BEIRUT — Syria’s most prominent defector has been touring regional powers to garner support for the uprising. But many in the opposition are deeply suspicious of the handsome former general, a longtime friend of President Bashar Assad with a taste for expensive cigars, believing he is just trying to vault to power.
The controversy over Manaf Tlass reflects the divisions among the forces seeking to topple the Syria regime and the difficulties they face in agreeing on a leadership that can pose a credible alternative to Assad. Some rebel leaders worry that the countries supporting their fight are using their money and influence to steer the Syrian revolution and determine the country’s future.
Tlass is the first member of Assad’s inner circle to abandon the regime since the uprising began in March 2011. His defection was hailed as a resounding triumph by the opposition.
“It seems there are foreign and Arab countries who have plans for him, but the Syrian street will decide who it wants,” said Anwar Saadeddine, a brigadier general who like Tlass who defected in May. Along with other generals, Saadeddine is helping direct the rebels from a camp along the border in Turkey.
