Syria Faces A New Economic Reality – By Ehsani

Syria Faces A New Economic Reality
By Ehsani for Syria Comment
Sept 26, 2011

The recently announced import suspension prohibits the import of  all products that have a customs duty of over 5 percent. This notice also covers countries that Syria signed a free trade agreement with (Turkey, Ukraine and the Arab countries for example).  The original signed free trade agreements will no longer be fully adhered to.

As expected, the Ministry did issue a list of products which received an exemption from the ruling.  There are 51 items on this list. The first 17 are of the food products variety like meat, fish, cashew nuts, almonds and bananas.  Some of the details on the list are mind-bogglingly trivial.  The type of fish that was exempted from the ban for example was sword fish which made it to item number 5. Fish (with teeth) from the south pole or Australia also made it to the exemption list at number 6. But the sword fish were dropped again in item 7 which allowed all fish other than sword fish or those from the south pole and Australia.

The rest of the items are mostly medical in nature. Examples include x-ray machines, various Lab equipments, Dental chairs, and prescription and sun glasses.  The only vehicles allowed are buses for the local public transportation companies, fire and ambulance trucks as well as fork lifts. Mobile phones (current customs duty of 10%) were also exempt from the ruling.  This suspension is effective for all imports after September 22, 2011 (those who used a local bank prior to this date are exempt). Overall, the complexity of this ruling can only be appreciated when one delves into even more detail of what is banned and what is not.

The General Reaction to the Ruling:

The deputy Minister of the Economy and Trade was in Aleppo today. He was in a packed room of businessmen at the city’s Chamber of Commerce. Several passionate pleas were made to rethink the decision and to exempt more products. Many explained how they already have goods on the way and wondered what they would with them (they did not have an L/C open before September 22nd).  One wondered why cashew nuts were exempted when the U.S. used to be the largest supplier of this product (Vietnam and India are now the world’s largest exporters).  To every question, the deputy Minister’s response was to ask that they do so in writing and when the Ministry receives their written questions, it will study them in detail and see how they can help. To which one food importer responded that it would be too late as his goods are already at the border and by the time his letter reaches Damascus and be read he would have already thrown away his rotting produce.

One can read more about these shock waves hitting the Syrian business community. In the meantime, government has tried its best to argue that the decision has both pluses and minuses. On the minus side, the government is aware that prices of the recently banned items will rise rather significantly. Indeed, reports of price hikes close to 40 percent have already been reported on few electronic items while companies like Sony, Sharp and others have suspended their sales in the country altogether. While the government did not mention it, the other minus will stem from the fact that the grey market will now flourish as illicit trade fills the inevitable void that will develop. On the plus side, the Minister of the economy and trade has tried to argue that this decision will help local producers and employment. The argument appears logical at first. However, by referring to the measures as “temporary”, one fails to see how local producers will add to expensive capacity and hire new employees knowing that the decision can be reversed anytime. Local manufacturers are unlikely to invest in new machinery and equipment in this atmosphere. As it is, a number of industrialists have put expansion or new projects on hold over the last few years as the government has proved incapable of delivering sufficient electricity capacity.

Syria’s external Accounts undermined by its fixed exchange rate

This article argues that while the decision to suspend imports for these products appears to have been caused by the recent sanctions imposed by the US and EU, Syria’s external accounts were already being undercut by the fixed exchange rate policy that had encouraged imports and discouraged exports for years.  In the end, the authorities have found it expensive and difficult to finance the insatiable demand for foreign made products at the rate of SYP 47 to the dollar while revenues from oil production and exports fell steadily.

The 2012 Syrian Budget Rises by 59%

In addition to the pressure stemming from an imbalance in its foreign trade position, the other main problem in the economy comes from the government budgeting situation.  Just yesterday, the state increased its expenditures by 59 percent when it announced its new budget for 2012. The Social subsidies alone will amount to 29% percent (US$ 7.72) of all government expenditures . This means that one third out of every Dollar that the government spends will go to supporting a hugely expensive subsidy program that has spiraled out of control thanks to the country’s demographics and illicit trading (especially in mazot – fuel oil). How large is the budget and total government expenditures this year? The number is $US 26.5 billion or 50 per cent of total nominal GDP. This is an astoundingly high number.

Failure to Tax

The US$9.8 billion jump in expenditures this year needs to be funded by increased tax collection in a business environment that will be extremely challenging. One of the examples of an obvious and gaping hole in the government’s ability to collect taxes comes from custom duties on imports. While the government imposes duties close to 50% on many products, the 2009 government revenue from this area indicates that the treasury was only able to collect US$ 0.56 billion or 4.3% of the total value of goods imported. Following the recent sanctions on Syrian crude exports, it seems that the country was able to export around 110,000  barrels per day.  Revenues from such exports used to be in the range of  $3.0 billion. Given the recent sanctions and even when alternative buyers are found, it is expected that this can only take place after a hair cut is offered on the globally traded price. This is likely to further erode the government’s ability to earn much needed foreign exchange. It is possible that the difficulties of finding buyers will be such that talk of barter trades will soon be discussed. Iran already does this with its own crude exports. Indeed, this morning the Financial Times claims that Syria is unable to find any buyers for its oil (See Story below).

The pros and cons of a stable exchange rate:

Since the last currency crisis in the mid-1980, Syria has defined both political and economic success by the stability of its foreign exchange regime.   The central bank used the stability of its foreign exchange as the main metric of successful economic management.  This metric did not include economic growth, employment level or the balance of payments as targets. Stable exchange rate led to inflation stability and this is all that mattered to the economic planners.

In a flexible exchange regime, a loss of competitiveness or a widening trade imbalance usually results in a weaker currency which acts as self-correcting valve that restores the initial imbalances over time. Artificially fixed exchange rates deprive an economy from such a correcting mechanism. This is what happened in Syria. While this policy seemingly held imported inflation in check, it was causing significant damage to external accounts.  As the country adopted the new social market economy and import restrictions were lifted, an import orgy was now underway.  This was augmented by free trade agreements with the Arab world and later with Turkey.  Local producers who lived for decades under the comfortable protection of “himaye wataniye” were now under assault from a global market place that was more efficient and competitive than them.  It did not take long for Syrians to dump their manufacturing hats and transform themselves into importers. Throughout this worsening export/import imbalance, the currency value did not budge.  The Central Bank intervened at any sign of SYP weakness.

For Syria to continue to finance importers at the rate of SYP 47 to $1 dollar, it needed matching foreign currency receipts from its exports, remittances or tourism.  The hopes were high when it came to the latter two.  Thanks to a steady fall in oil production and exports however, the country’s ability to accumulate serious foreign currency was becoming harder to accomplish.  In spite of such trends, the foreign exchange regime was never modified to weaken the SYP to help make imports more expensive and/or to give local producers a much needed slight competitive advantage.

Proponents of the stable fixed Exchange rate regime pointed to stable inflation as the primary objective and how allowing the SYP to devalue will harm the economy. In reality, however, what transpired is that the government exhausted its ability to finance the country’s increasing appetite to import. Much has been discussed of the fact that the Central Bank sits on a comfortable foreign exchange reserve position of nearly US$ 18 billion. In reality, this number is impossible to verify. The official government data and accounting is simply not transparent enough to confirm such claims. More transparency is highly desirable in an effort to reduce speculation and rely on factual data during such a critical period. In the meantime, the only thing certain is that the government has decided to conserve on whatever foreign reserves it has at its disposal to prepare for an extremely challenging economic times in the period ahead.

