The Shabiha emerged in the '70s as a criminal gang . The word might be derived from the name of a Mercedes . Special forces like the Shabiha are gaining in influence , an analyst says . Photos : Hide Caption 1 of 10 Photos:Syria's civil war:
The Shabiha emerged in the '70s as a criminal gang . The word might be derived from the name of a Mercedes . Special forces like the Shabiha are gaining in influence , an analyst says . Hide Caption 1 of 10 Photos:Syria's civil war: