Sunni Troops Fear Deserting Assad

WASHINGTON [MENL] -- Sunni troops, fearing reprisals for desertion, remain a
key element in the military of Syrian President Bashar Assad, a report said.
The Baker Institute has determined that Sunni soldiers were remaining
with Assad out of fear of reprisals against their families. In a report,
the institute said despite low morale and mistreatment, Sunni officers,
including those with high rank, ruled out defections unless they and
their families were guaranteed protection by the Syrian opposition.