News Round Up

Ban forces Syria to cut oil production – Financial Times

Syria has told foreign oil companies to cut production due to a backlog of crude that has filled its storage capacity because the government has been so far unable to bypass an embargo on crude oil exports imposed by the European Union.

Syria has sought to sell its oil to nations outside the EU, which before the ban imported around 95 per cent of the country’s output.

But industry executives and oil traders said the country had been so far unable to attract new
buyers in spite of offering discounts.

The failure has forced foreign oil companies to pump crude originally earmarked for export into storage. “There is a backlog of crude in the country,” said an industry executive.

“Storage is filling up,” the executive added, saying that some companies had been told to reduce output.

Gulfsands Petroleum, the London-listed company which operates in Syria, has cut its production by around 40 per cent at the request of the authorities. The company is now pumping about 14,500 barrels a day, down from about than 24,000 b/d in August.

Industry executives said other international oil companies operating in the country, which include Royal Dutch Shell, Total of France, and state-owned CNPC of China and ONGC of India, have also recently received orders to cut back.

Although international oil companies hope the cuts are temporary, and will end when Syria finds nations willing to take its crude, others see the drop lasting as long as the EU embargo remains.

Brussels imposed the oil ban in response to a crackdown by the regime of Bashar al-Assad on pro-democracy activists that
has seen more than 2,700 people die in the past six months.

Syria produced in August around 370,000 b/d of low quality crude oil, according to the International Energy Agency, the western countries’ oil watchdog.

The country exported around 150,000 b/d, with the rest consumed domestically. Germany and Italy accounted for roughly two-thirds of Syria’s oil exports last year.

Imad Moustapha, Syria’s ambassador to Washington, said in a recent interview with the Financial Times that the country would have no problem finding markets for its oil.

“It’s not that we are approaching people, it’s the other way around. We
are being approached,” he said.

But so far this month not a single cargo of Syrian crude oil has left the nation’s main export oil ports, according to shipping data. Several tenders of low quality, high sulphur Souedie crude, the country’s main export stream, have failed to attract any interest, traders said.

Oil traders said the impact of the EU ban on Syrian oil was wider than previously expected as international banks refused to open letters of credits – a common instrument used in trading – with Syrian entities, even when to destinations outside the EU. Tanker-owners were also reluctant to send their vessels to Syrian ports, they said.

The production losses compound the tight supply and demand balance in the Mediterranean and European region, home of four of the world’s 10 largest oil importing countries: Germany, France, Spain and Italy.

But the shortfall is not nearly as big as that created by the civil war in Libya, which produced before the start of the revolution 1.6m b/d of high quality, low sulphur crude oil.

Shell directed questions about production in Syria to the Damascus-based Al-Furat Petroleum Company, which could not be reached. Al-Furat is a joint venture between Syria’s state-owned General Petroleum Corporation, which controls a 50 per cent stake, Shell Oil and CNPC. Total did not responded to calls and e-mails.

Also from the FT, Syrian to look east for oil markets

Imad Moustapha, Damascus’s envoy in Washington, says the country will be able to offset the impact of western sanctions by looking east.

Mr Moustapha would not elaborate on which companies or countries had contacted his government but Syria’s bravado underlines the difficulty that western nations have in trying to inflict economic pain on President Bashar al-Assad’s regime in a bid to make it stop its violent crackdown on six months of pro-democracy protests.

“It’s not that we are approaching people, it’s the other way around. We are being approached,” Mr Moustapha told the Financial Times. “But no contracts have been signed yet.”

The US has imposed repeated rounds of sanctions on the Syrian regime since the unrest began in March, most recently banning any US investment in Syria’s crucial energy sector and prohibiting US companies from buying Syrian oil.

The sanctions were mainly symbolic as the US has minimal involvement in Syria’s energy sector. But the European Union, which buys more than 90 per cent of Syria’s crude oil exports, followed suit with an oil embargo of its own.

The 27-member bloc, however, said members had until mid-November to stop importing oil, a grace period during which Syria could line up other buyers for its oil, thereby possibly limiting the immediate impact.

Mr Moustapha brushed off the American sanctions, saying the US had been taking such actions since the 1950s. But the European sanctions were a different story.

“Of course they are going to have a negative effect. They create a challenge for us to find a way to develop our economy and we are not denying that it will be a challenge,” he said.

Syria would be forced to shift its economic gaze eastward, Mr Moustapha said, just as Iran increasingly looked to China after chilling sanctions on its energy and financial sectors.

“We will re-orient our economy towards Asia, Africa and South America. We have a whole spectrum of options open to us,” he said.

Syria exports a heavy, sour crude oil called Souedie, chiefly to refiners in Germany, Italy, France and the Netherlands. Although it would be expensive to transport it beyond the Mediterranean Sea, both China and India have the technical capacity to refine this type of oil.

Ayham Kamel, a Middle East analyst at the Eurasia Group in Washington, said he would not be surprised if customers had been knocking on Syria’s door, looking to take advantage of the political situation to get a cheap de

Harvard website hacked by Syria protesters – BBC

Along with a picture of Syrian president, Bashar al-Assad, the hacked home page showed a message saying the “Syrian Electronic Army Were Here”.

A further message made terror threats against the United States and criticised its opposition to the Assad regime.

Harvard said this has been the work of a “sophisticated individual or group”.

“The university’s homepage was compromised by an outside party this morning. We took down the site for several hours in order to restore it. The attack appears to have been the work of a sophisticated individual or group,” said a Harvard spokesman.

The website was hacked on Monday morning by what appeared to be sympathisers of President Assad of Syria, with a picture of the president in military uniform appearing in front of a Syrian flag.

This was linked to another image of Syrian national colours, with a message accusing the United States of involvement in the uprisings against President Assad.

Brief Note:

The Sarkozy story from the previous thread has elicited many responses questioning the accuracy of the report and why the story was published without investigating further into the claim. It is indeed the case that SC did not do more than link to the story as it appeared in Al Diyar. Another reader asked the source of the information behind Hotbird’s decision to stop carrying addunia. It was here.

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Comments (1,388)


873 said:

Syria will soon face a new military reality too:

http://www.youtube.com/verify_controversy?next_url=http%3A//www.youtube.com/watch%3Fv%3D-kargNcnpb0%26feature%3Dplayer_embedded

On last thread, “Sarkozy asks why Christians dont emigrate”
But if any one asks “Why dont jews emigrate?” Whining and lawsuits and all the manipulative tricks in the book to retaliate for even perishing the thought.

September 26th, 2011, 11:21 am

 

873 said:

Same sponsors, same democracy:

September 26th, 2011, 11:39 am

 

Syrian Prometheus said:

Why would the Syrian government keep the value of the SYP propped up?

All the successful emerging-markets countries have done the opposite! Just look at China and Brazil. Everyone is mad at them because they keep their currencies devalued making their products attractive in foreign markets.

The term “incompetent boobs” comes to mind!

