US outlines vision for new Syrian opposition body

ZAGREB, Croatia (AP) — The Obama administration is hoping new Syrian opposition talks starting next week will produce a new rebel leadership that represents those dying on the front line, can rally wide support and resist attempts by extremists to hijack the revolution against the Assad regime.

Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton said the U.S. is recommending names and organizations that should feature prominently in any new opposition structure emerging out of the talks in Doha. She said the Syrian National Council’s leadership days are over, but it can still play a role.

Washington has been desperately seeking a broader, more cohesive opposition that can unite Syrians against Assad.

It has been frustrated for months by splits in the opposition and its inability to produce a common vision for a post-Assad future.