Analysts say that Nusra front’s pledge of allegiance to al-Qaeda serves the interests of the Syrian regime.

Analysts say that Nusra front’s pledge of allegiance to al-Qaeda serves the interests of the Syrian regime.

"It's a point in the regime's favour because it reinforces the official narrative that claims (the army faces) terrorist groups backed by foreign forces," said Damascus Center for Strategic Studies head Bassam Abu Abdallah.

"The opposition's stance is weakened before Syrian and international public opinion," he said.

Nusra Front's chief Abu Mohammed al-Jawlani pledged allegiance on Wednesday to Al-Qaeda head Ayman al-Zawahiri.

"The Syrian opposition cannot justify to the Europeans the jihadist presence in Syria. What will it do after this announcement? It's embarrassing for the West which is calling for democratic change in Syria," said Abu Abdallah.

After Nusra's pledge of allegiance, Abu Abdallah believes the regime will now go all-out on the battlefield. "It's a green light for the authorities," he said.

"The situation has become clearer. We are going to see major change on the ground, and intensified military operations to finish this group off," he added.
On the other hand, Nusra's pledge is mainly seen as damaging to international public opinion.

"It certainly puts Western states who oppose Assad's rule in a sticky situation," said Charles Lister, an analyst at Jane's Terrorism and Insurgency Center.

"The West has suspected ... Nusra of having Al-Qaeda ties for a long time, and that may well be a key reason for not wanting to arm any rebel group."