Qaeda Militants Seek Syria Base, U.S. Officials Say
http://www.nytimes.com/2014/03/26/wo...-say.html?_r=0
Within the article is talks about Syria being an appealing base for AQ operatives a base because it offers them the relative sanctuary of extremist-held havens. I think of it as the Taliban did for the ANA. A training ground and place they can get leadership, experience, equipment, and even weapons.