September 26th, 2011, 12:18 pm

 

Syrian Nationalist Party said:

Well, if you are unemployed and need a job security that will last 2-3 decades go to work in Tel Kalakh (Syria), before it becomes competitive. You also have the added benefit of becoming a business partner with many top Syrian Security officials. Now I will consider rebuilding all those roadsides rental huts that fetch $3000 per month in Arida, Lebanon, just across the river. All we need is for the NATO Islamic Mercenaries to move and work in Deir Alzour and the Turkish Border, if any still alive or not in Assad Jail.

Still want to know what are you (mercenaries- or is it revolutionaries) going to do to release 16000 fools that you got in trouble in Syria out of jail. I beg you not to let them rot to death in Assad prison system as you did for all the other Lebanese and Syrians in the 80’s. Made your fit and moved to London, Germany and Vermont, sent you Bit***es to dye hair “Islamically Baroxide Blond” and got a nice home in Vermont while the guppy you left behind are all forgotten, left for mass graves fill.

Have some conscious; I know it is hard for Moslem to do so. If Moslem had a drop of that, they would not have paid the USA to go and kill 3 million Moslems in Iraq and Afghanistan like those Moslem Bedouins, all of them did.

September 26th, 2011, 12:19 pm

 

Syrian Prometheus said:

# 4. Incoherent!!!!!

September 26th, 2011, 12:24 pm

 

Syrian Nationalist Party said:

It is loudly coherent for those “in the Know” or “needs to Know”.

September 26th, 2011, 12:46 pm

 

Aboud said:

Guy, did anyone understand anything from #4? I think it was a whine about blonde hair or something 🙂

September 26th, 2011, 12:49 pm

 

areal said:

Aboud

About https://joshualandis.com/blog/?p=12186&cp=7#comment-274964
and your last comment on my info

Regarding the money paid to the protesters ,
it is not my business , it is yours !!
I just reported that two Syrians living in Syria told me.
I trusted these people because they are NOT supporters of the government.

Quite frankly , I am not sure that the government will be happy to have this information being broadcast to the would be protesters.

I was thinking of some commentators here who acknowledged that he is giving money to the local committee in Syria.
but I notice that you mentioned the backers from Saudi Arabia , I didn’t , you know better !!!

September 26th, 2011, 12:57 pm

 

Atheist Syrian Salafist Against Dictatorships (ASSAD) said:

“While the government imposes duties close to 50% on many products, the 2009 government revenue from this area indicates that the treasury was only able to collect US$ 0.56 billion or 4.3% of the total value of goods imported.”

Two explanations for this are possible: the taxes were collected but were siphoned off by top officials and therefore never managed to appear in the ledgers; or the importers had worked out a deal with people in power so as to dodge the import duties. In either case, the nation/the people were robbed by corrupt government hoons.

I am also amazed that during all their years in power, the Baathist dictatorship never used any of the oil money to construct refineries that could process the heavy crude locally, providing employment, an industrial manufacturing base and a range of more easily exportable and locally usable petroleum derivatives.

Both of the above and the very valid point by Ehsani and Syr. Prom regarding the idiotic policy of a fixed exchange rate are more proof of a failed corrupt regime that has to go.

September 26th, 2011, 1:16 pm

 

zoo said:

Ehsani

Thanks for the thorough analysis that triggers many questions.

Obviously the importation ‘orgy’ is over. What is a success?

Didn’t contribute to the widening gap between rich and poor that was one of the reasons that encouraged the uprisings in poor rural areas?
Didn’t contribute to increased joblessness in average educated syrians?

Do you think this new forced ‘economy’ could be more successful in developing again industries for local consumption products instead of importing them from Turkey or China?
Despite some hesitations on the `temporary’ clause, don’t you think business men will be drawn to reconverted from traders to industrialists? Cheap and abundant manpower, close market.. why not?

What do you see as the role of the Arab neighbors, Iran and Turkey in helping or hampering even more the economy?

Thanks

September 26th, 2011, 1:16 pm

 

majedkhaldoun said:

Aboud
No one can understand anything from SNP
Further all regime supporters they do not make sense,they are paid to comment,and they all do not tell the truth,and their rational is 0,but they hail each other.

September 26th, 2011, 1:19 pm

 

sheila said:

Dear #5. Syrian Prometheus,
You said:
“# 4. Incoherent!!!!!”. I think incoherent is an understatement. That is the beauty of SC: you have people like you who are articulate and make a whole lot of sense and you have those who are totally out there somewhere. It is good to have the variety.
By the way, I loved your op ed on SC a while ago. Great work.

September 26th, 2011, 1:22 pm

 

Areal said:

Ehsani
“”””
This means that one third out of every Dollar that the government spends will go to supporting a hugely expensive subsidy program that has spiraled out of control thanks to the country’s demographics and illicit trading (especially in mazot)
“”””

May I remark that
the government spends Syrian Pounds not US Dollars.
the subsidy program allows the poorest in Syria to survive ,
it has been reported recently on your blog that mazot ( fuel oil ) is in short supply NOW in Syria

September 26th, 2011, 1:23 pm

 

Ehsani said:

Areal,
yes, the government taxes and spends in SYP. I mention dollars throughout the analysis using an exchange rate of SYP 50 to one Dollar. It is still a fact that 1/3 out of every SYP spent goes on subsidies and it is also a fact that government expenditures is 50 percent of GDP now.

September 26th, 2011, 1:28 pm

 

5 dancing shlomos said:

BRICS Emphasize United Stance against Sanctions on Syria
Al-Manar | September 25, 2011

The BRICS group that consists of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa assured that it will express a united stance in the United Nations regarding the Syrian situation, and warned against increasing sanctions on Syria.

In a meeting the Foreign ministers of the BRICS group held on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly meeting, they assured their united stance against increasing sanctions on Syria, considering that this would intensify and complicate the crisis, and would threaten peace and stability in the region.

In the same context, Russia stated its rejection to support the US in demanding the Syrian president to step down.

The Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov clarified that the US demand comes in the framework of encouraging internal conflict in Syria, and warned that armed groups were taking advantage of the protests.

For its part, the Russian Senate Delegation that recently completed its visit to Syria said that the crisis in Syria is a result of internal and external elements.

“Some TV stations broadcasted protests in Syria as well as military actions that are very much far from reality… I say this as I was there. We have made sure that some TV channels are intentionally falsifying the events,” Deputy Chairman of the Russian Federal Council, Ilyas Umakhanov said.

On the other hand, the Foreign Ministers of the member countries in the Islamic Cooperation Organization considered that the US administration’s attempt to impose sanctions against Syria is an outrageous violation to the standards of the international law, and expressed their appreciation to the Syrian leadership’s call for dialogue.

September 26th, 2011, 1:41 pm

 

sheila said:

Dear Ihsani,
Great article as always. I would like to make a comment about policy in Syria. All around the world, governments try to appoint experts as economic ministers. Mostly technocrats. Syria is no exception. There has been a push to appoint ministers who have more than adequate knowledge about their fields. The problem is that these ministers have no power to implement their plans. Here is how it works in Syria: The plan is drawn up and sent to the “higher authorities” for approval. A “family” meeting is held to look at the plan and measure its impact on the “family’s” business interests and their goons’ business interests. There could be several routs taken after this meeting:
1- The issues that affect the “family” are removed from the plan.
2- An opportunity is pinpointed where they could make more money, so other elements are added to the plan to open this door.
3- The plan does not benefit the “family”, so it is thrown out.
This is why, every time we see a minister who is fully capable of improving the economy start working, we notice how all his plans come to complete failure, because they were modified by those who know squat about the economy and only care about their Swiss bank accounts. So your dismay at the level of detail in the new law should now be explained. “somebody” needs to keep importing cell phones, thus cell phones are exempt. “somebody” has a successful business importing a specific type of fish, thus, that type of fish is exempt….
Mark my word, as time goes by, this list will keep changing depending on the second layer of people who will pay money or use political power to add or subtract stuff from the list.
Here is Syria Alassad for you.

