Since his disappearance about a month ago, Tlas's home has been ransacked by security forces. Rebel groups have said that he made his way out of the country via Qatar, and rumors are that France aided his escape.
As brigadier general of one of the top military units Tlas had taken some of the heat for the crackdown, which he reportedly considered dishonorable.
Tlas and his wife were considered to be at the top tier of Syrian society. His father had served as defense minister for thirty years, under Assad's father. He and most of the rest of the family are already in Paris.
US officials were quick to state that they did not consider him a defector, as he has not joined the opposition. If he does so, it could be a very key development.
The biggest thing his leaving shows, is that there are cracks beginning at all levels of Syrian society. If even Assad's friends are beginning to leave him, then the government could be weaker than it seems.
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