ASSESSMENTS
The Use of Mercenaries in Syria's Crackdown
Jan 12, 2012 | 13:03 GMT
STR/AFP/Getty Images
Summary
The regime of Syrian President Bashar al Assad has relied heavily on a local mercenary force known as the Shabiha in its crackdown on protests. Because of the sectarian makeup of the Syrian military, Damascus will likely continue this approach, despite the Shabiha's deficiencies in skill and strategy and growing objections from Syria's allies in Iran.
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