September 26th, 2011, 1:42 pm

 

sheila said:

Dear Atheist Syrian Salafist Against Dictatorships (ASSAD),
I love your name. The acronym ASSAD is very witty, but I really do not like this animal anymore.

September 26th, 2011, 1:45 pm

 

Areal said:

Competitive currency devaluation is an easy temptation for incompetent politicians.
On the very short term , it may help the local producers to export on the foreign markets by lowering their final prices
BUT
it increases the cost of the imported part in their goods and machinery
it put a pressure on the local salaries of their workers who cannot afford anymore the inflated prices of the imported goods.

Remind you that the German economy flourishes with a hard currency and the US economy flounders with a weakened economy.

Remind you that Syria has still a large public sector.

Remind you that the 1930 economic crisis in Germany came with a completely devalued mark where you needed 1 million mark to buy bread ..

Regarding the length of the “temporary” measure ( increase of the custom fees ) , it will last as long as the US will impose sanctions , so the local private producers can think very long term !!

September 26th, 2011, 1:49 pm

 

Atheist Syrian Salafist Against Dictatorships (ASSAD) said:

@14, ??????
Would love to see a breakdown of the remaining 2/3s of govt. spending. I bet it will contain no mention of “remuneration to additional casual staff needed for shooting and beating the people.”

September 26th, 2011, 1:51 pm

 

Aboud said:

Majed, they try to sound so profound, but it’s actually just a manifestation of their inner crap.

ASSAD, I’m so jealous of your witty name. If you ever make a party, I’ll join it 🙂

Sheila

“So your dismay at the level of detail in the new law should now be explained. “somebody” needs to keep importing cell phones, thus cell phones are exempt. “somebody” has a successful business importing a specific type of fish, thus, that type of fish is exempt….”

Brilliant, you put it so well. It is in someone’s interest to keep importing certain fish with a certain number of teeth, so that gets exempted.

I noticed laptops and PCs were not on the list of exemptions.

September 26th, 2011, 1:52 pm

 

sheila said:

Dear #13. Areal,
The problem is not the subsidy programs per se. The problem is that these programs are not paid for and that they are not part of a comprehensive plan. They are more of a reaction to a problem that can in effect ruin the entire plan that is in place. People in Syria do need help, however, all these subsidies are more like a drop in the bucket. They are not allowing the poor people to survive. Not even close. The people need jobs more than they need handouts and jobs will only come with a working economy. However, if we have a working economy, the thugs can’t make millions without any effort.
Here is Syria Alassad for you.

September 26th, 2011, 1:54 pm

 

Aboud said:

“Remind you that the 1930 economic crisis in Germany came with a completely devalued mark where you needed 1 million mark to buy bread ..”

Uh yeah, but it took the effects of a disastrous war and a worldwide depression for it to get that bad. Besides, printing money was a conscious decision on the part of the government of the day, to repay the massive reparations that were imposed on Germany by the Allies. I’d be shocked if the sanctions, such that they are, are enough to send the Syrian lira over the edge like that.

September 26th, 2011, 1:56 pm

 

majedkhaldoun said:

I was talking to a friend and he said ASS HEAD,it turn out he is refering to Assad

September 26th, 2011, 1:58 pm

 

Observer said:

This is important information and especially that the budget has been increased and the subsidies have also been increased.
Where is the money coming from?
My understanding and correct it if I am wrong is that
1. The Syrian currency printed in the EU and elsewhere is no longer being done and delivered
2. The reserves of $ 18 billion are not all in dollars but in a basket of currencies with euros. The value has gone down and therefore there is reason to think the amount is less than proposed.
3. If the budget is $ 26 billion and if the figure is as I think is unrealistic for there is limited income from taxation and from tourism and from oil export then the reserves are good for about 6 months. We are already at 7 months of turmoil. Has the reserves been used? if so how?
4. If Iran did give $ 6 billion recently and perhaps a few others may have also helped how long can this last?
5. The BRICS are all against further sanctions as mentioned above in this post but is any of them rushing to buy Syrian goods?
6. What would happen if the Arab countries and Turkey were to impose similar or even retaliatory tariffs on Syrian exports? What would happen then.
7. Is this measure a way of bribing the population to stop demands or a way to spread the sanctions to the rest of the population as a way of tightening the screws on the population? Is this the Saddam style of having sanctions not work on the long by making Iraqis/ in this case Syrians suffer and undermining the sanctions regime?
8. Now there are rumors that the gold of the central bank has been moved and that airplanes were loaded at the airport after emptying it of all personnel is there anything to this story?
9. Apparently there are no more dollars in circulation in Syria anymore is this true?

Sami Moubayed has written an article about the fact that the regime should have accepted the Arab league initiative as the oppostion accepted it as a way to give the regime breathing room. There are indications that the regime has allowed some opposition figures to be present in Damascus and I am not sure whether they are trying to find a way out of the mess or more likely trying to play the opposition figures against each other. All tells me that the odl guard are at work and that the role of the inner circle of the family is decreasing in importance.

Again the regime is in a corner and by leaving no room for itself or the opposition to wiggle a solution out is finding itself desperate.

How long before implosion or explosion or civil war?

September 26th, 2011, 2:01 pm

 

Atheist Syrian Salafist Against Dictatorships (ASSAD) said:

Dear Sheila @17

Thanks, I’d like to think this here is the real lion; he is ?????. 😉
And despite his name I think it would be an insult and an injustice to animals to allow him (and his executioners and other partners in crime) to be called such. We should be factual and to the point: they are killers, torturers, rapists and thieves (please complete the list if I’ve left out any other appropriate titles).

September 26th, 2011, 2:05 pm

 

Syrian Nationalist Party said:

Amazing, but really low, really low, what else you expect from a Moslem mercenary. You try to instill some sort of compassion in their cold hearts, reminding them that, there exist nearly 16,000 Syrian fools they managed to get into Assad prisons in the past six months, fooled them into action using Al Jazeera, AL Hakira, and other rags, used the poor gullible Syrians who trusted their fake nobilities as expendable tools, and the response you get for that:

AMIGO, NO HABLA ANGLAIS, NO COMPRENDE. NO COMPREHNDE SENIOR. MOUE BANDOUKSTAN, ME NO AMERICANO, NO ANGLAIS.

September 26th, 2011, 2:05 pm

 

DIGGING FOR GOLD IN BOSRA said:

@ SHEILA

You hit the nail on the head.

It always used to make me laugh when I sat listening to Ministers of the Economy and analysts at the Syrian central bank discussing things like endogenous growth models. All well and good I thought, but you’re missing the elephant in the room – we are living under a dictatorship.

