Syria: Islamist rebels challenge al-Qaeda hardliners in Syria
Islamist rebel groups in Syria have signed a joint statement asking al-Qaeda fighters in the north to pull back from their confrontation with another rebel faction, underscoring the gradual emergence of a new, Salafist-leaning middle ground within the disparate ranks of the armed opposition.
Six factions, including Ahrar al-Sham and the recently-formed Jaish al-Islam coalition, called on the hardline Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (Isis) and the local Northern Storm Brigade to cease fighting in Azaz and settle their differences in an Islamic court.
Fighting between the two has flared since Isis moved into the town, which is close to the Turkish border, last month.