Leader of Syrian opposition coalition resigns

Mouaz al-Khatib cites frustration at inability to make headway against Assad’s regime

BEIRUT (AP) — The leader of the Western-based Syrian opposition coalition has resigned, citing frustrations with the body’s ability to advance the fight against President Bashar Assad.

Mouaz al-Khatib said in a statement posted on his Facebook page Sunday that he would continue to serve the opposition’s cause outside of the “the official institutions.”

Al-Khatib was president of the Syrian National Coalition, which was formed last year to serve as the opposition’s official liaison with other countries and coordinate anti-Assad forces inside and outside of Syria.

Despite electing a new, US-educated prime minister last week, the coalition has failed to establish itself as the top rebel authority in Syria, where hundreds of independent rebel brigades are fighting a civil war against Assad’s forces.