The problem in Syria is one of accountability. Because you can never criticise the President or vote another person/party into power there is no sense of accountability; there is no motivation to reform. That’s the bottom line.

September 26th, 2011, 2:11 pm

 

areal said:

Aboud
22. Aboud said:

“Remind you that the 1930 economic crisis in Germany came with a completely devalued mark where you needed 1 million mark to buy bread ..”

Uh yeah, but it took the effects of a disastrous war and a worldwide depression for it to get that bad.
Besides, printing money was a conscious decision on the part of the government of the day, to repay the massive reparations that were imposed on Germany by the Allies.

REALITY

May I remind you that
1.the 1930 crisis in Germany ( and Europe ) started in 1929 in the US.
2.The “massive reparations” were to be paid in gold not in marks.
3.Germany’s Weimar Republic was hit hard by the depression, as American loans to help rebuild the German economy now stopped .
The Lausanne Conference was a 1932 meeting of representatives from Great Britain, Germany, and France that resulted in an agreement to suspend World War I reparations payments imposed on the defeated countries by the Treaty of Versailles. Held from June 16 to July 9, 1932, it was named for its location in Lausanne, Switzerland.

A moratorium had been placed on the war reparations payments in 1931 and a year later the delegates to the Lausanne Conference realized that the deepening world financial crisis in the Great Depression made it nearly impossible for Germany to resume its payments. However, Britain and France and other Allies had borrowed heavily to fight the war and in particular, France and Belgium were struggling after having had their infrastructure severely damaged by the fighting and by the deliberate destruction and plundering from retreating German forces as the war drew to a close. Therefore, the delegates came to an informal understanding that the permanent elimination of Germany’s debt and war reparations would be subject to reaching an agreement with the United States with respect to their outstanding war debts.

In December 1932, the U.S. Congress rejected the Allied war debt reduction plan, which technically meant that the war reparations and debt reverted to the debt reduction previously granted Germany by the 1929 Young Plan. However, the system had collapsed, and Germany made no further payments. By 1933, Germany had made World War I reparations of only one eighth of the sum required under the Treaty of Versailles.

Aboud ,
Please don’t feel obliged to contradict every of my sentence with your fake facts , it does not really improve your very low credibility rating.

September 26th, 2011, 2:28 pm

 

some guy no longer in damascus said:

areal,
no one would demonstrate for a mere 1000 lira, with all the shabeeha lurking about and beating up teenagers. 1000 lira to demonstrate is a spit on our faces. scraps of money isn’t our incentive, were after much more…..
i’ve never managed to take your attention on the culture this revolution has created. lets assume this revolution does fizzle out, the regime will have to deal with all the negative media that will be distributed kinda like how the bahraini government destroyed the pearl roundabout and stopped distributing coins that had the pearl roundabout on them because that roundabout became a symbol for the bahraini demonstrators.

below are samples of the media and cultural parts of the revolution:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3mG3V2fBYbw
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WE8hHtQrNIU&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=rbt1XcG2a3I
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZKAf2dTmjkA&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fjqR7H6YumE
http://www.ali-ferzat.com/

as i stated before ,even the language of syria is changing. my previous post shows:
I was discussing things with a Homsi guy and asking him about the allegiance of a mutual friend( who I believed was against besho). ?? ?? ?? ( with or Against) I asked him.

He replied ??( with) to my surprised expression…then he said things only Homsis can say: ?? ?????? ( with the revolution) . Here in Damascus ?? was reserved for the majority which was for bashar….the homsis changed all of that. It’s simple change of terminology that gives you an idea about reality.

remember, the culture also plays a part, and i personally think with that sort of media available , it will be harder to crackdown on the street.
there are countless more links i can provide, i just hope my message is clear.

September 26th, 2011, 2:31 pm

 

Atheist Syrian Salafist Against Dictatorships (ASSAD) said:

I think the points raised by observer are definitely what we should be discussing here and not SNP’s rants @26, but I really can’t let it slide:

It’s more like 60,000 than 16000, but who is “they”? (and in a different time and situation I would ask you to share what you’re smoking with us, dude). If you mean by ‘they’ the salafists or MB then I have to say O M G! (now look what you made me say!) you are blaming salafist MB for inciting the people to go out and demand their way overdue dignity and freedom which left poor BtB (and that’s Besho the Butcher, if you can’t decipher it) no choice but to kill, torture and imprison them! What logic…

September 26th, 2011, 2:34 pm

 

5 dancing shlomos said:

worth a repeat:

For its part, the Russian Senate Delegation that recently completed its visit to Syria said that the crisis in Syria is a result of internal and external elements.

“Some TV stations broadcasted protests in Syria as well as military actions that are very much far from reality… I say this as I was there. We have made sure that some TV channels are intentionally falsifying the events,” Deputy Chairman of the Russian Federal Council, Ilyas Umakhanov said.

On the other hand, the Foreign Ministers of the member countries in the Islamic Cooperation Organization considered that the US administration’s attempt to impose sanctions against Syria is an outrageous violation to the standards of the international law, and expressed their appreciation to the Syrian leadership’s call for dialogue.

sanctions are an act of war.

war is all the u.s. knows. war and lying and stealing.

hey! that is israel.

usreal: the 2 jewish states.

this is certainly worth a repeat:

Sever Plocker, Stalin’s Jews

“We mustn’t forget that some of greatest murderers of modern times were/are Jewish”

http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3342999,00.html

add to soviet union/russia: iraq, palestine, lebanon. and jewry hopes for many deaths in syria and iran.

September 26th, 2011, 2:43 pm

 

5 dancing shlomos said:

oh, just in case some here are blinded by the lies in their heads, a repeat:

Sever Plocker, Stalin’s Jews

“We mustn’t forget that some of greatest murderers of modern times were/are Jewish”

israel, aka, murder, inc.

September 26th, 2011, 2:46 pm

 

TRUE said:

Anyone to flick me a copy of that enrolment form for the “Exclusive” party?

and yeah don’t forget the encryption key eh, I’m pretty sure it would be ciphered similar to every comment made by SNP & SNK!

Btw guys feel free to post as much rubbish as you want because according to the guard of the Christians, the undefeated, the legend of his time (SNK)

“you Wahabis are so proud of your English skills,that is a way for you to compensate for illness and to feel healthy and worms free..remember this is a chat and not PHD in English language Arts”

September 26th, 2011, 3:00 pm

 

SadSyrian said:

The situation is getting worse by the day. militarization of the revolution seems more imminent since many groups are fed up being passive while getting killed, tortured and persecuted for the last 7 months without any retaliation or response and hence, even if via a splinter, they are arming and pushing for payback time with the regime & its supporters for their continued crimes and atrocities.

The killing of Homs Hospital Head of Surgery Saturday (3alawee) along with other incidents this week are not good indicators at all, and the voices calling for arms are getting louder by the day.

If nothing dramatic happens to change the Slippery course, Allah yustur.

September 26th, 2011, 3:13 pm

 

SadSyrian said:

The situation is getting worse by the day. militarization of the revolution seems more imminent since many groups are fed up being passive while getting killed, tortured and persecuted for the last 7 months without any retaliation or response and hence, even if via a splinter, they are arming and pushing for payback time with the regime & its supporters for their continued crimes and atrocities.

