U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry's crisis talks in the Middle East about the rapid rise of ISIL brought him to Saudi Arabia on Friday.<br /> <br />It was here he met with Syrian rebel leader Ahmad Jarba --- a man he says can help halt the Sunni insurgent group's advances in Iraq. Kerry praised the commander's moderate views.<br /> <br />SOUNDBITE: U.S. SECRETARY OF STATE JOHN KERRY SAYING:<br /> <br />"We have even more to talk about in terms of the moderate opposition in Syria, which has the ability to be a very important player in pushing back against ISIL's presence."<br /> <br />An offshoot of al Qaeda, ISIL is short for the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant. The group has captured several northern cities since its blitz started several weeks ago.<br /> <br />SOUNDBITE: U.S. SECRETARY OF STATE JOHN KERRY SAYING:<br /> <br />"President Jarba represents a tribe that reaches right into Iraq. He knows people there, and his point of view and that of the Syrian opposition will be very important going forward."
