says Jamestown Foundation, however, the newly-named Jabhat Fatah al-Sham (JFS), is now more palatable to potential rebel partners, such as Jund al-Aqsa, in Syria which could make the situation in the country even more difficult for the West. The author suggests that Washington should be prepared, as if a rejuvenated JFS returns to the al-Qaeda fold, "it will be in a stronger position than ever to advance the group’s violent agenda". It also highlights that the ease of the split revealed al-Qaeda’s quick adaptability to "reorient itself based on its operational interests in advancing the cause of militant Islamism".