Syrian opposition elects Ahmad Jarba as new leader

The Syrian opposition National Coalition elected Ahmad Jarba as president following a run-off vote held in Istanbul on Saturday. Jarba, a tribal figure from the eastern Hasaka province, is seen as having close connection with Saudi Arabia. He defeated another strong candidate, businessman Mustafa Sabbagh who is supported by Qatar. The announcement was made by the opposition at a press conference in Gonen Hotel, west of Istanbul. The 3-day meeting also elected three vice presidents, namely Mohammed Farouk Taifour, Suheir Attasi and Salim Muslit as well as secretary general of the coalition, Badr Jamous. The Syrian opposition has long been divided by the conflicting views of the Saudi-backed bloc, the Muslim Brotherhood bloc and members backed by Qatar, according to local observers. The former leader of the coalition quit months ago over disagreement on potential talks with Damascus government. The Syrian conflict is ongoing between forces loyal to the Syrian government and those seeking to oust it. The conflict began on March 15, 2011 and has killed more than 90,000 people.