Tribal ties shape Saudi aid to Syrian rebels
By Nic Robertson
CNN
August 20, 2012
Jedda, Saudi Arabia (CNN) - Every time I talk to a group of Syrians, I learn another layer of the complex construct that weaves Syrian society together and complicates any analysis of the conflict.
Talking to Syrians in Saudi Arabia is no different. Of three Syrian National Council representatives I met who live there, two told me they shared tribal ties with Saudis.
The three were actively campaigning to support the rebels back home. Guns -- big guns -- were at the top of their wish list in meetings with Saudis. Although the Syrians told me they weren't sure any were being sent, I'd have been surprised, if they told me they were. Such issues are shrouded in secrecy.
What did surprise me, however, was the two Syrians with tribal ties who told me their motivation was to support their own tribes back home. Other Syrians, too, they said --but tribe first.
More: http://www.cnn.com/2012/08/20/world/meast/syria-saudi-aid/index.html?c=world