Good article by Amal Hanano. And the quote from the Corrections by Jonathan Franzen is quite remarkable:

“Other people stopped being real enough to carry blame for how you felt. And like self-pity, or like the blood that filled your mouth when a tooth was pulled –the salty ferric juices that you swallowed and allowed yourself to savor– refusal had a flavor for which a taste could be acquired.”

????? ???? ??? ????? ???? ???? ?????????? ??????? ??????? ????? ???????? ????? ? ???? ? ?????? ? ??? ???? ! ??? ???????? ????? ??????? ?? ???????? ???? ????? ????????? ??????? ! ????? ???? ?????? ???????? ????? ????????? ???? ?????? ?????? ?????? ?? ??????? !!!

I must strongly object to the recent tone of the featured articles and comments on this site for the last several months.

Originally the authors of this blog (excluding Eshani) proudly boasted that Assad was too popular to ever be overthrown like Mubarak or Saleh. In the view of these analysts, Assad staunch anti-Westernism reflected the mood of the Syrian people and made him a hero “Arab street”.

Afterwards, when demonstrations against Assad began to spread across the country, the same authors claimed that Assad would initiate the necessary reforms to quell the uprising. Not surpassingly the promised reforms that Assad has promised (for 10 years) never materialized.

Now a new more menacing tone has begun to appear on this blog. It is claimed that the regimes violent actions are allowable because the alternative would be the destruction of the county. According to this argument if Assad were to be replaced it would usher in a Sunni theocracy… including all types of atrocities!

What rubbish! The truth is that these dire predictions are just an extension of the governments scare tactics. If the Assad clan were to be removed from power Syria would survive. Indeed it would probably flourish.

It’s one thing to argue a point of view. It’s another thing to be an extension of the government propaganda machine.

P.S. If there are other readers of this blog who feel the same way they should speak up.

The Baath Arab Socialist Party will invalidate itself under the new law. It does maintain a regional ARAB land doctrine, it is Ethnic, it proclaims Arabism solely as a party doctrine and it is discriminatory because unless you believe in Socialism you are not allowed in the Party. The Baathist Oath is “Our Goals, One Arab Nation, One United Arab Land under Socialism”.

This is clearly unbalanced! Sue Lloyd Roberts merely talks about the MAJORITY of Syrians that are pro-regime and who is guy she is questioning about the? people that want this government and this president? I mean why is she questioning him??? He is clearly biased, just like Sue Lloyd Roberts herself is.

Unreliable and unfair

Bashar, we are with you.

I am a normal Syrian and I will support our govt! No matter Ramadan or not, we will pray for you Bashar! No one will bring democracy to Syria except from within. We will democratize over a period of time. People who are not happy can always protest since its now permitted. But calling for the end of the regime, we will not let them say what they want and act on behalf of Israel or anyone.

ALLAH W AKBAR W SOURIYA LIKUL AL SUYIYEEN

???? ? ????, ????? ???? ? ??

?? ???? ?? ???? ??????? ?? ?????? ????? ??????? ???? ?????? ?????? ????? ?????? ?????? ??????? ?????? ?????????? ??????? ?????? ?????.

Do you (Baathists) see the absurdity of this one of 65 absurd paragraphs and rule. Why then limit contribution amount from members and then limit the contribution to one time only. How possibly one can operate on this small sum? It is obvious you wants to limit the party ability to paying rent on premises only and nothing else, and keep them like you keep the SSNP little appendix to brag about it as proof of your democracy.

The most pressing item to be resolved immediately is :if the Alawis are Moslems or not,we will be able to land the moon after that.A Copt in Egypt can go to Alazhar and in 5 min become a Moslem ,but an Alawi or Shie is not a Moslem ,so if they are not Moslems,what are they?Jews?Christians?budhist?yazidi?or
Unkown creatures?
Syria will be an economical superpower once the ???? ????? ????????? gets their hand
Free in it.MB will lounch great economical road map which will make Syria the no one producer of pets food in the world,this is how it works:
Once the victory comes,Alaaroor plan will be put in effect,he divides Alalawis into three sections:the one with us,we will reward them(that includes only Ali farazat and Dalila),the one on the side we will keep them on the side,and the one against us we will?????? ?????? ??????,next step will be to pack them and make them dogs food,Allah Akbar,Syria will be the no1 producer of dogs food in the universe ,it will have a trade name Aloush Dogs Food,and it will have high quality one(made of Alawi kids)and lower quality made from adults,As far as Asaad,he dos’t have too much meat.Next step will be coming to Christians and putting them in ???????,they will be mate cat food,the trade name will be Soso cat food.
The reason his holiness is giving the Alawis to dogs and the Christians to cats,is because:????????? ??? ???? ?? ??????? .now do the math:if you can make 100 cans from each ???? that is at least 500 millions of canned pets food,at one dollar each at whole sale price,you are talking about 500 million dollars made of ????. Some So called human beings like Ubo Umer.. Would enjoy eating Aloush and Soso pets food.

Inside Assad’s Syria – ?????? ???? ????? ????? ?????

Vedat The Turrk

Syria would absolutely flourish if Assad clan were to be removed.  Syrians in general are very tolerant people.  We were never taught ” to hate” despite the picture the regime supporters trying to paint.  History is my evidence.  Syria accepted different ethnic and religious groups throughout history.  Our culture is very  tolerant.    The regime’ hate mongering and scare mongering tactics are pathetic and ineffective….They tried to kill the potential in us.  You are always watched living in Syria, always whispering and looking around expressing an opinion, any opinion.  You feel your mind and soul being imprisoned, in a big geographical prison that is, but yet very very tight in its mental dimensions.  Everybody is Mukhabarat, a culture that is so pervasive you carry it with you even after moving abroad. I know many Syrians who when they first moved abroad, they continued to whisper for the first few month when expressing a political opinion.  The regime was very successful in establishing a profound psychological barrier of fear.  We are backward in Syria, yet almost all Syrians I know in the US are extremely 
successful by US criteria and some are pretty creative.  Does that tell you anything?

Anyway, welcome to our camp, whoevere you are,  we appreciate your support.  
         

This video is copy/paste of all Aljazeera or Alarabiya channels. Sue did not need to go to Damascus to make this video, she has the same clips from Aljazeera.
I am sorry for BBC to loose the confidence people had in its channels and all its credebality.
Its a very redicoulous movie.

Tara,

I see that you’re here, so I’ll seize the opportunity…

About your “peace of the brave”. I never had a perception of Arabs as cowards. Were the Egyptian soldiers who crossed the Suez canal in 6 of October, cowards? Were the Syrian tank crews that charged Israel, knowing that Israeli weapons are better, and knowing that they will be an easy prey to the Israeli air force, cowards?

So I didn’t need HA fighters to prove any thing. In fact, it takes more courage to attack Israel militarily, as the Syrian and Egyptian soldiers did, than hide in the bush and fire rockets on civilians.

It’s not that HA men are brave and the rest of Arabs are cowards. In my eyes, at least.
.

Who was it that claimed that Gmail was banned in Syria? It isn’t, I can open it just fine. And Facebook access comes and goes.

Interesting thing the mukhabart did with regards to Google. They did manage to stop it in a way. Put in the search term for something deemed offensive like “proxy service” or “Syria revolution” , and all you’ll get back is the Google homepage with your search term in the text box. You’ll never get taken to the search results.

Someday I’d like to make a list of terms that trigger this filter.

Memo To: VEDAT THE TURK

RE: “…now a new more menacing tone has begun to appear on this blog…”

You bet it has, Bucko. The Oppositionists are getting guns and they are starting to use them. Can you blame them? Their friends and relatives are being tortured and killed and humiliated by the creatures of the Assad Mafia. They are doing what any human with feeling would do. They are fighting back.

What is that smell? It is the smell of poisons oozing out of a forty-year-old corpse. It’s time to bury the body deep and to rock the casbah…

http://playwrighter.blogspot.com/2011/07/rock-casbah-yeahhhhhhhhhhhh.html

Syria in the throes of religious war
By Hassan Hanizadeh 26 July 2011

http://www.presstv.ir/detail/190923.html

The barbaric massacre of three Syrian families from the Alawi tribe in the city of Homs, 165 kilometers to the north of Damascus, shows that the demonstrations against the Assad government has been derailed from its legal and legitimate course.

These three Alawi families, who had no political affiliation whatsoever to the Syrian government, were killed in the most callous manner by the Salafis of the city of Homs.

Following the incident, some of the Alawis outraged by the murder attacked the Sunni mosques of the city, causing clashes with the Salafis.

The slaying of the three families also triggered a wave of resentment and enmity among the Shiites and Alawis against the inhumane acts of the Syrian Salafis so much so that it is feared that a religious civil war might engulf Syria.

Syria’s Alawis, which constitute 15 percent of the country’s 25-million population, never had any role in the country’s power structure prior to the 1970 coup de tat, staged by Hafez Assad.

This community, subsumed under the Shiite faith, has always been subjected to the Salafis’ harassment and abuse. A great number of them fearing Salafis’ night raids were forced to migrate to the heights of Jabal Horan in Southern Syria during the Ottoman rule.

The coup mounted by Hafez Assad, Syria’s former Prime Minister, introduced the Alawis into the power structure; they, however, never sought revenge against the Salafis.

The Salafis, with the complicity of Akhvan al Moslemin and aiming to overthrow the Alawi government, however staged an armed rebellion against the Syrian State in 1982.
Accordingly Hafez Assad in a violent move murdered thousands of Syria’s Salafis and Akhvan al Moslemin affiliates in the cities of Hama, Homs and Adlab.

Though the armed rebellion of the Salafis and Akhvan al Moslemin was suppressed in that year, they have always been casting about for an opportunity to wreak revenge on the country’s Alawi government.

The recent incidents in the Arab World and the facile fall of the Egyptian and Tunisian dictators spurred Syria’s Salafis to unite against Bashar Assad on the pretext of democracy and reforms.

Although the demands of the Syrian people for change and reforms were perfectly legitimate, the Salafis, who had no interest in democracy and equality, infiltrated the anti-government demonstrations.

During the recent protests, Syria’s Salafis, through forming death squads, mounted several terror attacks on the Syrian soldiers and police officers in an effort to turn the rallies violent. More than 1200 Syrian police officers and army soldiers are said to have been killed by the violence-seeking Salafi death squads.

This group also raided several Shiite and Alawi mosques and other religious buildings in the cities of Homs, Adlab, Latakia, and Hama and set them on fire.

The Alawis deployed in the Armed Forces and Security apparatuses reacted to such untenable violence against their peers in faith and belief and murdered a number of violent Salafis.

Regretfully, some of the brutal Salafi groups who are in a kind affiliated with al-Qaeda receive financial and arms aids from some of the Arab countries and Lebanon’s political groups. Saudi Arabia and March 14 alliance led by Saad Al-Hariri, former Prime Minister of Lebanon, provide the Salafis with a plethora of financial and logistical aid.

The objective behind toppling the Assad government is to form a new regime, similar to the Taliban in Afghanistan and the Al Saud in Saudi Arabia, with the aim of embarking on the massacre of the Alawis and Shiites.

The United States and the West, heedless of the potential ramifications of the formation of such a violence-seeking Salafi government, have always taken a stance against the Assad government.

Syrian President Bashar Assad initiated political reforms concurrent with the onset of the anti-government demonstrations in various cities of the country. The elimination of the Articles 8 and 49 of the Syrian Constitution, the abolition of Emergency Laws, and the release of political prisoners were some of the measures adopted by Bashar Assad to contain the wave of public protests and implement political reforms.

While Article 8 of the Syrian Constitution defines the Ba’ath Party as the country’s sole ruling party, Article 49 decrees capital punishment for those affiliated with the Islamic and Salafi Parties.

During the past month, the Syrian government also commenced wide-ranging talks with the opposition leaders, and a number of agreements were reached.

This comes as the brutal Salafis, particularly the leaders of this faith, have announced as Haram (forbidden) any negotiation with the Assad government, stressing that an armed fight is the only means of attaining their objectives.

For that reason, the initiation of unjustifiable violence by the Salafi leaders and the blind killings of Alawis and Shiites draw Syria towards a civil war similar to the Lebanese Civil War in the 70s and 80s. It would be expected that a religious civil war, if started in Syria, would not be limited to the borders of this country and would spread to Lebanon and Turkey as the Shiite and Alawi tribes in Lebanon and Turkey will never remain indifferent towards the murdering of their peers in Syria and will definitely rush to their aid.

@ Tara

I do hope SC commentators don’t reflect the ratio of pro/against regime on the ground. At the same time I urge, with good intention, the “Menhebak” group to start being a bit rational and STOP blindly playing the emotional “disagree” opposition.

In reality, the time is ticking and the current rotten temple of security apparatus (built by the father) is on the last edge of collapsing on junior’s head unless he manages to cease control of his cannibals to redeem himself. I can’t see how do you disagree with people all what they asking for is to take-back their captured dignity and to roll-out simple concept of true democracy away from the empty slogans of Bathissts. At the end of the day we should all accept the notion of “Accountability” including and starting with the junior “An unjust killer MUST attend a court to pay-back no exception even God himself”.

@ #7 Syria no kandahar
I find your thoughts of processing Syrian peiple into animal cans very disturbing and super shallow!

Mate, [In every culture there are unbalanced (insane) extremists from all sects and backgrounds] is the urgent message we need ALL to comprehend before it’s too late. We also need to realize that we can’t characterize a sect by these acts of the FEW. Our Syrian nation has not learned yet from these lessons. We also need to address fundamental issues and reasons (culture, psychological, cult ..etc) that result into these groups i.e. Arror’s fundamentalists and Junior’s shbiha, ignoring them or blatant confrontation make them worse.

