Syrian opposition groups form new coalition

A number of different opposition groups have come together in Turkey's largest city to form a new political coalition against the government of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.

The groups, meeting in Istanbul, said their yet unnamed coalition would act independently from the Syrian National Council (SNC), the main opposition coalition which was set up in August to challenge Assad's rule.

The SNC has emerged as one of the main voices of the opposition, but is often criticised by activists inside Syria who say the mostly exiled leadership has little connection to protesters on the ground.

The SNC was dealt a blow earlier this week when three prominent members resigned in frustration.

Al Jazeera's James Bays has this report from Istanbul.