When peaceful protests demanding
regime change in Syria erupted 16 months ago, there were no signs of the
presence of jihadist groups on the ground other than the claims of the regime.
In reaction to the violent measures the regime has implemented against
peaceful protesters, some Syrians have resorted to arms.
In this context, the Free Syrian Army (FSA) was formed from defecting army
soldiers in order "to protect protesters and to fight against the Bashar
al-Assad regime", according to their statements...
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-19091400