Those who are posting comments and spreading hatred amongst different ethnicities should know that No Religion/Sect in the world allows its followers to do such acts of killing (pro-regime) or preach killings (anti-regime). It’s those extremists with their own versions of religions that they want to impose. Only way to combat those is to have unity and harmony amongst us regardless of the religions, race and color. We all know most of the media are biased i.e. Dounia TV & Aljazeera and jump to conclusions and yet don’t have the courage to come out clean and admit that they were wrong.

We ALL should feel really bad for those who died and lost their loved ones. Our heart goes out to the families from all sects that were affected by these violent insane groups in Syria.

nothing to say

But i dont understand this hatred against syrian muslims who nowadays consitute most of the syrian society.
(the wahhabi pretext is a false and hypocrite pretext)
The islamic character of Syria has never been so strong ,especially after 40 years of this rule ,so you have to rebuild the bridges destroyed by asad -makhlouf.

Bravery without corrupted leadership is a winning formula, Hizbullah is the prototype we all aspire to. With love.

Tara
These are Alaaroor statements.I hope I was wrong,but this is the reality.Alaaroor is the spiritual leader for this revolution.people listen to him and adore him and love him:
????? ???? ????? ???????
????? ????? ?????? ?????? ??? ?????
?? ????? ?????? ???? ??? ???? ??
In addition to listening to kakoosh stating:
?????? ???? ???? ??? ????? ?????
You shoul educate yourself on these carbage so called religious leader,you will end up replacing a dictator with a monster religious Titan.keep living in denial and answer your regular answer :your Assad and your Aroor .you like or you don’t Alaroor is on your side or you are on his side…and he smells.

I was curious to what would happen if media was allowed to report from Syria ….. one sided utter garbage as we see at the top of this page , the “undercover ” BBC reporter.

In fairness she was not authorized, so the chance of hearing the other side was not possible. So this was entirely a report from one side .

However , an objective reporter has to try to gather the stories from all sides.
A gaping hole is the absence of the minorities voice. Another inetersting contradiction , when she reports that the uprising is largely nonreligious , yet you her the talkalakh mother saying ” we should fight the KUFFAR” I.e. The infidels
Of course the translator would not add this to the subtitles , I will bet he swallowed his cigarette ( if he was smoking) when he heard this word, or may be he innocently just did not know how to translate it

Not a big deal there , but I thought it deserved a mention

And finally it turns out that the supporters of the regime are not existing , ” who are these people ” the reporter comments.. When she sees thousands of supporters carry the Syrian flag, the other Syrian idiot reporter states that they are ” mustafeedeen” benifitors from the regime,

With all respect this clip does not serve the truth, even worse , it is misleading

Analysis: Syria faces slide into sectarian mayhem
By Samia Nakhoul | Reuter

http://news.yahoo.com/analysis-syria-faces-slide-sectarian-mayhem-113048992.html

LONDON (Reuters) – The popular upheaval in Syria is growing bolder and the cracks in the establishment are getting deeper — yet there is a long and bloody road ahead if protesters are to unseat President Bashar al-Assad and end his family’s 40 years in power.

The price of stalemate is rising daily: sectarian mayhem, a growing protest movement and a faltering economy, with no sign that Bashar and his minority Alawite clan are considering an exit strategy after four decades in power.

Yet so far, there is no sign of a tipping point that would assure success for protesters, as in Tunisia and Egypt, where millions took to the streets to topple autocratic leaders.

“The situation has not reached a critical mass,” said Patrick Seale, biographer of Bashar’s father, Hafez al-Assad.

“Damascus hasn’t risen, the security services haven’t split yet, the economy hasn’t collapsed. The regime looks weak and the opposition looks weaker,” he said…..

Cabinet Approves Draft Law on General Elections

Jul 27, 2011

DAMASCUS, (SANA)- The Cabinet on Tuesday approved the final formula of the draft law on general elections after detailed discussion of the law’s articles.

The law aims at regulating parliamentary and local council elections and ensuring the safety of electoral process and the right of candidates to supervise the process.

The law provided for forming a Damascus-based judicial committee, called the Higher Committee for Elections, which will take charge of supervising the elections and taking all necessary measures to secure the integrity and freedom of elections.

The committee includes five judges and enjoys full independence.

Judicial sub-committees will be formed in each province, which will be affiliated to the Higher Committee and work under its supervision.

Earlier in the week, the Cabinet also approved the parties draft law in completion of the package of legislations translating on the ground the announced political reform program.

During Tuesday’s session, the Cabinet also approved a draft law on establishing the National Center of Visual Arts at Damascus University, with the aim of contributing to reviving the movement of Syrian plastic art, enriching cultural, educational and social life and improving young artistic talents.

A memo of understanding on cooperation in the field of radio and TV signed between Syria and the Sultanate of Oman was also agreed on.

The Cabinet also agreed on the Central Bank of Syria’s proposal on amending Article 1 of Decision No 66 for 2006 regarding the establishment of the private Islamic bank, Cham Bank.

In a statement to the journalists following the meeting, Minister of Information Dr. Adnan Mahmoud said the draft law on general elections aims at improving the electoral process and making a quantum leap in the democratic life, in accordance with the political parties law, through regulating parliamentary and local council elections in a way that ensures citizens’ selection of their representatives in a free, honest and transparent way.

The Minister added that the draft law provides for judicial monitoring of the electoral process and stressing the principle of equality and the freedom of elections.

Dr. Adnan said that approving the draft law on general elections simultaneously with the draft law on political parties and the new information law in the next stage comes in the framework of implementing the package of reforms announced by the Syrian leadership and the government with the aim of enhancing democracy and public freedoms and engaging all spectrums of the Syrian society in running the state institutions and building the homeland.

For his part, Minister of Local Administration Omar Ibrahim Ghalawanji said the law included 71 articles and the most important amendment stipulates for transferring the supervision of elections from the administrative authority to the juridical authority.

He indicated that the elections in Syria were always monitored by the Interior Ministry while the Ministry of Local Administration was responsible for supervising the local council elections.

The Minister added that the draft law provides for forming the Higher Committee for Elections, in addition to forming juridical sub-committees in the provinces and each sub-committee includes three judges to supervise the eprocess at the electoral centers.

Minister Ghalawanji said the draft law stipulates for establishing electoral centers in the provinces and cities whose population exceed 100,000, in addition to allowing those who got the Syrian citizenship by the Legislative Decree No. 49 to vote and run for the local council membership.

The draft law allows all the will-be-formed parties according to the new political parties law to present their candidates individually or in collective lists, the Minister added.

He said the elections will be conducted publicly, honestly and neutrally in secret rooms and there will be electoral committees to monitor the elections and candidacy committees to receive and examine the candidates’ applications.

Minister of Justice Judge Tayseer Qala Awwad said the law included new articles on prosecuting manipulation of the electoral process.

The new law requires taht the ministries of Justice, Interior and Local Administration to work on automating the elections.

Minister Qala Awwad added that the new law follows the open-list electoral system, highlighting the articles which provide for the freedom of elections, the right to objecting and appealing the electoral committees’ decisions and preventing the use of state employees and money in the favor of certain candidates.

The draft law has developed a new mechanism that allows people with disabilities, blind persons and illiterate ones to vote and explains the mechanism of contesting the elections’ final results in accordance with the new constitutional texts and new laws on establishing administrative judiciary courts in the Syrian provinces.

F. Allafi/R. Rslan/H. Said

http://www.sana.sy/eng/21/2011/07/27/360683.htm

MNA

In regard to your post from a previous thread:

{Tara @ 28

“Don’t you agree that the perspective of the other side is often more important than one’ own perspective in times of conflicts.”

Oh really Tara??
And this is translated by HEARING the other perspective and then labeling the person of that perspective with all different stereo type labels.
(menhabak crowed etc..) }

I do try to the best of my ability to put myself in the position of the others, to think the way they think, and to have empathy towards their point of view. I have done that since I started posting at SC, and I believe I have come someway from a far right or far left towards the center. I have absolutely not changed my mind a bit in regard to the brutality of the regime but I did in regard to the Mnhebaks.

My feeling toward the regime does not come from YT or Aljazeera. It arises from a past I have personally lived and experienced first hand in Damascus. I have said before, I come from a well connected family. I have not had any close or extended family member who was murdered or imprisoned by the regime, but I have witnessed cruelty, inhumanity, degradation, and oppression on my people that shaped my mind into my current stand. Before the beginning of the revolution, I, like many others, used to turn a blind eye on all abuses of human rights under the cover of the resistance. I have since endured a profound psychological trauma by what has happened. There are few distinct images that constantly play in my brain that I can never forget, Ali Abbas stepping on people in Bayda, the killing of the veiled women in Banias, and the body trails in Izraa. And I certainly hope that one day those images disappear from my memory.

In regard to the Mnhebaks, I did come a long way. I thought they were all paid bilingual thugs or Mukhabarats and I hated them all at the beginning. I came to realize that most of them are just average people frightened by the change and at times blinded by their fear. I also came to know that a lot of the supporters are not necessarily mnhebaks. They were kind of in closet Mamnhebaks but became Mnhebaks polarized by the revolution. I believe they do want real reform however to be carried by Bashar and there where I differ. I learned how intense the fear of minorities can be of Aroor and followers, a fear that I also share even as a Muslim Sunni and I also learned that one Aroor out of 10.000 peaceful demonstrators is enough to sustain their fear. I learned how some Lebanese might be able to find high moral grounds for Bashar to oppress any dissenting voice as long as he supports the resistance.

I stand my position that our support of the Palestinian right of a just peace is in our DNA regardless of who is in power. I also stand my position that Aroor dose not represent this revolution and that Syrians will not let him hijack it from them.

I hope I did not disappoint you.

Looks like Hamas and Assad have much in common, and rule-of-law with an independent judiciary isn’t one of them…

http://www.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/meast/07/26/mideast.hamas.executions/index.html?hpt=hp_t2

So the mountain has delivered a mouse.
Nothing new in so far as the regime being able to quell the unrest before Ramadan.

Absurdities:
1.the Baath party would not be allowed under the new law for it does have secret meetings and symbols and a militia the Saaeqa if people remember.

2. The Mufti of Syria says it is permissible to prostrate to the portrait of Junior; this is while there is full propaganda and campaign to vilify the MB. Not that I care one bit about this or that but to use religion for the regime and prohibit to the opposition is absurd. Religion and politics should not mix and if they do they should create immediate vigilance and debate.

Facts: It seems again that Deir and Hama are out of the control of the regime.
There are pamphlets being printed and circulated in Aleppo. The crackdown in all of the areas except in the smallest of towns has not resulted in persistent control as they slip back to demonstrations.

There are simply too many Syrians and too few armed thugs to control everything everywhere. The defections in the army is limiting the ability of the regime to go the Libyan scenario. They are not sure if they go all out that they will not have a revolt that may end up destroying them.

The germs have developed antibiotic resistance and the rats have multiplied and are invading the sewers and there is nothing Junior or Ghadafi can do about it.

Repent the end is near as the doomsday is at hand.

#21 Great post, Tara. It was from the heart…

Syria’s cabinet endorses general election bill

http://news.xinhuanet.com/english2010/world/2011-07/27/c_131011464.htm

DAMASCUS, July 26 (Xinhua) — The Syrian cabinet endorsed late Tuesday the general elections bill as part of the government’s reform program to tamp down more than four months of unrest that swept the country since mid-March.

The endorsement came during a session chaired by Syrian Prime Minister Adel Safar.

The bill aims to regulate the election of parliament and local council members and to ensure the integrity of the electoral process. It also stipulates the formation of the Supreme Commission for Elections to manage the election process.

The move, announced by the official SANA news agency, came two days after the government endorsed a multi-party bill that would allow a political pluralism in the country under the rule of the Baath party for 40 years.

The bill still needs endorsing by the parliament which is scheduled to convene on Aug. 7, before being enacted as a law in a presidential decree, the report said.

@ #21 Tara

Although I don’t think it’s necessary to explain yourself or justify your stand but yeah nicely put, I believe you spoke out for the vast majority of silent Damascenes including “Smi-Menhebek” group.

On another note, For the transitioning period after collapsing the junior’s regime we should NOT be in rush to construct an alliance with any country especially Iran, Turkey, KSA and USA. These four countries have the love-hate relation and compete, fiercely, whether directly or via proxy (i.e. Syrian blood) to be the dominant controller in the region. They use power & dollar to impose their foreign policies on their alliances, so it would be a lose-lose scenario if Syria takes a side or join a pact.

Please keep in mind that four of them are doing no good to our current Syrian crisis.

Israeli President: Syrian leader Assad Must Step Down

Published July 26, 2011

JERUSALEM – Syrian leader Bashar Assad must step down, Israel’s president declared Tuesday, sending his message to Israel’s neighbor at an unprecedented news conference with Arab media.

Israel’s government has largely kept quiet as anti-government protests swept the Arab world in recent months. While some Israeli officials have predicted the Assad regime will fall, President Shimon Peres’ comments marked the first time an Israeli leader has openly called for the end of the Syrian regime.

Read more: http://www.foxnews.com/world/2011/07/26/israeli-president-syrian-leader-assad-must-step-down/#ixzz1TGVPBRbM

True

Just to be clear, it was not my intention to explain myself or justify my stand. I am very comfortable in my skin and where I stand. It is is my intention to highlight how easy we can dehumanize each other.

