In Syria, the U.S. Gives Up On Its Rebel Force

The United States has suspended its $500-million program to train and equip Syrian opposition forces known as the New Syrian Forces, or NSF. Washington was relying on the risky program to create a rebel army that could counter the Islamic State and directly respond to U.S. interests in Syria. However, already on shaky footing after Jabhat al-Nusra attacked the first batch of NSF fighters July 30, the NSF program received another devastating blow when one of its commanders handed over U.S.-supplied weapons, vehicles, and equipment to Jabhat al-Nusra in exchange for safe passage. By abandoning the program, Washington risks losing its ability to influence events on the ground in Syria.