"I know that she was talking to people online and that they told her about the project in Syria, " she answered.

CNN: American's family: She went to Syria to help

That body, too, has failed to project widespread authority inside Syria, where most groups still cobble together their own funding and arms.

NPR: Senior Syrian Rebel Leader Wounded In Bomb Attack

At a time when change is sweeping the region, much more reform is needed in Syria, says Peter Harling, project director for the International Crisis Group.

BBC: Syria opens up to social networks

It also turned out that North Korea had helped Syria obtain vital equipment for this secret reactor project.

FORBES: North Korea's Middle East Webs and Nuclear Wares

"This combined force", the report concludes, "allied with Lebanese Hezbollah and Shia militant groups can continue to compete for limited territory within Syria and ensure that Iran remains able to project the force necessary to provide strategic depth and deterrence".

BBC: Could Syria conflict become regional war?