And by the way, I am not semi-Mnhebak. I am Mamnhebak to the bone.

Tara
Now it is you…Alaaroor…and Shemon Perez!!

I was not labelling as a “semi-Menhebk” member.

“Semi-Menhebk” people are those who have confused (maybe deceived) feelings towards the junior, they think he’s good boy but can’t justify his policies, so they prefer not even to get down to it.

While “Menehbek” group or “Mamnhebak to the bone” are those who blindly keep endorsing all these inhuman acts while arrogantly trying to defend their Lord the “Junior”. One of those who were prostrating to the portrait of Junior; had a big tattoo on his chest of “Menhebk”!!! honestly get a life.

It is so sad to see what is happening in Syria, no matter how things turns out, Syria as we knew is no more, Syria is broken and the relation between the Syrian people of different religions and ethnic background is damaged for a long time and i do not know if there will be a day in future that they will trust each other again , May GOD saves and protects Syria as no matter how long we are in the West, we all consider ourselves Syrians first, t least, I do.

Menhabak&Mabenhabak
The most stupid terminology you can use,99% of times being used by opposition to make themselves look smart. very rarely you see any one use menhabak word,that time is over.Syria is not divided across the line based on Assad,it is now division based on ideas and plans.The opposition is trying to compensate for their emptiness and lack of vision by using empty terminologies to make the other side look stupid and to cover up their own stupidity and impotence .same thing with using terminologies like Baathist which are rarely used or believed except by dummies .instead of coming up with real visionary planes,instead of coming up with some sort of comfort measures which will make minorities trust and love the opposition,instead of condeming monsters which are threatening to kill minorities and feed them to dogs,instead of …instead of…all we hear is this menhabak and mabenhabak stupid song which makes both parties stupid..reminds me of ???? ???????? when he was saying:
??? ????? ?? ???? ???? ?? ??????? ??? ?? ???? ???? ?? ????????
That is the mabenhabk plan…I mean the opposition brilliant agenda.

This is a Baathist Joke. According to the Political Party law, that after 50 years were granted to Syrians by Baath and Bashar mercy and generosity, another absurd ” ??? “ . An applicant for new party (beside all the other absurdities) must submit copy of his premise information and tel, fax etc. in order for the application to be accepted. So a party before licensing granted, will have to rent a place in the name of an unlicensed party, install telecom in the name of unlicensed one and who in Syria will even consider allowing that on his property!!! And what if no license granted, walk out on the lease, cut the telecom and walk out with empty pockets? Can the party have a P.O. Box for address, No, it must be in native location and there are no mailbox etc in Syria, and doubtful you can obtain even a P.O.Box in Syria for unlicensed Political party.

@ 31. SYRIA NO KANDAHAR SAID: MENHABAK&MABENHABAK
Good reply mate but hey let’s not get emotionally driven here.

I wish all people can perceive the “Menhebk” term as you do but in reality there are a huge segment out there glorify the junior as a God and adopting the “Menhebk” as a cult.

This is a physiological disorder related to the “Cult of Personality”, and that’s when tyrants such as the junior uses mass media and propaganda, to create an idealized and heroic public image, often through unquestioning flattery and praise. Simply they almost to claim being a God and people just worship them. It’s not a new phenomena it’s been there since creation i.e. faro.

In our Syrian case thanks to the junior’s father who indoctrinated generations and generations till we reach to the “Menhebk” disorder. Please review professor Lisa Wedeen’s book Ambiguities of Domination from the University of Chicago for further on this topic.

Dear Aldendeshe,

good point, its good also that we are discussing the multi parties law ,yes many people wouldn’t like many thing on it and that start the dialogue , they(most of the opposition) refused to come to dialogue and when the government issued the party law they said its not good enough , that is a start for a dialogue ,I think the opposition should be contributing by now in creating this new laws ,they said first this regime can not be trusted and the moment you go to a dialogue the regime will arrest us , tanzini , Kilo Dalila and and … none was arrested or being harassed ,Basher is playing a very smart game he is taking this uprising as an opportunity not as a trouble to go ahead with all his pending reform plans , if they keep on singing the same song ‘too littlie too late’ I am afraid soon it will become too little too late for them to join in the reform train , the catastrophe we are having in Syria right now could be converted to the biggest opportunity in our modern History to catch up with other nations with dignity and pride .

Why-Discuss

I just saw your post # 14. Welcome back!! We missed you.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ztm032i42vw&feature=bf_next&list=ULSlIJLxLbS_0&index=6

A Christian speaking about Arour, it is only after listening to this young woman, I did get what regime change will mean, sectarian conflict. Is it the Assad family who is keeping us in harmony.

Why-Discuss

me too just saw your post , big welcome back 🙂

1/???????? ?????? ??????? ??????? ??????????? ?????? ??????? ??????? ??????? ??????? ???????? ?????????? ???????? ????? ??????? ??????????? ?????? ????? ?? ????????? ??????? ???????

Did the Baath party adhere to Democratic means, Freedoms, United Nation principles on human rights ever?

Furthermore:

SNP will not recognize or abide by or be responsible:
– Any Agreement or memorandum signed with Turkey regarding divesting Syria’s interests in Iskenderun.
-Payment of any National debt encumbered when Syria was under strict Baath party control.
– All United Nation agreements signed from March 8, 1963 till present.
-Any act of war against Israel during 1963- to present and any encumbrances from such war acts declared by the Baath controlled Syria and any of its surrogate groups and organizations.
-Any terror charges claimed by others against Syria for act committed when Syria was, and still is, under full control of the Baath party, or committed by groups aided by it.
-Any liabilities or encumbrances from Syria’s Civilian, or military, interference in Lebanon Civil War and the time until Syrian forces completed its withdrawal.
-Any Natural Resource Agreements development and sales Agreement signed with others under the Baath party exclusive rule, except those with Lebanon, Russia and Islamic Republic of Iran.

There could be more but that will be the subject of next month online conference.

NZ
Very touching vidio,who was that?Albright?merkl?
No it is not Assad which keeps us in harmony.any
Secular strong prs will do the jobe as long as you keep religious parties and religion out of the game.

N.Z

‘Is it the Assad family who is keeping us in harmony. ‘

Off course not ,we lived in harmony most of our history ,’Assad family’ is part of this history ,the nature of this uprising is what threatening the harmony the sudden removal of AlBaath party from the power AND the amount of sectarian hatred we see in this uprising ,if you plant hatred you harvest hatred , I see this uprising is the daughter of hate and revenge of ‘the regime’ not the doughter of love and respect to Syria ,when some one go and kidnap 3 alwis young men and kill them then send a recorded CD to their families show their kids being slaughtered just because they support their president, all this whilst the government is still strong and in charge, Imagine what will happen after the collapse of the government?
When aroor promise the always who are against his revolution to make them dog’s meat after the revolution that give people the impression that ‘the assad family’ is keeping harmony.
I know that many rebels in here are not by any how aroor supporters but trust me you guys will be the first victim of him (and his alikes and masters) .

@Louai

I am sorry man but your name bring shiver up my spine. Be assured I have no illusions whatsoever about Wahabis and their intent to harm Syria and Syrians more than they did Iraq. When they are in power in Syria, is when we will use the big guns to clean Syria out and stop in Muscat in one swoop.

As to the Political Party Law; the deal was, according to a clear understanding stated by Mrs. Buthaina Shabban, it will be presented for dialogue and the draft will circulate, was open for discussion before issuing. That was clearly understood by everyone, even not well speaking Arabic like me.

All the sudden we get the surprise that it was decreed (??? ), well, I don’t care about others, I only care about SNP members 287 nobleman and women. I don’t care about Arour, Turkey, All of Arabia and anyone associated with them. To me there are 4 countries of interest, Iran, Russia, Lebanon and Israel and I don’t giva a dam about others. No one presented a draft copy to evaluate and give our opinion. What is the “Ultra Snobby “ Syrian ambassador job, taking vacation year around. I mean, it is ridiculous that we must resort to communicate to Syrians using Landis’es Syria comment blog and have to send letters to Iran Ayatollah Khemeni to please forward to Syria. Someone in Iran cut President Ahmadinejad site access, so now I cannot even communicate directly to him except through the office of the Supreme Leader who simply have no understanding of my ways and means and interpret everything the wrong way. His office personnel think I am Iran enemy because I am neutral on Israel, despite the fact that I am always way outspoken on Israeli transgression that all the Arab leaders they hug and kiss.

We waited that long and tolerated Assad and his Baath party in the hope that in the end will save the country by slowly moving under Bashar Leadership in the right direction. After so much blood letting and sorrow, we get the same-o-same-o. Not in our opinion a serious attempt to divorce from old Baathist ways and adopt new one, but more typically (Communistic style) dog tricks that did not even believed or worked in the 60’s let alone in YouTube Age.

Dear Aldendeshe

Thank you for your answer, with my little knowledge in politics ,for me, I find it great to see the government allowing multi parties but more importantly I am happy to see the opposition unhappy and speak out about it without being prosecuted ,that’s what we lack in Syria ,a political life which we are getting in a very rapid speed , correct me if I am wrong but that is not the final version and it can be still updated ,our constitution says the Bath party is the leader of the society and the state ,so to have a multi party law that make all parties equal we need to change the constitution first and that will need the parliament .the election law hopefully will bring new parliament members who represent the majority and the minorities of Syrians ,but the opposition should participate ,I don’t know what are they waiting for! They think Ramadan will do wonders ,,we will see .

may i ask why Louai name bring shiver up you spine? i like the meaning of the name Louai thats why i chose it , it mean the angry bull which used for the brave fighter and the origin of louie .
i know people share the same family name with you ,they live in Aladawya just near Babelsba , very good people indeed.

you know what? i want to live in a nation where i can openly criticize the president. where i can debate the government’s policies. AMAL claimed that the government has ALLOWED freedom of opinion.(“people who are not happy can always protest since its now permitted”)
so AMAL heres my mission for you, and provided you complete it, i will become a supporter of bashar.
go to any 3 police stations in syria, say the following sentence: bashar is a bad president because he allows his cousin to run a monopoly on the economoy. if you make it safely back home. bashar has my vote.

Can’t help but find these two quotes terribly relevant to the current social condition infecting elements of Syrian society.

“Those who do not move, do not notice their chains.”- Rosa Luxemburg

“Those who would give up Essential Liberty to purchase a little Temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety.” – Benjamin Franklin

To regime apologist, loyalists and “minhibakites”, at what expense and till when will you continue to look as far as your nose can reach?

Why don’t Michel Kilo and/or other like-minded people test the government in its sincerity with regard to the new laws of media and political parties, by trying to establish a secular party and publish a newspaper, although I’m not holding my breath that they would succeed.

Can some one tell me how much a Falafel would cost in Damascus (in US$)?
Thanks!
.

@ 46 badr
maybe because the regime still cracks down on protests( i dont know about the rest of syria, but the protest i witnessesed in Damascus was purely peaceful, government forces however were not. ) when intellectuals attempted to partake in these demonstrations they were met with brutal force. Aboud has mentioned it a 1000 times, why is najati tayara still in prison? the only way we can make sure the government is truly serious about reforms, is if they take accountability( like an investigation into makhlouf’s funds, or an independent inquiry on the security forces and their mass atrocities)
@ amir,
the price of a falafel sandwich(pita bread, tomatoe,hummus,pickles,mint,falafel) is 25 sp where i get it from. thats around 50 american cents. please next time dont discuss food when im hungry

About the new party law in Syria

Before the decree ,
the draft of the new law was largely circulated including an English translation here ,
an official internet site had the text in Arabic available for anonymous comments.

It is clear that the new law permits any party except sectarian and ethnic parties like ( and specially ) the Muslim Brothers .

To avoid the new law to be circumvented by using “independent local ” candidates , it has put minimal conditions on the membership ( number and location ).

I don’t see how the “Facebook” party with claimed thousands of followers in Syria will have any problem to meet the requirements of new law.

Dear Joshua,
I found interesting your comment about
“””
3:16?????? ?????? ?????? ??? ?????? ??? ??????? ???… Grisly footage of the dead police and security kill at Jisr al Shaghour before they were placed in the mass grave. This footage is much like that famous video of the dead rebel supporters in Deraa who were killed on the rooftop. In both cases …..
“””
Except that when the footage on the Deraa roof was released by the anonymous opposition propaganda , it has been proved on the comment section of your own blog to be a fabricated video.

Repeat a lie or a rumor , it will become a true fact in the collective memory.

Guy in Damascus,

Thank you!! Next time before I discuss food, I’ll make sure you already ate 🙂

Did you eat? coz I want to discuss food with you:
do you put mint in a Falafel in pita? Never heard of it. I put parsley and in the Falafel that I fry at home, I put also cilantro (fresh coriander) in the mixture. I’ll try with mint na3na3 !! Thanks!
.

@ amir,
yea, we put them in a pita along with tomatoe, pickles and hummus and wrap it and the result is a tasty sandwich
the store i purchase falafel from has alot of toppings: hot sauce, mayonnaise, coleslaw salad, ketchup. but yea, putting mint in a falafel sandwich is pretty normal( the hot sauce, mayonnaise,coleslaw and ketchup isn’t). umm he also adds this purple powder on it…I FORGOT WHAT’S IT CALLED!

These are hopeful times for high school graduates and their families.

Gone are the days when certain study disciplines and jobs were limited to previliged minorities and regime benefactor Baathists.

For example, and thanks to the revolution, students now, regardless of sect, will have to fairly compete for studies leading to, and jobs in, teaching.

