Syrian opposition leader rejoins SNC

Vice President of the opposition Syrian National Coalition (SNC) Souhair el-Atasy has gone back on an earlier decision to suspend her membership at the organisation, following the election of Ghassan Hitto as provisional prime minister. El-Atasy headed a group of high-profile SNC officials who protested against the decision to allow Hitto to serve at the top of a provisional government that will control rebel-held areas of Syria. Taking to Facebook on Thursday, el-Atasy claimed she would return to her role following “some serious dialogue” with other SNC members. Many analysts have celebrated the election of a secularist as SNC chief, amid fears the organisation would be overrun by Islamists.