A coalition of Syrian opposition groups has chosen a new provisional Prime Minister who they will consider to be “in charge” of rebel-held territories.  He is Ghassen Hitto, a telecom executive who spent most of his life in America.

Hitto was born in Syria in 1963 but has been in America for several decades.  His latest address was in Texas.  He has been involved in several Islamic charities.

The vote took place at an opposition meeting in Istanbul.  Hitto won with 25 out of a possible 48 votes.  Some coalition members were not satisfied with the process and walked out before the vote took place.

The provisional PM is expected to appoint a cabinet over the next two to four weeks.