Syria’s main opposition National Coalition meeting in Istanbul on Saturday elected a new president after months of no leadership. The coalition’s new leader is Ahmad Jarba, a tribal figure backed by Saudi Arabia.

The main Syrian opposition National Coalition on Saturday elected Ahmad Jarba as president after a close runoff vote held in Istanbul, coalition members told Reuters.

Jarba is a tribal figure from the eastern Hasaka province who is well linked with Saudi Arabia. He defeated businessman Mustafa Sabbagh, Qatar’s pointman in the opposition.

(REUTERS)