Thus, the TLAs look for technology leadership anywhere in the business, not just within IT.

FORBES: State Street and RBC Score in InfoWorld Tech Leadership Awards

His father, former Defense Minister Mustafa Tlas, and the rest of his family are in Paris, the official said.

CNN: High-ranking general defects from Syrian military

Tlas said he's not going to join the opposition now, al Muqdad said.

CNN: High-ranking general defects from Syrian military

This comment is an apparent reference to Manaf Tlas' brother Firas, a businessman.

CNN: High-ranking general defects from Syrian military

Meanwhile, another defector, Gen Manaf Tlas, has put himself forward as a possible figure to unite the fractious opposition.

BBC: Middle East

Last week, senior army officer Brig Gen Manaf Tlas fled Syria via Turkey.

BBC: Syrian ambassador to Iraq defects to opposition

Asked about the defection, Clinton did not name Tlas, but said an "increasing stream of military defectors" is leaving Syria.

CNN: Clinton slams Russia, China over Syria

Last week, it emerged that Brig-Gen Tlas had escaped Syria via Turkey, in what correspondents described as a significant blow to the Assad regime.

BBC: Middle East

Tlas saved himself at the very last moment.

CNN: High-ranking general defects from Syrian military

Tlas, in contrast, is from a combat unit.

CNN: High-ranking general defects from Syrian military