It seems this is a positive turn of events. The problems or questions evoked about the licensing will have to be solved. There should be a delay, a few weeks of months for a new party to create itself and apply for a licence to be a legitimate candidate.

Will there be elections for a president ? What model has this followed – French, GB, USA ? A mixture ? Will Parliamentary elections be first ?

Will there be one or two rounds of voting ?(like France). This can be a good system as it allows people to really vote for their favourite, but for the second vote (if there isn’t a majority), then the various parties usually recommend one or two of the remaining parties.

There is also the system that Britain recently proposed (was a referendum) of letting people choose a 1st, 2nd, 3rd choice when voting.

Then there’s the system of primaries where several candidates in one ‘trend’ or big party get voted by members.

Of course in democratic countries the parties usually exist and they start their unofficial campaign at least a year before. But the official campaign usually lasts a few months. They must have equal time on the medias (this is literally timed), opinion polls mustn’t publish too close to the vote, etc.

In countries like Syria or the other ‘freed’ ones, this isn’t going to be easy. Much more time would be needed to organize and debate.

The condition of only secular parties is very good. This should prevent religious monopolies like the MB.

If there was a Baath party it would have to be reformed. I guess Bashar wouldn’t be eligible as he’s been in place for too long already ?

What’s the maximum mandate allowed in this project ? twice 4 or 5 years ?

Matthew Mainen, “Saudi Arabia’s role in Syria’s uprising.” – Institute for Gulf Affairs Policy Analyst

The following paragraphs have been left out in today’s news round up :

Saudi Arabia took the role as the lead foreign funder for the Istanbul Syrian opposition conference, while coordinating with private Kuwaiti citizens and sympathetic MPs as they hosted fundraisers.

Saudi based Syrians have been given a free hand to criticize the government and organize in anti-Syrian regime activities, a sign of official approval given that Saudi-based Egyptian opposition activists were expelled. Not surprisingly, such activists found a similar fate in Kuwait.

On the ground, Saudi Arabia and its Kuwaiti supporters are engaged in a joint hearts and mind campaign in the Turkish refugee camps. This is not a humanitarian gesture as evidenced by the fact that Saudi officials have not visited a single legitimate refugee camp elsewhere in the Muslim world. Rather, it’s an opportunity for Saudi Arabia to rally Syria’s Sunni majority against the country’s Alawite rulers, all the while Kuwait and the other Gulf states sans Qatar play second fiddle.

……

Under U.S. guidance, Qatar, which has played a prominent role in shaping events in Libya, should take the initiative from Saudi Arabia by funding and assembling progressive opposition leaders. While influencing Syria’s future, the U.S. will avoid accusations of meddling so long as Qatar does the groundwork. This will allow for a controlled Syrian transition, a contained Saudi-Iranian conflict and renewed U.S. influence in the region.

“””””

I don’t remember which Syrian President talked about foreign interferences in Syria and which opposition denied it.

The four-day meeting of the Representatives of Syrian Revolution Coordinators Union 27-30 July, in Istanbul promises to be a historic landmark.

The meeting will provide a safe place and ample of time to share valuable experience and come up with a strategy and work plan for the peaceful transition to democracy.

The training sessions and workshops will empower them with knowledge and skills to optimise their performance as political activists and groom them as future professional politicians.

11 Martyrs fell victims to Jr’s Wa2dulfitnah operation in the country areas of Damascus Governorate.

AlFati7a upon their soul,
May God bless their families with solace, and empower them with patience.

???? ????? ???? ?? ??? ?????? Youth Syria For Freedom
??????? || ?????? ??????: 11 ?????? ??? ????? ????? ????? ?? ????? ?????? ???? ????

3 minutes ago

“I don’t remember which Syrian President talked about foreign interferences in Syria and which opposition denied it.”

The same pseudo-president whose begging bowel is filled with Iranian money. Junior has made Syria subservient to Iran, in the same way Lebanon was to Syria.

And you guys are worried about some satellite Shiekh whose name I personally hadn’t heard of until I came to this forum.

Jr’s Shabbee7a were here!
Snapshots of destruction in Dar3a city involving houses, power poles, civilian cars, and Mosques.

Commenting on “new party laws” offer by this regime is academic as well as insensitive.
I just want to know which potential political party in Syria with decent membership would accept a contract with a regime with such a brutal record!

????? ???? ??? ???? ????? ?????? ? ??? ??? ????

Dear All

apologies, a random question:

does anyone know if Ali Mamlouk retired last year as head of the General Security Directorate as suggested by some internet posts, or whether he still holds this post, as suggested by the reports on the EU/US sanctions. The sanctions lists still appear to designate him as head of general intelligence. Have they got it wrong?

Internet suggests that Mamlouk has been replaced by Zouheir Hamad.

Thanks for any info.

Interesting article

Answers some burning questions
– why the disgusting Syrian revolution site has such a powerful technical attributes that it gets launched in less than an hour after it is closed due to being reported to promote hate
– the skilled psychological warfare in all modalities

http://all4syria.info/web/archives/19587

Have at it !

I hope we can put to rest to question of foreign interference

To people who call the Iran relationship interference I respectfully disagree , why would I not be closer to Iran that stands by my cause, helps me economically , in times when all are frantically trying to hurt Syria .

The unhappy Syrian with the degree of Iran’s ties who goes on the streets and shouts
?? ????? ??? ??? ???? ???? ??? ???? ????
Goes a long way in painting a picture of antiresistance, sectarian features, losing a big portion of Syrian people’ support
Sadly this brings us back to tribalism , one would think if this is anti Iran anti hizbullah then why should Shia and alawis be blamed for not joining the protests?

I do have respect for all of the great Syrian people ,they are “we” are entitled to different opinions, I was sad to see my opposition friends even fail to be civil with me anymore while I merely try to have a rational dialogue,

If the hungry wolves are trying to tear us to pieces we should stand united FIRST to turn them away, then we can fix our home. UNDER democratic principles with the intention of advancing reforms , and phasing out ( as opposed to toppling) the current system. It is possible , all of the friends on this blog have the same goal in mind, they only have to forget the fault lines and join in uniting not dividing Syria
Syrians now have the means and the power to practice free will , responsibly and peacefully .: they can form a political party , they can elect their representatives . A lot of negatives are still here , and it will not wash away immediately, eventually it will

Revlon
I will help you copying from your favorite lying site:
-??????? ?????? ??????? ????? ?? ????????
-??????? ????????????? ?? ????????
-????? ??????? ???? ?? ????
-??????? ?????? ??????? ?? ????
???????……..???
-??????? ??????? ?? ???? ?????
??????? ??? ??? ?????

@ 51. HSYRIAN

The Daraa rooftop video was a fabrication? Would you mind pointing to us where it was written or just why is it a fabrication?

thanks

To guy in damascus , the purple powder you add to falafel is SAMMA’A

Young Syrians convene in Turkey to discuss regime change

http://www.nowlebanon.com/NewsArticleDetails.aspx?ID=294975#ixzz1TJQWMrGx

Some 200 youth activists who oppose Syria’s regime opened a four-day meeting in Istanbul Wednesday, hoping to improve coordination among the groups working to topple Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.

The group that includes Syrians living in the country, as well as in the United States, Europe and Saudi Arabia, are united in “trying to bring together the new Syria,” said Banah Ghadbian, a 17-year-old Syrian-American.
……

” 186. Louai said:

Dear Jad

its not bad to have Abu Umer in here , he represents the radicals who unfortunately do exist in Syria but i like to think they are a tiny minority ,i watch Aroor and i read Abu Umer to know how my fear look like .”

Yes, you better be afraid if you support the oppression of your regime.

” 206. Syria no kandahar said:

Abu umber”

Do you think you are funny by playing around with my name?

“I can’t really give you the joy of victory,you don’t deserve it.”

Time isn’t on your side. If the Zionist entity with all its might will fall, then the Syrian regime will fall much sooner.

“with people like you there is no reasoning,because although god gave you a brain,you choose to make your brain a slave of hateful heart,which made your brain paralyzed.”

You better believe I will be hateful when you slaughter and torture tens of thousands of my people. Your Zionist mentality where you expect to kill us while we smile at you won’t work on me.

“Can you explain to me what is being Sunni means to you?why do feel so superior?what is more important to you being a moslem or being a Sunni?”

Can you explain to me why you menhebek lunatics refuse to acknowledge why the majority of those protesting are doing so because of the oppression that the Asad mafia. and this oppression and crackdown is supported by many of your ilk.

“Why do only make yourself a defendant of Syrian Sunnis,why don’t you defend Iraq Sunnis?”

The same way Syrian Alawis sympathise with Lebanese Alawis or Iraqi, Iranian and Lebanese Shi’ites sympathise with their Bahrani counterparts. Don’t accuse me of something all groups are guilty of.

“In 1973 war Syria lost 10000 soldiers were they all Sunnis?what will you call the hundreds or thousands of none Sunni soldiers who were killed in that war.”

Good for them. When the Syrian army is directed at the Zionists, I have no problem with it.

“same thing in 1982 war.”

The one where they massacred thousands?

“Why do believe that prisons have only Sunnis in them,there is many none Sunnis in prisons and you know that very will,but you choose to ignore it.”

No, I don’t ignore it, but the overwhelming majority of those imprisoned are Sunnis and those who are treated worse are the Sunni Islamic prisoners.

“in fact I know a Christian who has been in prison for 25 years for stupid reasons.
You are an example of how low a human being can get,why are so much crazy about the Sunni factor?”

Why am I crazy, but when the Alawi regime is willing to kill and imprison tens of thousands of Sunnis to maintain its grip on power, that isn’t considered crazy? Why the hypocrisy?

“is every Sunni person a good person?”

Of course not

” No,and you are an example,same thing for every Alawi,or every Christian or every palastenian…there is good and bad people every where.”

Every group is guilty of sectarianism and tribalism. When you start accuse your regime of this, then you have a right to speak.

“suppression was not only imposed on Sunnis,it was on every one.”

Suppression was overwhelmingly imposed on the Sunnis.

“you are a person who dos’t deserve to be respected,it is not a matter of disagreement with you,it is a matter of you being fascist and hateful to every one who is not Sunni .”

I am fascist and hateful to anybody who kills tens of thousands of my people, and expects me to smile at them.

“we grew up in Syria not knowing who is Sunni or Alawi or durzy …these diseases we found about down the road from germs(thanks Bashar )”

That may be the case, but those army units which were instrumental in the crackdowns and oppression were filled overwhelmingly with Alawis and you have supported the oppression of your beloved regime.

” like you,we are not a perfect society, and we treated half a million palastenians with love and dignity ,some of them did not deserve it.”

That is true that the Syrian regime did treat most Palestinians respectfully better than other Arab regimes, but it also killed and imprisoned thousands of Palestinians.

Muhammad AlRumaihi on the six fallacies of the Syrian regime.

http://www.aawsat.com/leader.asp?section=3&issueno=11928&article=632785

Al-Assad using unprecedented violence on demonstrators- Former Syrian Consul
26/07/2011
http://www.asharq-e.com/news.asp?section=1&id=26031

Beirut, Asharq Al-Awsat- Badr Jamus, the former Syrian honorary consul to Mongolia, where he served for more than 10 years, has explained the reasons for joining the opposition ranks, having once believed that Syrian President Bashar al-Assad was a man of reform. He said: “We had expected President Bashar al-Assad to react [to the uprising] in a completely different manner from what we saw in 1982 [in Hamah]. However, the surprise was that his reaction was even more violent. He has flouted all international charters, following all the deaths of women and children we have seen throughout Syria.” ….

….Jamus called for “early parliamentary elections to be held, to form a new government,” noting that “the opposition abroad does not represent all segments of the Syrian people, and so it has no right to form governments here and there.” He added: “The previous opposition conferences have formed a committee to travel to a number of key international capitals, in order to urge their governments not to oppose any decision that would stop the bloodshed of the Syrian people.”

….Jamus returned once again to the subject of early parliamentary elections, suggesting that President al-Assad should be allowed to run [for office]. He said: “If he wins 51 percent of Syrian people’s votes, he can rightfully assume power once again. But we are certain that now he represents less than 10 percent of the Syrian people, having persisted in killing his people, and incited sectarianism in order to ignite a civil war.”

Beaware,

Thank you for your post in regard to the youth activists meeting in Istanbul. I see them as the real opposition. I wish you have posted the whole article especially the part where they denounce an ethnic or religious divisiveness. I would have loved to see them inviting some respectful opposition intellectuals from inside Syria who can play an advisory role. The article stated that 20% are from inside Syria. I just hope and pray that they do not become a target upon their return.

I noticed that you are new here. You posted interesting articles. Welcome to our SC family.

56. HSYRIAN
????? ! ?? ?? ??? ????? ??? ?????? ??????? ? ??????? ! ??? ?? ??????? ??? ????? ?? ?????? ??????? ??????? ??????? !!

Shabbee7a defections and/or their looming threat of strike might be the hay that will break the lion’s back.

A shabbee7 earns between 20 and 200 USD a day.
Many are called upon to serve Fridays.
Many have quit after their cover was blown in their neighbourhoods.
Some have threatened to quit after failure of the regime to pay them for two weeks.

More on the meeting of the Syrian activists in Istanbul,
the meeting of Teezeni and Kilo with Shar3 and
Kilo’s take on the new party laws
http://all4syria.info/web/archives/19903

Abo umer
??? ?????? ????? ?? ???? ????
?? ??? ??? ??????? ??? ??? ???

