The Syrian army, once thought to be near defeat, has been on the offensive in recent months, retaking lost ground along the Mediterranean coast. The rebel Free Syrian Army, meanwhile, is in disarray. Some of its units are fighting as best they can, a few are making truces with the Syrian army, others are suffering desertions to more effective militias. But one unit is increasing in strength and numbers and has the support of wealthy foreign donors. By later this year, it could be large enough, strong enough, and skilled enough to topple the Assad regime.