The killing of Homs Hospital Head of Surgery Saturday (3alawee) along with other incidents this week are not good indicators at all, and the voices calling for arms are getting louder by the day.

If nothing dramatic happens to change the Slippery course, Allah yustur.

September 26th, 2011, 3:18 pm

 

areal said:

29. some guy no longer in damascus said:

areal,
no one would demonstrate for a mere 1000 lira, with all the shabeeha lurking about and beating up teenagers. 1000 lira to demonstrate is a spit on our faces. scraps of money isn’t our incentive, were after much more….
“”

It is your business not mine !!

I just reported that a lady in Damascus experienced.
I don’t think she will go anywhere to get 1000 SP.
She did not got beaten or threatened during the very short demo and may be got her 15 seconds fame on Al Jazeera or Youtube.

I just wonder why someone felt the need to award her some money.

For the garbage man at 5000 SP , the Homsi source can be trusted being revolution friendly.

September 26th, 2011, 3:18 pm

 

Atheist Syrian Salafist Against Dictatorships (ASSAD) said:

@20 Abboud

According to BtB’s new politcal party law no religious parties would be allowed. But what about a party for athiests, I wonder? Even though you’re accused of being a Wahabi, a slafist, and a MB, I’m quite happy to form a party with you. I do have to admit that the aforementioned do not take too kindly to my sort, though.

September 26th, 2011, 3:22 pm

 

agatha said:

L’Observatoire International des Avocats exprime sa plus vive indignation concernant l’escalade des actes de harcèlement et de détentions arbitraires à l’encontre des avocats syriens, dans le contexte de contestation et de répression actuel.
Cet article a été publié le Vendredi 23 septembre 2011

http://www.observatoire-avocats.org/2011/09/23/les-avocats-syriens-victimes-d%E2%80%99arrestations-et-de-detentions-arbitraires/

September 26th, 2011, 3:24 pm

 

AIG said:

The signs are clear. Hyper inflation is coming to Syria. The last sign I am waiting for is the government printing money in Syria. Use your Syrian pounds before they become useless.

September 26th, 2011, 3:28 pm

 

Pirouz said:

90% of Syria’s oil exports dependent on an unreliable customer base (the EU). That represents something of a national security failure.

They’ll find other customers but there will be a lag time.

September 26th, 2011, 3:33 pm

 

some guy no longer in damascus said:

Areal,
Which quarters was she in?
Furthermore it has been quite a while since a demonstration was in the old city.1000 sp is way too little for some one to risk his life. my experiences in damascus tell me a different story from the one 1 your trying portray.

September 26th, 2011, 3:38 pm

 

Ehsani said:

Please note that this fresh update was just added to the post above:

The General Reaction to the Ruling:

The deputy Minister of the Economy and Trade was in Aleppo today. He was in a packed room of businessmen at the city’s Chamber of Commerce. Several passionate pleas were made to rethink the decision and to exempt more products. Many explained how they already have goods on the way and wondered what they would with them (they did not have an L/C open before September 22nd). One wondered why cashew nuts were exempted when the U.S. was the largest exporter/supplier of this product. To every question, the deputy Minister’s response was to ask that they do so in writing and when the Ministry receives their written questions, it will study them in detail and see how they can help. To which one food importer responded that it would be too late as his goods are already at the border and by the time his letter reaches Damascus and be read he would have already thrown away his rotting produce.

September 26th, 2011, 3:42 pm

 

SYRIAN HAMSTER said:

MESSAGE
Well, the unemployment benefits in Madhaya are much higher than those in Tel Kalakh, the partners are in Montana buying houses in the Italian Alps next to the emigrant community from Vermont. Rentals in Sedona, Arizona are not as expensive as those in Nogales, but San Diego beats Salt Lake City by a large margin because the Mormons will not adopt the MB revolution.

Assad’s cousin is buying the rights to Guantanamo from a French producer, who failed in killing himself after his hair dye ran red instead of blonde. He was s*e*we* by no other than the security official partners in Arida, after they started charging MB from Dair Alzour more than $3000 /day to park their trucks across the river. But the US found the long missing book about Islamically sanctioned Brunet dye for redheads who left atheism before the Bedouins became with conscious.

END MESSAGE

September 26th, 2011, 3:48 pm

 

areal said:

14. Ehsani said:
“”””
Areal,
yes, the government taxes and spends in SYP. I mention dollars throughout the analysis using an exchange rate of SYP 50 to one Dollar. It is still a fact that 1/3 out of every SYP spent goes on subsidies and it is also a fact that government expenditures is 50 percent of GDP now.
“”””
May I remind you that
Government spending as a percentage of GDP by country
Country GE as % GDP
1. Iraq 87.3
2. Cuba 81.4
3. Slovakia 66.2
4. Timor 65.5
5. Romania 65.5
6. Moldova 63.4
7. France 61.1
8. Seychelles 60.3
9. Hungary 59.1
10. Guyana 58.8
11. Czech Republic 58.8
12. Sao Tome 58.3
13. Sweden 58.1
14. Denmark 58.1
15. Iceland 58.1
16. Malta 57.9
17. Qatar 57.2
18. Kuwait 56.1
19. Belgium 56.0
20. Norway 55.8
21. Uzbekistan 55.6
22. Colombia 55.3
23. Italy 55.3
24. Netherlands 54.7
25. Austria 54.3
26. Finland 54.2
27. Portugal 54.1
28. Lesotho 53.8
29. Libya 53.0
30. Belarus 52.9
31. Cyprus (no Turk-adm) 52.6
32. Ukraine 52.1
33. Yemen 50.9
34. Greece 50.7
35. Brunei 50.5
36. Georgia 50.4
37. UK 50.0
38. Bosnia/Herzegovina 50.0
39. Bulgaria 49.9
40. Swaziland 49.9
41. Germany 48.8
42. Malawi 48.2
43. Canada 48.2
44. Latvia 47.7
45. Jordan 47.6
46. Egypt 47.5
47. Spain 47.3
48. Slovenia 47.1
49. Ghana 47.0
50. Croatia 46.8
51. New Zealand 46.6
52. Oman 46.5
53. Estonia 45.8
54. Zambia 45.4
55. Papua New Guinea 44.9
56. Angola 44.8
57. Namibia 44.2
58. Azerbaijan 43.9
59. Lithuania 43.9
60. Jamaica 43.9
61. Lebanon 43.7
62. Zimbabwe 43.7
63. Israel 43.6
64. Australia 43.6
65. West Bank/Gaza 43.4
66. Algeria 43.1
67. Uruguay 43.0
68. Serbia 42.8
69. Ireland 41.5
70. Venezuela 41.1
71. Saudi Arabia 40.4
72. Congo, Republic 39.2
73. Burundi 39.1
74. Turkey 39.1
75. Bahrain 38.6
76. Switzerland 37.8
77. Mozambique 37.7
78. Luxembourg 37.5
79. Kazakhstan 37.2
80. Vietnam 36.9
81. Rwanda 36.7
82. Trinidad/Tobago 36.3
83. Botswana 35.9
84. Macedonia 35.9
85. Syria 35.5
86. Peru 35.3
87. Cape Verde 34.4
88. Eritrea 34.1
89. South Africa 33.9
90. Kenya 33.6
91. Tajikistan 33.4
92. Mongolia 33.3
93. Indonesia 33.2
94. Malaysia 32.8
95. Gambia 32.4
96. Belize 32.1
97. Senegal 31.5
98. Bolivia 31.3
99. UAE 31.3
100. Kyrgyzstan 31.1
101. Dominican Rep. 31.0
102. Iran 31.0
103. Japan 30.9
104. Gabon 30.7
105. Morocco 30.7
106. Sri Lanka 29.5
107. South Korea 29.3
108. Chile 29.1
109. Madagascar 28.3
110. Panama 28.0
111. Pakistan 28.0
112. Albania 27.9
113. Burkina Faso 27.7
114. Uganda 27.6
115. Tunisia 27.4
116. Mexico 26.7
117. Paraguay 26.4
118. Nepal 26.3
119. Nicaragua 26.0
120. Ecuador 25.8
121. Honduras 25.6
122. Aruba 25.6
123. Togo 25.3
124. Benin 24.8
125. Tanzania 24.6
126. Nigeria 24.1
127. Equatorial Guinea 23.9
128. Sudan 23.3
129. Congo, Dem. Rep. of 22.9
130. Thailand 22.8
131. El Salvador 22.5
132. China 22.0
133. Ethiopia 21.8
134. British Virgin Islands 21.5
135. Cote d’Ivoire 21.4
136. Poland 21.2
137. Taiwan 21.2
138. Mauritius 21.2
139. Laos 21.0
140. Guinea 21.0
141. Russia 20.9
142. India 20.4
143. Chad 19.9
144. US 19.9
145. Cameroon 19.1
146. Argentina 19.1
147. Armenia 17.8
148. Philippines 17.7
149. Brazil 17.3
150. Hong Kong 17.0
151. Guatemala 16.7
152. CAR 16.6
153. Costa Rica 16.5
154. Haiti 16.4
155. Singapore 16.3
156. Bahamas 16.0
157. Cambodia 13.3
158. Bangladesh 12.8
159. Turkmenistan 9.6
160. Afghanistan 9.2