And MB is using their own Shabiha.they are paying people to commit crimes.refer to jisr Alshoghor vidio to take a good look at some of their pigs shabiha.
The buttom line is that if the regime has lost his virginity,MB were never virgins.

Regime’s clergyman AlBooti’s expulsion from Mosque for insulting the martyrs of the revolution.

AlBooti says: “Most of the people who come to Friday prayers and then go out to demonstrate, do not know how to pray”
There goes the Regime’s Salafi/MB theory of the uprising!
Watch AlBooti’s talk after 1 minute point of the clip!

???? ????? ?? ?????? ????? ??????? ???
???? ???? ??? ?? ?????????

?? ??? ????? ????
??? ???? ????

Revlon

So telling! So profound.

Time for accountability. People refusing to be treated like they are stupid.

” 239. mjabali said:

Mr. Abu Umar comment # 162

AS always I laughed a lot when reading your response. It is violent of course and promises more violence, while calling others thugs. You are funny.”

One thug responding to another. I don’t remember you objecting when your menhebek lunatics like Syrian Haywano and Souri666 were calling for a scorched-earth policy and the killing of those protesting and you are more bothered by my violent language, then by the killing and jailing of tens of thousands by the Syrian regime.

“Your biased sectarian interpretation of history and event is short sighted.”

Every group is guilty of this, and you are an extreme sectarian. You don’t have to be religious to be tribalistic and sectarian, as many Westerners and Jews are like this.

“Also I was not intimidated, of course, by your thuggish claims about kicking me out of Syria.”

You certainly had no problems with the thuggery and violent language of your friend SNK:

“MB pigs,being fed by the ottomans three meals a day,are so far the winners of The Sharmotmost Award,the race is not done yet.”

or Syrian Haywano and Souri666 threatening a scorched earth-policy and massacres, which was subsequently implemented.

or the violent language used by menhebek propagandists like Talib Ibrahim, Khalid Abboud or Ali Shu’aybi.

I don’t remember you objecting to any of this.

” No one has the right to do or promise me that, no matter what my position from events. So your threats have no merit.”

You are more bothered by this, than the actual thuggery and oppression of your regime and the hundreds of thousands of Syrians who were exiled by your regime. And yes, I am pretty sure, that when the Asad mafia falls, we will see many menhebek lunatics leaving.

“It is funny how you call me a thug and do not see the thuggish behavior and words you use. This is your trademark.”

When I am dealing with thugs, then I will stoop to their level, so yes I will be a thug in the face of the cyber-shabiha and the oppression of your regime.

” You bullied Syria No Kandahar out with your thuggish words and now you try to do the same with me. I am very GLAD that Mr. Syria No Kandahar is back to smash your irrational thinking.”

Keep patting yourself on the back.

“But, your logic is very weak, as usual, so let me go on to destroy it again for you:”

You haven’t destroyed anything and you have shown yourself to be a brazen hypocrite.

“Point one: I am not pro Assad. I am pro human rights, freedom of speech, and democracy. Always was and always will. You are not, plain and simple. If al-Assads, father and son, tortured any one I am against that. If they killed anyone for no reason, I am against that too. This is my stance: clear and simple.”

This is just a facetious denial. It’s clear if you had a choice between the Asad mafia ruling or Syrian Sunnis ruling, then you will choose the Asad mafia for obvious sectarian reasons. Do you acknowledge that the main reason that many Syrian Sunnis are protesting is because of the oppression of the regime. You claim to condemn the oppression of the regime, but you refuse to acknowledge that this is the main issue, nor do I believe that you really give a damn. Keep your crocodile tears to yourself.

“This is my personal history and that of my family. So your accusations are nothing but nonsense and based on hysteria because I am like you.”

Of course, you refuse to admit you are of Alawi heritage because you refuse to self-incriminate yourself.

“I know my non-sectarian history mr. Abu Umar. Do not connect me with others, They are their own men and responsible for what they said.”

You are an extreme sectarian, despite your pathetic denials.

“Many Sunnis were treated badly under al-Assads but also many Sunnis in Syria benefited from al-Assads so your logic as I told you is not valid and nothing but sectarian.”

Many Shi’ites were treated badly under Saddam but also many Shi’ites in Iraq benefitted from Saddam? Do you agree with that statement? The Asad regime’s oppression of many Syrian Sunnis, and vice versa, and these pro-regime Sunnis, will eventually turn against Asad, just as the pro-Saddam Shi’ites turned against him when the political climate changed.

” Things can’t be analyzed as Alawi vs. Sunnis. There were Alawis in prison and against al-Assad.”

But the line taken by your ilk is that an Islamic state will be established in Syria if Asad falls and this conflict is an Alawi vs Sunni affair as the majority of Alawis support the Asad mafia and the majority of those army units involved in the crackdown are Alawi. If the Asad mafia was worried about anti-regime Alawis, it wouldn’t be using tanks and shabiha and if what you are saying is true, then there would be many Sunnis in Maher al-Asad’s unit. Also, the Alawis imprisoned, aren’t treated as badly as the Syrian Sunnis.

“Point2: Your sectarian mind makes you see the history of the Middle East as Shia vs. Sunnis. Things are more complicated than that.”

Actually, I am more open-minded than that, but all groups view history through a sectarian and tribal lense.

“You saw the Syrian’s Army venture in Lebanon as an Alawi invasion to kill Sunnis. This shows how childish your interpretation of events.”

No, I didn’t say that, and there were more Syrian Sunni soldiers involved in the violence in Lebanon, than Syria.

“First of all, the Syria Army went in to stop a civil war, Syrians did not start.”

The Syrian army invaded to protects its interests, not out of some noble feelings.

” Some Palestinians did, as you remember mr. Abu Umar. Some Palestinians wanted to establish a state within a state as you remember Mr. Abu Umar and started clashing with the local population the same way you want to kick me out of my country.”

I didn’t say the Palestinians were angels or that they didn’t made many mistakes in how they treated the local population, but of course I’m going to side with my people, just like all other groups generally side with their own. Secondly, I didn’t see you objecting to Hezbollah’s state within a state. Don’t worry, what goes around comes around, and already many of these mini-states will be established in Syria.

“What is wrong with you? kick me out of my country just because I do not share the same views as you. SHAME on YOU.”

What is wrong with you? Kill tens of thousands of my people and then expect me to smile at you?! And I want to see you exiled because you are on the side of the regime and I didn’t see you object when hundreds of thousands of Syrians were exiled from their country. SHAME ON YOU

“First the Syrian army clashed with a number of factions among them some Palestinians. The Syrian Army went to restore order, a concept foreign to you as obvious.”

They didn’t just clash, they engaged in many massacres and yes, many other groups did so too, but you seem to pretend that they were acting like angels there.

“Syrian forces fought a group of different factions, that included Shia, Christians and Sunnis, who were fighting together under an umbrella called “Progressive Front.” (Remember Fath, Qlaylat, Junblat the father and smaller groups). Those did not like to lose what they gained since the start of the Lebanese Civil War so they clashed with the Syrian Army that came to RESTORE ORDER.”

Yes, they restored order by engaging in massacres, and playing one side against the other. We’ve seen how your regime restored order. Do you support Saddam’s restoring order?

“The Syrian army has Sunnis and Christians as well as Alawis, Druz and Ismailis among its ranks. The 12,000 Syrian soldiers or so died in Lebanon were from all walks of life in Syria and from all religions. It was not a war against the Sunnis mr. Abu Umar. You need help if you see it like that, because it was not like that.”

Are you saying there was no anti-Sunni context to Syria’s involvement in Lebanon, because you yourself said that the Sunni Islamic groups are a threat to Syria, and the Syrian army and mukhabarat waged a war on some of these groups in Lebanon, like the siege of Tripoli.

“You are making it seem as if the Alawis has some vengeance against the Palestinians:”

Again, I didn’t say that, but that the Asad mafia killed thousands of Palestinians in Lebanon.

” did you forget that many Alawis fought in wars related to Palestine like the Alawi Brigade in the 1948 war?”

Good for them. My problem is with the Alawis who oppressed the Syrian, ,Lebanese and Palestinian Sunnis. And why are you bringing this up, when you said that you didn’t care about mumaana. Are you going to mention the Alawis who collaborated with the French or the Alawi notables, including Asad’s grandfather who praised the Zionists and blamed the Palestinians for becoming refugees in their own land. I thought you said anti-Zionism was an illusion.

“Point three: as for restoring order: I said order should be restored. This does not mean the al-Assad should send his forces and start shooting people.”

Thats what going on and Asad will do anything to stay in power and I’m pretty sure you will support him, despite your denials.

“It also does not mean to take security forces from the street,”

What a ridiculous comparison.

” but also mean that demonstrators should stay home and go back to normal life.”

And forget about their relatives killed and jailed? This shows that your denials are nonsense

“Political parties should be given a chance here by all.”

This isn’t about political parties, but the oppression of your regime.

” All, government and all should work hand in hand to restore order. But why am I talking to you about restoring order in Syria, do you really care about that?”

Do you really care about the tens of thousands of Sunnis killed or are you just shedding crocodile tears?

” Do you really care about the Syrian blood spilled? or you care only about your kind only?”

Yes, I only care about my kind only. At least, I am truthful in my sectarianism, unlike hypocrites like yourself. If the shoe was on the other foot, you certainly wouldn’t be talking like this, but calling for war.

” WE SYRIANS are not sectarian like that.”

So, why are the majority of the units involved in crackdown, Alawi? Do you think if these units were majority Sunnis, that this crackdown will continue for long. Wake up and smell the coffee.

“Point Four: AS for Ali Ibn Abi Taleb vs the War Criminal Ibn Taymiyah you lie again mr. Abu Umar. Ali Ibn Abi Taleb did not do the same things like the war criminal Ibn Taymiyah as you claimed.

The difference between Ali ibn Abi Taleb and Ibn Taymiyah is huge because the Criminal Ibn Taymiyah issued decrees that are still being used till today to kill others. Ali ibn Abi Taleb did not do that.”

Look at how you brazenly lie and you refuse to condemn Ali ibn Abi Talib because you are an extreme Alawi sectarian, which punctures your so-called secular credentials, which are similar to Thomas Jefferson who wrote eloquently about liberty even though he praised and implemented the destruction of Native American tribes, owned many slaves, believed in manifest destiny and supremacy for the white race. Also, if you are in power, would you ban Hezbollah and look at you how refuse to answer the question of preaching secularism to your regime’s Shi’a allies like Hezbollah, Iraq and Iran.

“Ibn Taymiyah’s criminal ideas are still used today to kill Christians in their churches, Shia in there mosques, and blow trains and buildings in the West, and to dehumanize minorities like the Alawis in our case. Ali Ibn abi Taleb did not issue any decree to kill others.”

Ali Ibn Abi Taleb issued many orders to kill, and he fought the Arab mushrikeen as infidels, he led the raid on Jewish fortress of Khaybar, he fought in the Riddah wars, he participated in the Islamic conquests, he executed those who deified him, etc. I could go on and you aren’t even consistent in your anti-Islamic hatred. Ibn Taymiyyah is a just a scapegoat, and if you were honest, you would attack Ali and the Prophet, as they were the inspiration.

“What is left from Ali ibn Abi Taleb is the wise words and sad attitude about life that cheats you. What is left from Ali are the philosophical words and his stance. What is left from Ibn Taymiyah is a trail of blood from his days till now. Ibn Taymiyah was a carrier psychopath interested into killing others and dehumanizing them. Did Ali Ibn Abi Taleb do that? The answer is No. So again your miserable attempt to get at me by using Ali ibn Abi Taleb as an example fired back at you!!!! Your logic is weak.”

Ali ibn Abi Talib isn’t on your side, and you refusal to condemn him because of some nostalgia for your Alawi heritage proves your cowardice. If he were to return today, you would consider him to be an Islamic extremist.

“Point Four: AS for Secularism and its related issues, I told you that SECULARISM is the way to go. Secularism is what guarantee for every human his equal rights. Your version of Islam does not have people as equal. Here is why you are against it.”

Why aren’t you bringing up the issue of birth control? You support birth control support among Sunnis because they are a demographic threat to you, and having a high birth rate, isn’t just a religious thing, as many non-religious people support it like the Jews and Western politicians? Were you just calling for this because the Sunnis are a threat to you?

“Human rights Abu Umar does not have limits, it should include all.”

So where are the Sunnis in Maher al-Asad’s unit?

“AS for the gay marriages and gay parades, I say why not! what are you going do with all of the gay people in the Muslim world?

Are you gonna shove them under the carpet and imagine they do not exist, or they do not deserve to live according to you?”

AS for my village Abu Umar it is not your business if they held a gay parade or not, are you upset that they may not invite you?”

Give them psychotherapy, but they won’t be dancing like baboons in the local souk. And look at how you refuse to answer the question about your village. Yes, it is my business because you preach what you don’t practise. When you hold that parade in Alawi neighbourhoods and villages, and the local people beat the crap out of you, then your hypocrisy will be exposed.

“Last point: AS for Zionism and America, I told you that I am pro America, and pro American ideals. Among American ideals is the right to criticize. America’s policy in the Middle East may be wrong in some places, but overall it is good for America. So far, it had paid America well.”

Probaly, the only thing that you’ve said that makes sense that America acts in it’s interest even when that means killing millions.

“As a Syrian wish that America could be more friendly with Syria and the Syrian people so may be they would learn good work ethics, respect of the law, and how to live in a pluralistic society. I want better relations with America and you want better relation with Saudi Arabia. No thanks sir.”

Don’t worry, you’ll be moving there real soon.

