The FSA, once the hope of some government opponents and the west, disintegrates. It´s not just the lack of victories on the battlegrounds but also the native attraction of terror groups to FSA fighters and the lack of discipline in the FSA. The Washington Post, busy to be with opponents of the Syrian gov´t, asked refugees, fighters and ex-fighters inside and outside of Syria. Though they launched the armed conflict they all have in common that they blame it on President Assad. And they are very religious...
However, the FSA faces its end as its weight on the battlegrounds fades away. This are the reasons why FSA fighters quit:
However, the FSA faces its end as its weight on the battlegrounds fades away. This are the reasons why FSA fighters quit:
1) Declining Prospects for Victory: While some ex-fighters still support the goals of the revolution in principle, many have lost hope that victory can be obtained through fighting. About half of surveyed ex-fighters felt it was impossible to win in the current environment, and some openly questioned whether fighting is now worth the risks. Furthermore, most ex-fighters we interviewed did not plan to take up arms again in the future; two-thirds of respondents said that they do not see themselves ever returning to Syria again to fight. Virtually all ex-fighters we interviewed also blamed Western indecisiveness for protracting the conflict, dimming former hopes of a quick, decisive end to the conflict through Western military backing or intervention.
2) Lack of Discipline and Organization: In addition to despairing over the prospects for victory, some ex-fighters were also frustrated by the lack of organization and cohesion inside the FSA. Many indicated they left because of problems specifically within their unit and chain of command. Nearly half of the respondents reported that a lack of a discipline in the group played an important role in their decision to leave and one-third left for lack of teamwork, suggesting that the FSA continues to face organizational and managerial challenges as the war drags on.
3) Social and Family Pressure to Leave. Many ex-fighters acknowledged that social pressure played an important role in their decision to join the FSA. Compared to active fighters who have reported strong political grievances against Assad’s regime, we have found that many ex-fighters were more drawn to the FSA due to family and peer pressure. With declining public support for the FSA, social identity and social capital pressures have eroded. Ex-fighters no longer consider fighting with the FSA synonymous with protecting their families and supporting their communities and have transitioned back into civilian life.
Why are fighters leaving the Free Syrian Army? - The Washington Post
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