Note 1: The US’ budget appears deceptively small as these figures are for national (federal) governments. Over 40% of US public spending is done at the state and local levels, unique in magnitude to the rest of the world
Note 2 : Little centralized government spending in countries like Japan, China, Singapore, and Taiwan relative to their respective total economies. The obvious reason is the lack of governmental welfare systems in these countries (with pensions, medical coverage, etc mostly provided by employers) compared to the expensive systems of Western Europe.

You can choose your model for Syria between Irak and Afghanistan !!!

I forget to ask you the debt service as a percentage of GDP ( or budget ) in Syria .

September 26th, 2011, 3:51 pm

 

annie said:

40. some guy no longer in damascus said:

Areal,
Which quarters was she in?

May be the lady was given the money for her favours ? May be she was at Merjeh ?

September 26th, 2011, 4:00 pm

 

areal said:

14. Ehsani said:
“”””
Areal,
yes, the government taxes and spends in SYP. I mention dollars throughout the analysis using an exchange rate of SYP 50 to one Dollar. It is still a fact that 1/3 out of every SYP spent goes on subsidies and it is also a fact that government expenditures is 50 percent of GDP now.
“”””
May I remind you that
Government spending as a percentage of GDP by country
Country GE as % GDP
1. Iraq 87.3
2. Cuba 81.4
3. Slovakia 66.2
4. Timor 65.5
5. Romania 65.5
6. Moldova 63.4
7. France 61.1
8. Seychelles 60.3
9. Hungary 59.1
10. Guyana 58.8
11. Czech Republic 58.8
12. Sao Tome 58.3
13. Sweden 58.1
14. Denmark 58.1
15. Iceland 58.1
16. Malta 57.9
17. Qatar 57.2
18. Kuwait 56.1
19. Belgium 56.0
20. Norway 55.8
21. Uzbekistan 55.6
22. Colombia 55.3
23. Italy 55.3
24. Netherlands 54.7
25. Austria 54.3
26. Finland 54.2
27. Portugal 54.1
28. Lesotho 53.8
29. Libya 53.0
30. Belarus 52.9
31. Cyprus (no Turk-adm) 52.6
32. Ukraine 52.1
33. Yemen 50.9
34. Greece 50.7
35. Brunei 50.5
36. Georgia 50.4
37. UK 50.0
38. Bosnia/Herzegovina 50.0
39. Bulgaria 49.9
40. Swaziland 49.9
41. Germany 48.8
42. Malawi 48.2
43. Canada 48.2
44. Latvia 47.7
45. Jordan 47.6
46. Egypt 47.5
47. Spain 47.3
48. Slovenia 47.1
49. Ghana 47.0
50. Croatia 46.8
51. New Zealand 46.6
52. Oman 46.5
53. Estonia 45.8
54. Zambia 45.4
55. Papua New Guinea 44.9
56. Angola 44.8
57. Namibia 44.2
58. Azerbaijan 43.9
59. Lithuania 43.9
60. Jamaica 43.9
61. Lebanon 43.7
62. Zimbabwe 43.7
63. Israel 43.6
64. Australia 43.6
65. West Bank/Gaza 43.4
66. Algeria 43.1
67. Uruguay 43.0
68. Serbia 42.8
69. Ireland 41.5
70. Venezuela 41.1
71. Saudi Arabia 40.4
72. Congo, Republic 39.2
73. Burundi 39.1
74. Turkey 39.1
75. Bahrain 38.6
76. Switzerland 37.8
77. Mozambique 37.7
78. Luxembourg 37.5
79. Kazakhstan 37.2
80. Vietnam 36.9
81. Rwanda 36.7
82. Trinidad/Tobago 36.3
83. Botswana 35.9
84. Macedonia 35.9
85. Syria 35.5
86. Peru 35.3
87. Cape Verde 34.4
88. Eritrea 34.1
89. South Africa 33.9
90. Kenya 33.6
91. Tajikistan 33.4
92. Mongolia 33.3
93. Indonesia 33.2
94. Malaysia 32.8
95. Gambia 32.4
96. Belize 32.1
97. Senegal 31.5
98. Bolivia 31.3
99. UAE 31.3
100. Kyrgyzstan 31.1
101. Dominican Rep. 31.0
102. Iran 31.0
103. Japan 30.9
104. Gabon 30.7
105. Morocco 30.7
106. Sri Lanka 29.5
107. South Korea 29.3
108. Chile 29.1
109. Madagascar 28.3
110. Panama 28.0
111. Pakistan 28.0
112. Albania 27.9
113. Burkina Faso 27.7
114. Uganda 27.6
115. Tunisia 27.4
116. Mexico 26.7
117. Paraguay 26.4
118. Nepal 26.3
119. Nicaragua 26.0
120. Ecuador 25.8
121. Honduras 25.6
122. Aruba 25.6
123. Togo 25.3
124. Benin 24.8
125. Tanzania 24.6
126. Nigeria 24.1
127. Equatorial Guinea 23.9
128. Sudan 23.3
129. Congo, Dem. Rep. of 22.9
130. Thailand 22.8
131. El Salvador 22.5
132. China 22.0
133. Ethiopia 21.8
134. British Virgin Islands 21.5
135. Cote d’Ivoire 21.4
136. Poland 21.2
137. Taiwan 21.2
138. Mauritius 21.2
139. Laos 21.0
140. Guinea 21.0
141. Russia 20.9
142. India 20.4
143. Chad 19.9
144. US 19.9
145. Cameroon 19.1
146. Argentina 19.1
147. Armenia 17.8
148. Philippines 17.7
149. Brazil 17.3
150. Hong Kong 17.0
151. Guatemala 16.7
152. CAR 16.6
153. Costa Rica 16.5
154. Haiti 16.4
155. Singapore 16.3
156. Bahamas 16.0
157. Cambodia 13.3
158. Bangladesh 12.8
159. Turkmenistan 9.6
160. Afghanistan 9.2