“Zionism is an illusion for every conspiracy nut in the Middle East. Zionism and its cousin Imperialism, were used frequently also by the rulers to brainwash their masses.”

Do you condemn the Asad mafia for this? Was the Israeli invasion and occupation of Palestine and the expulsion of the Palestinains an illusion? Why do you menhebek lunatics have the same mentality like the Zionists?

” I do not buy this. I see my real enemies and recognize them. Israel and Zionism did not threaten me to kick me outside of Syria but you did mr. Abu Umar. So it is obvious who is my real enemy. ”

You are nothing and you had no problem when the Asad regime kicked hundreds of thousands of Syrians out. Hypothetically, what are you going to do when the Asad mafia is turfed? Geostrategically, the numbers aren’t on their side, unless their Shi’ite allies or the Turkish Alawis intervene.

It is ironic that Hama city, claimed by the regime to be under the control of the outlawed, militant anarchist Salafist/MB’s, is enjoying peace and order,

while HOMS city which is under the control of the civil order forces of Shabbee7a is a prey to violence and anarchy!

” 77. Revlon said:

AlBooti says: “Most of the people who come to Friday prayers and then go out to demonstrate, do not know how to pray”
There goes the Regime’s Salafi/MB theory of the uprising!
Watch AlBooti’s talk after 1 minute point of the clip!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dGlGdE8IlF0&feature=related ”

When the regime falls and the Asad mafia are exiled in Iraq or Iran, they can take their poodles like Buti and Hassoun with them. An anti-regime Syrian shaykh(not Ar’oor) foresaw how Buti and Hassoun would fall with the Asad mafia, several years ago.

” 75. Syria no kandahar said:

And MB is using their own Shabiha.they are paying people to commit crimes.refer to jisr Alshoghor vidio to take a good look at some of their pigs shabiha.
The buttom line is that if the regime has lost his virginity,MB were never virgins. ”

And who said that your regime were virgins in violence?! The Syrian dungeons are the most brutal in the Arab world after Saddam’s.

” 78. Syria no Kandahar said:

???? ????? ?? ?????? ????? ??????? ???
???? ???? ??? ?? ????????? ”

???? ? ?????? ? ??? ???? ?? ???????? ???? ????? ??? ? ??? ????? ??????? ?? ?????? ??????? ??? ?????? ??????? ???????? ???? ????? ??? ?????? ??????.

“79. Syria no kandahar said:

?? ??? ????? ????
??? ???? ???? ”

Where are you MJabali, you hypocrite? Look at the thuggery and fake mumaana of your ilk, which of course you and those who accuse me of being sectarian are silent upon? The Syrian protestors are more honorable then being stooges for the Americans whom Hafez collaborated with in Gulf War I.

” 74. Syria no kandahar said:

Abo umer
??? ?????? ????? ?? ???? ????
?? ??? ??? ??????? ??? ??? ??? ”

Keep boiling in your rage and you will remember the days of Ar’oor fondly if your criminal regime continues in its path.

?????? ???? ? ??????? ????

7/??? ???? ????? ???? ?? ????? ???? ?? ????? ????? ??? ????.

This is vague and confusing, it needs more accurate definition. It is understood that the Green Party Movement (SORROS/ BBG Global Clandestine Operatives) is disqualified, but what if the party is made up of Syrian immigrants, such was the case with SSNP. And is the case now with SNP (SSNPS). What is the definition of “???? “ . Is it that its founders and members are only Syrians, or is founded originally inside Syria (the country).
Now why this is of concern, is because of this other primary requirement:

???? ??? ????? ????? ??? ?????? ?????? ???? ?? /50/ ????? ?? ?????? ???????? ??? ?????? ???? ?????? ?????? :
??- ?? ???? ????? ?????? ?????? ??? ??? ????? ??? ?????.
??- ????? /25/ ????? ?? ?????.
??- ?????? ?? ????????? ??????? ???????.
??- ??????? ?????? ??????? ????????? ???? ????? ???? ?????? ?? ??? ????.
??- ??? ????? ???? ??? ???? ?? ??? ????.

What is defined as Syrian for 10 years here! Would holding an American or Dutch Citizenship in addition to Syrian one be considered “Syrian” despite the pledge of allegiance to that other country? Does a Palestinian or Turkmen who acquired Syrian Citizenship and is holding a Turkish or Israeli Citizenship or Passport be deemed “Syrian”? Obviously many Kurds will have to wait 10 more years to share in political life in Syria.

How can SNP (SSNPS) which is setup for nearly 33 years and its members span many countries set shop in Syria except through setting up a local (National) organization? And how it can navigate the above, first mentioned (??? ). Even if some founding members are Syrians (legally) and were to return to Syria, the 10 years residency cannot be met and they will be disqualified. Basically, one concludes that only Syrians inside Syria are permitted to establish political party and not exiles. That is discriminatory, why political exiles that spend a life time fighting for rights will in the end be excluded?

It is obvious that you are trying to exclude those of Moslem Brotherhood, Khaddam, Riffat and others, but why on earth you exclude SNP? These others have legal issues that prevent them from reconciliation, but we have no legal issues with the State and there are other dissident groups that have none as well.

Waleed AlQash3ami (The first army defector) to Orient TV
– We delivered republican guard outfits to fighters from Hizballah
– Units of Republican Guards can be mobilized and engage in military activity only by a written order of the president of the Republic: B Asad. He was lying every time he claimed he ordered not to fire at civilians.
– He defected because he was surprised to see civilians, including women chant for support of his hometown, Dar3a.
– Officer Mujahed 3ali Hasan shot at Waleed and his defecting unit and wounded one of them.
– The regime attempted to bribe him to come back and declare his defection as kidnapping
– He predicts that a 3alawi General from the republican guard to revolt against the regime.

5 soldiers have defected in Inkhel, dar3a, Today.
Another one fell martyr to security forces fire.

AlFati7a upon his soul,
May God bless his family with Solace, and empower them with patience.
Ugarit News | ??????? ?????????
??????? || ???? – ?????:: ??? ??? ??? ??????? 5 ????? ?? ????? ????? ??????
?? ???? ???? ????? ???? ????? ???????? ???? ??? ??????? ?????? ???????
???? ?? ???? ??????? ?? ???
???? -????
7 minutes ago

Guy in Damascus,

I think that you mean Sumac http://ar.wikipedia.org/wiki/%D8%B3%D9%85%D8%A7%D9%82
.

Give Bashar Al-Assad A Chance, By Chandra Muzaffar

July 22, 2011 “JIO” — In his address at Damascus University on 20 June 2011, he drew the attention of the world to the ‘National Dialogue’ he had initiated which will focus on the comprehensive reform of state and social institutions. The Dialogue, with representation from all sectors of society, aims to change existing laws on elections, political parties, local administration, and the media in order to create a society that embodies the freedom and dignity of the people. It seeks to amend and perhaps even replace the present Constitution of Syria. A democratically elected People’s Assembly may be inaugurated in August 2011. The Dialogue also envisages enhancing the fight against corruption through an Anti-Corruption Commission.

While concerned mainly about political reforms, Bashar’s speech failed to recognise that fundamental economic changes would be necessary to reduce widening disparities between the rich and poor and to curb huge increases in the cost of essential goods and services. It is of course true that the massive influx of 1.5 million Iraqi refugees since 2003 added to the 0.5 million Palestinian refugees from an earlier period have also severely strained the Syrian economy.

Nonetheless, Bashar’s commitment to reforms through a National Dialogue gives hope.

One, he has openly acknowledged the legitimacy and sincerity of the demands of authentic protesters for meaningful change, and identified with their demands.

Two, unlike some other Arab rulers, he has laid out a whole process through which reforms would be introduced, complete with time frames. In fact, Bashar began this process even before the National Dialogue through small and big meetings with thousands of people from all over Syria.

Three, he has already set into motion some important changes. The emergency laws have been rescinded and the state security court abolished. More than 6,000 Kurds who hitherto had no citizenship rights have been accepted into the Syrian fold.

Four, the President has shown that he is prepared to reconcile even with the men and women who were part of the armed insurrection against the State by extending an amnesty to all those who turn themselves in with their weapons. This also creates the right climate for reform within a cohesive social order.

Five, it is only too apparent that in spite of months of peaceful and violent protest against him, Bashar remains immensely popular with the vast majority of his people. After his June 20 address, millions and millions of people poured into the streets in a mammoth show of support and solidarity with Bashar. With such support, he would be in a stronger position to carry forward his reform mission.

And this is precisely what Bashar will have to do. He should be bold and brave enough to overcome the opposition to his reforms. Some observers have argued that he has been somewhat hesitant to bring about far-reaching changes because he does not want to antagonise the old guard and deeply entrenched vested interests.

Indeed, he should have the courage to call for a presidential election, to invite his opponents to stand against him in a free and fair contest. It will cut the ground from under the feet of all those who are out to subvert him.

Bashar has incurred the wrath of a number of actors within and without the region mainly because of his principled position on Israel which continues to occupy Syria’s Golan Heights. Syria also shelters Hamas leaders and has been steadfast in its commitment towards the Palestinian cause. Bashar and Syria have maintained close ties with the Hizbollah in Lebanon and with Iran. For Israel, the US government and some Arab rulers, this is not acceptable— which is why they are allegedly funding and arming some of the Syrian protesters.

The Western dominated global media ignore foreign meddling in Syria. They refuse to admit that Bashar is faced with an armed insurrection which has witnessed killing, arson and sabotage. Like any other head of government he has no choice but to use force to quell the insurrection. At the same time, none of the major television channels highlighted the massive show of support for Bashar after his June 20 address. Instead, some of the media have been fabricating news like the lie about a non-existent Syrian internet blogger by the name of “Amina Arraf” being arrested and kidnapped. Even some video clips shown by Aljazeera and CNN do not match their news content, as pointed out by the Italian newspaper, La Rinascita.

The media, it is obvious, are determined to ensure that those who resist US-Zionist helmed hegemony are defeated

Abo bomber
Keep your ????

I came on this blog and some others to know more about Syria. In France, Bashar and his wife were invited by Sarkozy to a very nice official visit, with the highest place beside him at the national celebrations day – 14th July, which is Bastille Day, that began the French Revolution.

At the time, I didn’t know much about the ME, I latched on later with the Iranian protests.

I found DaleAndersons decription in a previous post, of the ‘western’ perception of Syria quite my own. Syria was an isolated country that was considered ‘brutal’. Nothing else was really retained except a vague idea of what happened in Lebanon.

There was nothing in the news about Syria. This is not surprising as when I went to Sana newspaper and browsed the news, you don’t see many countries mentioned, except Iran, Irak, Lebanon, and Brazil.

It’s not surprising that he says that Syria has no friends.

Yet, here, what do I see, posts from ex-pats, and people with agendas, yet almost nothing about this problem. People seem to have to take sides, ‘resistance’, or ‘some sort of democracy or freedoms’.

But, I see that both sides, pro or anti régime, say as their slogan ‘god, syria, xxx’.. How come people consider ‘god’ is before their country and before individual freedoms ????

Surely individual freedoms are first = Human rights charter says ‘each is born equal’…

Nations change, but individuals remain. God is a private matter, not to be put above the nation or the individual !

Even if people are religious, they surely must accept that ‘god’ means different things that means usually blood and massacres.

I give up for the moment. Syria seems to be exploding into sectarian rubbish and calling to places like Saudi Arabia, Iran, How can anyone trust these countries ? Iran has a pseudo democracy, all the candidates are vetoed beforehand and despite the everlasting arguments over the results, it doesn’t change the brutal crackdown on the opposition that has no rights, house arrest, for the leaders, prison or worse for the people recognized on videos, no press freedoms, no freedom of expression, no dress freedom etc. How can Syrians here consider Iran as a model ?

I will watch, but I’m very very pessimistic, I would have hoped for better for this country, that despite their international isolation, managed to become a fairly modern country. Just as the other dictators’, though, Egypt, Tunisia, Libya, also had internet and foreign investment. They saw the writing on the wall just too late.. poor leaders, they were too old or their advisers were.

Revlon
Defection rate 1/100000
Woo ??????

?????? (6)
?? ????? ?? ????? ??? ????? ??? ??? ?? ?????? ?? ???? ????? ?? ?? ??? ??????? ???? ?????? ?????????.

?????? (11)
??- ???? ??? ????? ????? ??? ???? ?????? ?????? ???? ?? ????????.
??- ??? ????? ????? ??? ?? ???? ???? ?????? ???? ??????? ?? ????? ??? ??????? ?? ??? ?? (2000) ??? ????? ?? ?????? ?? ???????? ?? ????? ?????? ??????? ???? ??????? ????????? ??????? ??????? ??? ?????? ??? ?? ?? ??? ???? ??????? ??? ??????? ?? ?? ?????? ?? 5% ?? ????? ???????? ???? ?? ???? ?? ?????? ?????? ?????? ??????? ??????.

It is illegal for the new political party to declare itself a political party and practice or exercise such political right, and it has no legal right to do so, unless it is completed all its requirement and granted License. That is what the first section above basically means in translation.

Then we come to the next section and here it says:

The absolute minimum number of founding members to be named when the Party License Application is filed must be an absolute minimum of 2000 members. Well, that is ok, I am not sure if considering nearly 50 years of political parties and political life in Syria will turn people off so much not to join in any party, fear of reprisal is one additional reason. But even if we accept this number 2000, here come the contradiction: it requires that those 2000 members represent half the Muhafazat of Syria by no less than 5% of total membership.

