Syria and often out again back to their home countries.

A French jihadist who joined a brigade that consists of 8,000 fighters told the BBC that “there are thousands of us, literally from every corner of the world” and “we are all al-Qaeda.” He also claimed that his brigade had pledged allegiance to the Islamic State of Iraq and the Sham.

In a further indication of the growing strength of the Islamist forces and corresponding weakness of the Western-backed Free Syrian Army, a former rebel commander told the BBC that FSA fighters are now being targeted by jihadist forces and that he fled to Turkey after jihadists captured his unit and killed most of his men.

Are you a dedicated reader of FDD's Long War Journal? Has our research benefitted youPharrell Williams can add a line to his lengthy resume -- creative director for the American Express Platinum Card.

The Grammy winner announced the partnership Thursday. Amex (AXP) said the job could include helping design cards and picking the music for its airport lounges, in addition to developing benefits and services for cardholders.

It's the first time Amex has enlisted a creative director for the Platinum Card, though certainly not the first time a celebrity has teamed with a company in a brand ambassador role.

Intel tapped will.i.am of the Black Eyed Peas to be its director of creative innovation back in 2011. And Dr. Dre is now part of team Apple after it bought his headphone maker, Beats.

But not all partnerships between Hollywood and corporate America work so well. Alicia