As the US agonizes over which moderate Syrian rebel force it can comfortably support with its own money and weapons, the Saudis have already picked their man. In a mere three years, their deep pockets have propelled Jamal Maarouf, a former construction worker to become one of the most powerful rebel commanders in Syria's civil war.
Mr. Maarouf emerged in 2011 as the leader of the Jabal al-Zawiyah Martyrs Brigade, a modest fighting force of some 40 men. By 2012 he had secured the patronage of Saudi Arabia – and the money, guns, foreign contacts, and allegiances from other rebels that the Saudi connection enabled. Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states have poured money, trainers, and volunteers into rebel hands.
When his brigade merged with several other rebel groups in December 2013 to form the Syria Revolutionaries' Front (SRF), he was the clear choice for leader of a much larger coalition of fighters. But in recent months, skepticism has grown over whether Maarouf actually commands loyalty, or cash-starved brigades who want to tap his funds.
Saudi Arabia and other governments are holding Maarouf up as "the new face of the revolution," says Aron Lund, editor of Syria in Crisis, a website run by the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace.
“Jamal Maarouf is one of the most powerful rebel commanders in Syria," Mr. Lund adds.
He typically directs the fight from the frontlines in northern Syria, but sometimes he can be found in the Turkish town of Hatay, a regular rest stop for him and members of his inner circle.
Relaxing in Adidas attire in an apartment building last month, the grizzly commander fielded calls from the front and from Syrians caught traveling from Jordan to Turkey with fake passports. He sipped tea at a steady pace as he listened to field reports and troubleshooted supply issues.
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