That is still ok, the claim is in order to represent wide sector of Syria Social fabric. But, here is the predicament, which conflict with the previous section:

When you are not allowed to advertise or promote a party before you meet and complete all requirement and License hangs on your wall. How on earth a new political party will be able to gather members from all or half the Muhafazat in that much minimum percentage? And, would not those joining the yet ILLEGAL PARTY be subject to harassment by Baath led authority? That is even if we not to discuss the impossibility of generating members of half Muhafazat without media or advertising, campaigning, meetings etc. which will all be unsanctioned illegal activity according to this party law.

Memo To: ALICCIE

RE: “…Syria has no friends…”

Thanks, Aliccie, and yes, Syria has no friends. The Assad Mafia’s foreign policy for the past forty years has been one of opportunism, suspicion, hostility and backstabbing. And now that all the chickens are coming home to roost, it’s not surprising that almost no one in the international community wants to lend a helping hand.

The folks who are posting comments on this blog are mostly Syrians with various agendas…along with a few curious foreigners like me. I, for example, am an historian with an admiration for the greatest Syrian of them all, the Empress Theodora. But that was a long time ago in a galaxy far, far away.

I advise you to pay close heed to this blog and read between the lines of the comments. All the fear and anger and frustration and paranoia are there for anyone with eyes to see.

Not to mention the comedy. Most of these Syrians are well-educated and should know better but when they get into heated arguments, they end up accusing each other of being Jews. It’s the worst insult in their lexicon. And again, these are people who should know better.

Happy reading…

?????? (27)

??? ??? ?? ????? ????? ????? ??? ??????? ?? ????? ???? ??? ?????? ??????? ??? ??????? ??????? ???? ?? ???????? ???????? ??? ??? ??? ??? ??????? ???? ????? ??????? ?? ????? ????? ??????? ????????? ???????.

Why the term “Produce” and not “Publish” is used here. Does this mean a Party can print one Publication or newspaper only and can use internet as much as possible. Or does Produce mean publish a printed newspaper and or Produce an online News blog counted as permissible “ONE ONLY”? Can it maintain several websites, can member maintain own supporting websites? Is Arabic language a must or it can maintain a foreign language website as well!!!. Additionally, can a party maintain a foreign based liaison and information office, even a branch, just as the Baath Party maintains such branches in many countries?

Mr. Abu Umar you are funny and make no sense as always….

Aliccie,

How many years did it take France to become secular since its first monarch? Is there hope Syria would de better?

Revlon, thanks for the link. It might take time, slowly but surely, our wisest and bravest are at the forefront for a better future, a free Syria without oppression.

WE WILL NEVER FORGET YOUR LYRICS THAT SHOOK ASSAD.

Ibrahim Qashoush, The Nightingale of the Syrian Revolution.

By BASSEM MROUE

BEIRUT — Ibrahim Qashoush’s lyrics moved thousands of protesters in Syria who sang his jaunty verses at rallies, telling President Bashar Assad, “Time to leave.” So when his body was dumped in the river flowing through his hometown, his killers added an obvious message: His throat was carved out.

Qashoush’s slaying underlines how brutal Syria’s turmoil has become as authorities try to crush a persistent uprising. His fellow activists are convinced he was killed by security forces and fear it could mark a new campaign to liquidate protest leaders.

An estimated 1,600 civilians have died in the crackdown on the largely peaceful protests that have been raging around Syria for more than four months, most from shootings by troops on anti-Bashar rallies. Qashoush’s case was a rare, targeted killing of a prominent activist – made more chilling by the clear intention to send a bloody message.

The 42-year-old Qashoush, a father of three boys, was a fireman in the central Syrian city of Hama who wrote poetry in his spare time, said a close friend, Saleh Abu Yaman. Before the uprising began in mid-March, he’d write about love or hard economic times.

“All the poems and songs he wrote were by instinct. He used to be sitting with his friends and then start reciting a poem,” Abu Yaman said.

But once the protests erupted and spread, Qashoush turned his pen to the uprising. Hama became one of the hottest centers of the demonstrations. In early June, security forces shot dead 65 people there, and since than it has fallen out of government control, with protesters holding the streets and government forces ringing it, conducting overnight raids into the city.

The hometown son’s star rose with the city. At nearly every protest, the crowds were singing his most popular lyric, “Come on, Bashar, time to leave.” It was put to a bouncy tune, and his poems rang with a down-to-earth, jokey

“Screw you, Bashar, and screw those who salute you. Come on, Bashar, time to leave!” hundreds of thousands sang behind a singer on stage in Hama’s central Assi Square during a rally at the beginning of the month. “Freedom is at our doors. Come on, Bashar, time to leave!”

Two days later, on July 3, Qashoush disappeared.

Revlon&The Angel
While Revlon was sleeping last night Alaaroor Angel appeared for him,wearing white and riding white horse.he got scrared and started rubbing his eyes.
The Angel:are you Revlon.
Revlon:yes master
A:Are you Sunni
R:yes master
A:good,then you are Moslem.
B:yes of course master
A:are you sure you are not Alawi or Nasrani or Durzi…
B:no ???? ???? master
A:good because if you are I have my portable grounding machine.
B:never master
A:listen let’s get to business god sent me to you to have fight the Alawis
B:how master?
A:god told me about an American called Joshua landis,do you know him
B:yes master,I always put lies on his site
A(pulling his sword):lies
B(tremoring): I mean lies about Alawis
A(putting the sword back):god bless you my son.listen tomorrow you have to make sure that this Joshua site is all packed with lies,especially abou shabiha.
B:yes master
A:and make sure you defeat this crap called SNK and Majbal and Jad and Louai
And even Abughassan ,I hate all of them.I will send our brother Ubo umer to help you.
B:yes master
Then Revlon opened his eyes and has Been posting about shabiha all day.

@ Dale Anderson

as you say ‘it’s not surprising that almost no one in the international community wants to lend a helping hand.

Well, apart from saudi arabia, Iran, who ? Turkey tried to reason with his ‘friend’, but apparently at first, he didn’t listen, maybe he did, afterwards, a bit ??

“Empress Theodora”, will check up on her..

“I advise you to pay close heed to this blog and read between the lines of the comments. All the fear and anger and frustration and paranoia are there for anyone with eyes to see. ”

Well that’s no doubt what I’m seeing, and feeling with these comments. And that leads me to say, that either one gives up, or one might have a few words to keep drumming the best I know, the French secular system, the human rights charter, which is not perfect, (ex – children should be be free from religion -my battle), as maybe it might be heard by a few, above the sectarian cacophony…

“…they end up accusing each other of being Jews. It’s the worst insult in their lexicon. And again, these are people who should know better.”

Well, might I say, that many of these ex-pats or not, should realize that our ‘imperialist west’, don’t necessarily know about these obsessions. They might ‘happen’ upon it on a Youtube comments, but otherwise, western occupations are not concerned with jewish, ‘zionist/arab’ or whatever obsessions. They are busy with their lives and local news and their ‘western’ concerns.

When one does happen upon these hatred comments or articles, as I did, several years ago, it is quite gobsmacking. Of course I’m used to it now, but when – say – a young kid comes upon those typical arab sexual insults, I wonder what effect it has. If it’s the same as mine, – what on earth is their life ?? Or as a kid – “they are totally insane” !

Well, I think it’s better to be informed than ignorant, whatever..

As one commentator nicely asked for the reference on the fake video of the Deraa roof,
I made very lengthy researchs during my rare spare time and found it :
https://joshualandis.com/blog/?p=10092&cp=all#comment-254517

“””””
The video of the defector broadcasted by Al Jazeera http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5VaDmBX51TM has been proved fake by am231 in his comment # 27 on June 7th, 2011, 3:42 am .

The video of the Syrian security forces standing over the dead displayed on a roof top http://blogs.aljazeera.net/liveblog/syria-jun-4-2011-2212
also broadcasted by Al Jazeera has been proved fake by myself and others in my comment on June 5th, 2011, 5:32 pm .

May I suggest that before using a video issued by Al Jazeera for writing your definite statement, you wait for our comments on the document.

This way, you will not have to issue an addendum the next morning.

The true test of impartiality is when the two conflicting parties are claiming your partiality.

I appreciate your link to The Final Declaration of the Antalya Opposition Conference which can be completed for comparison purpose by the link to President al-Assad’s Speech to the New Government
http://www.sana.sy/eng/337/2011/04/18/pr-341923.htm

“”””

Amir

Why are you interested in Syria? Was any member of your family a Syrian Jew?

Mr. Abu Umar comment#81

Thanks mr. Abu Umar for admitting your thuggish behavior. You can not escape your threatening words and calls for violence so you try to blame your thuggish behavior on others: that is childish as you know.

Nevertheless, here are my points to your response:

Note: I will never forget that you, the non-Syrian, threatened to kick me out of my country of birth Syria. You said this to me on numerous posts.

1- You are trying to link me to the words of others that is wrong. I told you many times (you seem to neglect this fact) that these men you are trying to bring into the conversations are responsible for their ideas and words. I am responsible for my own. I, as evidenced from all of my comments, am against all types of violence, weather it is by the Assad troops or the demonstrators. I see the ills of both sides. I want order to be restored as soon as possible as well democracy. You are not interested in that. You have my posts on this site and you can go through it all.

2- You told us many times that everyone is sectarian and that is why you are this HUGE unabashed sectarian. You are wrong again Mr. Abu Umar and I advise you to wake up and see that there are many who are not sectarian. I for example do not believe in religions so therefore I do not know what a sect is except when I come across sectarian kokos like you. Secularism is the remedy for this disease.

3- I am not pro Assad and this little fact seem not to get to your head. You keep on calling me something I am not. See; this is another childish trait of yours’ mr. Abu Umar. You can not discourse like adults. Children deny things. Adults argue and discuss things. Children can not take criticism. Adults can take criticism.

4- You seem to see every Alawi in the world as responsible for crimes against Sunnis. You know you seem like a joke when you claim that. I know some Alawis who went to fight for your cause 1948, why you seem to be interested more into making them all with no exception just interested into the killing of Palestinians and other Sunnis. This is another childish claim of yours. You are even worst than al-3Arur. Funny when you claimed that you are an “open minded,” I almost fell from the chair laughing, whom are you kidding. You consider yourself an executioner ???? with the keys to paradise. You think you can judge people because of their religions and sects, who are you? who gives you the right to say that?

As for the Alawis and France, you seem to forget, as usual, that the Alawis were fast to rebel against the French, even though the French gave the Alawis a state. Saleh al-Ali rebelled against the French and was for a united Syria. Have you heard of him? And as for the “document” that the “Alawi notables” send France: I am still waiting to see it. I have heard Sunnis talk about it for years and never seen one copy of it. Do you have a link to that document mr. Aby Umar, or is it another lie of yours?

5- As for my heritage; it is secularism. My father did not care about religion and was more into books that mattered. He told me to judge people by their deeds and intentions for other people. He did not tell me that so and so is an infidel and could be killed. My heritage is criticism and science and not believing in the supernatural and if I could let you get into paradise or not. I respect people. This is my heritage mr. Abu Umar. Your heritage is that of killing and denying the other even exist.

6- AS for Ali ibn Abi Taleb, you want me to call him a criminal because he killed in his days. I tell you, I do not know if he killed anyone or not. The who history of the era of Ali Ibn Abi Taleb had been written in the Abbasid period. So we really are not sure of what had happened in his days. I do not know if he killed anyone because I do not believe the historiography of that period. As for the works we have of Ali Ibn Abi Taleb, like Nahj al-Balaghah (one of my favorite books) was written by al-Sharif al-Radi, according to one theory, or by others. All the knowledge we have about Ali ibn Abi Taleb is contested. I know his books that are nothing but philosophical writings about life and less about religion and sects. NOW TO COMPARE HIM TO THE CRIMINAL IBN TAYMIYAH: We have all the books of Ibn Taymiyah. He lived in a very well documented period. WE have the decrees of Ibn Taymiyah that calls the Christians, Jews, and every non Sunni an infidel. We have this document and many of you still believe in it. Ali Ibn Abi Taleb did not issue any decree. You lied when you said that.

Funny also the point you made when you said that Ali Ibn Abi Taleb is not on my side. How do you know? You called him and he told you that he was on the side on Ibn Taymiyah? Remember what did Ibn Taymiyah said about Ali and how he did not like him. Your Ibn Taymiyah did not like Ali. Do you want me to bring you the evidence?

How many times does the word kill is mentioned in the Decrees of Ibn Taymiyah? How many times in this multi volume book, that is the heart of many Sunni institutions (even states like Saudi Arabia) did Ibn Taymiyah call the Christians, Jews, and non-Sunnis infidels? Who are you Abu Umar to classify people like that? Who is Ibn Taymiyah to put himself the doorman to paradise?

7- AS for gay rights you did not answer what are your plans for gays in the Muslim World? AS for my village, I am from a city Abu Umar and if in my city there were gays who wanted to parade, I care less, let them do whatever they want. I am no one to judge them. I hate to see people hate on them because of their sexual orientation. It is not my business. What are your ideas about gays mr. Abu Umar?

8- As for Birth Control: you did not answer as expected and asked me to go and preach that to HuzbAllah and Iran. See how much of a child you are. I will talk about it to anyone, and I am sure that Huzballah and Iran and the Shia are more open minded any day than you and Sunnis with the same mental fabric like you.

9- Zionism in your scapegoat for all the failures you have in life. you fall from your bed and you blame Zionism, your soccer team loses you blame Zionism, you get sick you blame Zionism. Am I telling the truth here?

