Syria is the new frontline against the takfiri extremism, and is proving a magnate to takfiris from around the world, their travels, finance, and weapons being supported by some unlikely bedfellows (several Western countries and Gulf states).

The takfiri movement is an ancient deviation from the mainstream Muslims, and the name takfiri is based on the word kafir (disbeliever). Essentially, it is the name used by mainstream Muslims through the ages until today to describe the extremists, who believe that other Muslims are disbelievers because of the sins they commit. The most famous recent takfiri was Osama Bin Laden, who believed that the Saudi government are all disbelievers and should be overthrown violently. Saudi Arabia supports and aids the takfiri movement to overthrow the government of Syria for obvious geopolitical reasons.