Answer about the fake video on the rooftop in Deraa

https://joshualandis.com/blog/?p=10087&cp=all#comment-254007
42. Mohamed Kanj said:

Has anybody seen the latest video supposedly showing syrian army soldiers standing on top on top of roof in deraa beside dead civilians

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rYKUZFL5qVA&feature=player_embedded

I have made some obvious assumptions from this video. First look at the 50-60 seconds on the video. You will see the guy in the left of the screen wearing the lebanese internal security forces uniform with blue checkers. He forget that he was in the video http://www.militaryphotos.net/forums/showthread.php?155875-Lebanese-Internal-Security-Forces-Photos/page6. Not professional enough Mr Harriri and Co.

Second, their is no syrian army emblems on the sleeves of the uniform. Third, only one soldier is wearing black boots. The others are wearing white sneakers, as if they had just come back from a disco. Third, the allawite accent that these soldiers try to fake is so obvious.To make up for his fake accent, on of the soldiers calls out to his friend “khoder”, a typical allawite name. Their dialect is typically lebanese. Too any syrian this
should be obvious.

• A modern Syrian State with

1. Democratically elected political system based on the foundation of “one-person one-vote”
2. Functional constitutional establishments
3. A genuine accountability process with no exception
4. A comprehensive economic strategy
5. The right to freedom of opinion and expression

The current regime and opposition are incapable to deliver these goals. So where to go from here?

@ Badre – 96

“how many years did it take France to become secular since its first monarch ? Is there hope Syria would do better ?”

Sorry I don’t know what you mean about ‘first monarch’, do you want to compare France’s ‘first monarch’ with Syria ? Wow, just check out on Wikepedia, as I’m not informed about the first monarchs of either countries !
What i know best, is that it took France from their revolution in 1789 that gave the human rights charter, until 1905 to get a final law that made the separation from church and state. It kicked the priests out of the state schools and stopped any relation between gvt and religion.

This is still the law today. No religion in public institutions – schools, courts, police, public medias, administrations etc.. But religion is free, meaning people can believe what they like.

I am very grateful for that, as I am also an immigrant from UK, where the the country is riddled with religion.

My son didn’t have to undergo religious instruction or ceremonies. We don’t get it thrown down our throat everyday.

However, it must be said that the Catholic church, as everywhere, always tries to get its say in things. Their influence plays out in things like media campaigns for AIDS prevention or other things like gay marriage etc.

So religion can linger on after even the best efforts to eradicate it from public life.

But I think, from my personal life here that not many people are religious today, most people are anti religious in any form. Education is science based and the youth today are more preoccupied, as all over the world with their studies and video games or their facebook etc.

I will dare say, despite the recent terrible events in Norway, that religion problems have flared up in the last few years only because of muslim immigration with their demands and lack of integration, that previously in France was pretty well a success.

Therefore, in France, the bastion of secularism, is now under threat, because of several radical groups that try to infiltrate our system and because of some of the over tolerant naive left, this has given rise to an extreme right who are the only ones to openly talk about this. This is a European problem that is certainly paying overtime to various ‘experts’ who are employed to advise the various gvts at this present time.

Now to the thousand dollar question :

“Is there hope Syria would do better ?”

No, but they can at least take note of the French experience, WHATEVER their past experience of French influence… Up to them, I wonder if they have real history taught to them ?

Aliccie

What happened to human rights concept when France colonized Syria and other countries. Cardiac arrest?

Just returned from the “tents city” protest in Rothschild bv, and I have some insights. I think that the Israeli protest wouldn’t have happened if not the Arab spring. I see a direct connection. Israelis are deeply influenced and inspired by the Arab uprise.
While there, some people started a spontaneous march towards the Azrieli Towers, which I joined, and the chants where echoing the “Ash-sha`b yurid isqat an nitham”. It was “the people demand social justice”. In Hebrew it rhymes.

Kandahar,
Thank god you came back. You’re priceless!

Tara,
A good question. No, I have no Syrian Jewish background. Some thing about Syria intrigues me. I still didn’t quite decipher it fully. When I can answer myself, I’ll let you know!
.

Amir

SNk has a humorous style but

Do you really believe that Sunnis want to grind all others?

Tara,

“…Do you really believe that Sunnis want to grind all others?”. Absolutely not. I couldn’t agree less with him. But I can appreciate a sense of humor and a stylish writing, even in people I differ with.
.

@103 Sho habibi? Just what do you take us for? Those “proofs” were discussed and numerous rebuttals posted. Kindly stop trying to justify genocide with evidence so weak that not even the original poster (wherever he is) bought it up again.

Amir,

Since the site I quite today, there is a nice jewish song I always hear when I get invited to Bar/Bat mitzvah and Jewish weddings. It is a traditional song where people dance the debka. Do you know what I am talking about?

@ Tara

‘what happened’….

sorry, I admit my ignorance as to these events, I guess it was at the time when ‘human rights’ hadn’t been ratified by the UN

Ah, the UN, what is that ? who created it ? Pleezz, why talk about these ‘colons’ and not with the present tyrants that have reigned for many years… but then we forget the muslim wars, the otherwise tribal wars, whatever, what would have been worst, Why don’t those sheiks and famous imams, or Popes, look into the past and say what SHOULD/WOULD HAVE BEEN. !

If those colons has remained what would have happened ? In so many places, AFrica etc.. wouldn’t they have been better off today ?

Tara,

There are quite many songs that you can dance Debka style. We call it “Hora” http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hora_%28dance%29 , that is usually danced in circles or in lines. BTW, I don’t know where you’re from… If it’s not a chutzpa to ask…

Did you mean this song? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SVPlXueRnoI
.

Alicce,

We once had a smart guy on SC who told us dictatorship is prevalent in the ME due to its history of colonialism and lack of women education. If that is true, then The French colonialism is partially to be blamed.

While I appreciate your looking out for us to be a free democratic country, I disagree with your answer to the question you posed if there is a hope for Syria.

Well Tara, I can only say … ok, ok.. if you think so… etc.. who knows..

Amir

Yes. It is. Hava nagila. I like it I remembered the name now but it sounds better in the US. Different version?

Tara,

There was a huge controversy when Ema Shah, the Kuwaiti, sang it in Kuwait, I believe. I like very much her interpretation:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VPVVWiMWQ_M&feature=related (wait till min 2:47).

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RPsaGszwuiI&feature=related
.

Amir In Tel Aviv

Just don’t add cheese to the falafel sandwich. I was once visiting a Chinese colleague at Hughes Aircraft in Los Angeles and he took me for a “treat” to try this new joint he discovered. It was Falafel sandwich with Cheese. Next to Sushi, it was the most difficult thing for me to swallow.

Amir,

I don’t know what the song means. Do you care to translate? also, you did not know I am Syrian?

114. TARA said:

I believe the reason the ME has the largest percentage of dictators (100%) is due the fact they want freedom for themselves and those around them from the alternative ________(I am leaving this blank space to see if someone knows what it is).

Everyone in the ME is always blaming the colonial powers and now the Jews and Israel have become the scapegoat while ignoring the biggest elephant in the room. Truth is if Israel did not exist in the ME, the Arabs and Islamic states will be fighting among themselves. Every Arab League conference, has produced a few fist fights, black eyes (from the punches of course not from crying for joy) and bruised body parts.

Daryl

If you mean Islam, I think it is the opposite. I think oppression breads radical Islam and not vice versa.

Tara, no. But there is a relationship.

Daryl

Secret?

You lived in the US then moved to Australia?

Tara, there is a far bigger oppression from this other source than the one supplied by the rulers.

Darryl

Enslaving of the mind and thoughts is the biggest oppression of all.

It is usually self-imposed.

Tara, who is enslaving the minds?

Darryl

I believe it is self- imposed. The upbringing plays a major role.

Tara, no no no. I might have to give you a clue. SNK keeps talking about some of it, it started during the Abbasaids and continues to this day, it exists in Iran (No not Shias), it is the second largest export from KSA.

Text?

If so, I disagree.

First of all I , personally, don’t believe that Mr.Buti should be trashed in such a manner; everyone, including the martyr “the kid” Hamza Alkatieb, should enjoy the right to express himself, so Mr.Buti did. A blind adopting for the old school of there’s only one way and it’s “MY WAY” is not healthy for both pro/anti regime groups.

Mr.Buti had enjoyed a great deal of respect from most Damascenes even after his famous vision of seeing junior the 1st “Basel” in the heaven after he has been murdered by his own inner circle mates.

@ “Menhbek” group, it seems you got the tap on the shoulder to appoint Mr.Buti as the head of clergymen in Syria. I have been following most of the commentators of “Menhebek” group (sadly they are the vast majority on SC) and most of them did claim being seculars!!! so why suddenly most of you feeling the pain for Mr.Buti? while you did not give a damn about thousands of normal people who were killed by the jounior’s thugs and gangs?

Tara, here it is:

It is the zealous Sheikhs like Aroor, Karadawi, Hassan, Ibn Taymeih, Alwahab etc etc who control a Muslim’s mind through the gaseous Fatwas as Abu Ghassan said a few days ago. The Abbasaids were hypocrites who controlled through the clergy and now you have Tug of war between Khamanie and Ahmadenajad like the old days.

Most muslims have not read the Qur’an on their own and have been brain washed to think is is difficult to understand and comprehend. You have lots of people like Abu Umars who talk nonsense, Aldendeshe who said Jesus was a myth and did not realize that the Qur’an had a whole chapter discussing this Myth and off course many others who have no clue.

When was the last time a sheikh preached forgiveness, gender equality, love to mankind, peace, leave the secret of God to your own personal life? Never isn’t. But a lot of talk about killing and abuse of power.

Why would a ME ruler step down after a few years only to have a two cent clergy become the new ruler for life?

Daer True ,

You said

’@ “Menhbek” group, it seems you got the tap on the shoulder to appoint Mr.Buti as the head of clergymen in Syria. I have been following most of the commentators of “Menhebek” group (sadly they are the vast majority on SC) and most of them did claim being seculars!!! so why suddenly most of you feeling the pain for Mr.Buti? while you did not give a damn about thousands of normal people who were killed by the jounior’s thugs and gangs? ‘

Tap on the shoulder from whom?

‘“Menhebek” group (sadly they are the vast majority on SC’
Also I find it strange from you to use the word Menhebek and undermind your sound coments (most of them) but the fact that the majority of SC support their government dosnt tell you something about majority of the Syrians?
‘and most of them did claim being seculars!!!’
Is being secular means to fight religion and humiliate shaiks and priests? Al Buti represent tolerant Islam as al Aroor represents the islamists ,off course you would feel bad to see him attacked like that (in media and in mosques )

‘while you did not give a damn about thousands of normal people who were killed by the jounior’s thugs and gangs?’
May I ask you not to generalize and label every one in here as a blind supporter and a criminal?
Do you want me to tell you you didn’t give a damn about your soldiers and civilians killed by your Aroor’s thugs? I know you don’t support the armed terrorists in this revolution and you know we don’t support the killing of the peaceful demonstrators, so please be objective.

Dear Darryl

‘When was the last time a sheikh preached forgiveness, gender equality, love to mankind, peace, leave the secret of God to your own personal life’
the last time that happend When I was but a little kid and the Syrian TV (channel one and the only ) put always Quraan before the cartoons and many time Al Buti preaching ,I was boared to death want him to finish to watch Reme treasure island or the white whale ,but I do remember him preaching about all what you just mentioned that’s why I feel offended when I see man like him treated that way .

Dear Louai, I am so glad to hear your response and hope there will be more of that talk and for Arabs and Muslims to stop blaming the colonial powers. Perhaps Syria may have been the only Muslim country where this message has been attempting to bubble to the surface.

“do you want to compare France’s ‘first monarch’ with Syria?”

ALICCIE #106,

No. I was asking a rhetoric question regarding how long it took the French to embrace secularism since the beginning of an entity known as a French nation.

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/07/29/world/middleeast/29baghdad.html

Zawahri, Al Qaeda’s New Leader, Praises Syrian Protesters

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/07/29/world/asia/29zawahri.html

???? ?? ????? ! ??????? ?? (?????????) ??? ????? ???? ? ???? ! ???? ??? ????? ?????????????????????? ? ??? ??????? ??? ??? ????? ??????!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y36rXveXsdA

???? ????? ????? ?????? ??????? ?????? ????? ???????? ????????? ?? ???? ?????? ????? ??????? ??? 27 ?????/???? ?? ???????? ???????? ????? ?? ???????? ??????? ????? ?????? ??? ??? ???? ?? ????? ????? ??????????? ?? ????? ????? ?????? ?????????? ?????? ?????? ?? ??? ??????? ??????? ??? ???? ??????? ???????? ?????? “????? ???? ???? ????????? ?????? ????? ????? ????? ??????”. ???? ????? ? ??????? ???? ??? ????? “?????? ?? ??????? ??????? ????? ?????? ?? ???? ????? ????? ???? ?????”.

??? ??? ???? ???? ???????????? ?????????? ??? ?? ?????? ???? ?? ????? ???? ????? ????? ????? ??? ????? ?????? ????. ????? ?????? ??? ??????? ???? ??? ???????? ?????? ???? ?????. ????? ?????? ???? ????? ?? ???? ??? ???????. ??? ??? ????? ???????.

???? ????? ? ???????:”??? ???? ???? ???? ???????? ???????? ??? ????? ??? ???? ??????? ??????? ???????? ???????. ????? ???????? ??????? ???????? ?????? ?? ???? ????? ???? ????? ????? ???? ???? ??????? ??? ???? ???????? ??? ????????? ???? ????? ?????”.