Note 1: The US’ budget appears deceptively small as these figures are for national (federal) governments. Over 40% of US public spending is done at the state and local levels, unique in magnitude to the rest of the world
Note 2 : Little centralized government spending in countries like Japan, China, Singapore, and Taiwan relative to their respective total economies. The obvious reason is the lack of governmental welfare systems in these countries (with pensions, medical coverage, etc mostly provided by employers) compared to the expensive systems of Western Europe.
Note 3: Libya is no longer correct

You can choose your model for Syria between Irak and Afghanistan !!!

I forget to ask you the debt service as a percentage of GDP ( or budget ) in Syria .

September 26th, 2011, 4:09 pm

 

Ehsani said:

areal,

Sure. The issue is the taxation and duties that you need to levy and collect to balance the expenditure. You are correct that government expenditures can be high. But as the government increased its expenditure from last year by 59%, how would the revenues be matched?

September 26th, 2011, 4:14 pm

 

NK said:

Dear Ehsani

from the article you posted
????? ???????? ?????? ?????? ????? ??????? ????? 1326 ????? ???? ????? ????? 835 ????? ???? ????? ??? 2011 ????? ??? 375 ????? ???? ????? ??????? ?????????? ?951 ????? ???? ????? ??????? ??????

A similar article on Syria-news
http://www.syria-news.com/readnews.php?sy_seq=137759
????? ?????? ?????? ?? ?????? ??? 2011 ????? ?????????? ????? ????? 11% ?? ?????? ?????? ??? 2010? ??? ?????????? ??????????? ???? ????? ????? ????? 16.2% ??? ???? ?????? ?????????? ???? ????? ?? ????? 45% ?? ?????? ???????? ???????? ?????? ??????.

This puts the investment expenditure of 2011 at SYP 376 billion, about the same amount going towards investment expenditure in the new budget. What does this mean exactly ? where will the extra SYP 491 billion be spent ? and what effect will that have on the economy especially if the government fail to raise income taxes which is the most likely case ?

Thank you

Oh and I think Syria is already looking to barter its crude
This was published on Syria-news 3 days ago
http://www.syria-news.com/readnews.php?sy_seq=137661

September 26th, 2011, 4:21 pm

 

SYRIAN HAMSTER said:

GDP, GE, and Taxes

Question to the economists. When the government spends and X percentage of GDP, doesn’t that mean that it taxes at least that much? in case the government does not have other extraction resource or royalty.

The US value is close enough to the average tax levied when one considers lower, middle, and upper class.

Iraq value is hogh because of Oil, France’s value is also high because, as far as I am told, the Energy sector, as well as a sizeable chunk of telecommunication are owned by the GOF, notwithstanding the very high taxes on upper income brackets, which raise the national average far beyond that of the US.

I think SYRIA’s rate under sanctions should be more compared with countries of very low tax, or those with very low government income through extraction economy.

But who am I to know. I am just a rat.

I think I am Wrong

September 26th, 2011, 4:23 pm

 

Abu Umar said:

362. mjabali said:

“?????? ????? ?? ???? ?????? ?????? ?? ??? ???? ??? ??? ????? ?????? ?? “??? ????? ?? ???? ??? ???. ?????? ??? ????? ?? ???? ???????.

????? ??????? ?? ?????? ? ??? ????? ?? ?????? ??? ???????? “?????????” ??????? ?? ????? ??? ???? ??? ?????? ? ??? ??? ?????? ?? ??? ??? ??? ???? ?????? ?? ????? ??? ????????? ??? ??? ????? ?? ??? ???? ????? ?????

“?? ?????? ?? ???? ?? ????? ??? ??? ?? ??? ????? ?? ?? ????? ?????? ??? ???? ???? ??? ???? ?????? ?? ????? ?????? ????? ????? ????? ??? ????? ????? ??? ????? ?????? ?????? ???? ???? ?? ???? ???? ?? ??? ???? ??? ????”

????? ?? ?????? ??? ??????? ?? ????? ??? ??? ????? ?? ??? ?????? ??? ?? ??? ?????? ?? ????? ?? ???? ??? ????? ? ??? ???? “???? ?????” ? ??????? ????? ?? ??? ???????? ??? ?? ???? ?? ??? ???????? ? ?? ???? “???? ?????” ?? ????? ??? ??????? ???????. ??? ?? ????? ?? ????? ???? ??????? ???????. ??? ???? ?????? ??? ?? ????? ?????? ?? ?? ?????? ? ???? ??? ????? ????? ?????? ? ??? ???????? ??????? ?????? ??? ??????? ????? ????????. ?? ??? ???? ??? ???? ??? ?????? ??? ?????!

.

“???? ??? ?? ??? ???? ??? ???? ????? ??? ??????? ???????? ???????? ???????? ??? ?????.

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

????? ???? ??? ??? ???? ??? ??? ????? ????? ??????? ????? ?????? ??? ???????. ??? ???? ?? ???? ?????? ?? ?????? ?????? ????? ???? ?????? ??? ????? ??????? ???????? ????? ?????? ????? ?????? ??? ??????? ????? ??? ??????? ???????.”

?? ??? ???? ?????? ? ???? ?? ????? ???????? “??????”?! ?? ??????? ???????? ????? ????? ???????? ??????? ?? ??? ????? ??? ??? ???? ?? ????? ??? ???? ?? ?????? ??? ? ???? ? ????? ??? ?? ????? ?? ??????. ??? ???? ???? ? ?? ??? ???? ???? ??? ?? ?????? ??? ??? ?? ??????.

“??????? ????? ??? ?? ???? ??? ???? ??? ???? ??? ????? ?????? ?????? ??? ???? ?? ????”

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

September 26th, 2011, 4:31 pm

 

Abu Umar said:

4. Syrian Nationalist Party said:

Rant and rave and and squeal and oink, but your regime will fall. Your surrounded on all sides by Sunnis, many of whom are waiting to take on your despicable regime. I don’t remember your ilk talking about “Nato” when Hafez al-Jahsh collaborated with them in Gulf War I.

September 26th, 2011, 4:45 pm

 

Areal said:

41. Ehsani said:

Please note that this fresh update was just added to the post above:

The General Reaction to the Ruling:

Many explained how they already have goods on the way and wondered what they would with them (they did not have an L/C open before September 22nd). One wondered why cashew nuts were exempted when the U.S. was the largest exporter/supplier of this product. To every question, the deputy Minister’s response was to ask that they do so in writing and when the Ministry receives their written questions, it will study them in detail and see how they can help. To which one food importer responded that it would be too late as his goods are already at the border and by the time his letter reaches Damascus and be read he would have already thrown away his rotting produce.
“””””

REALITY

1. When you are facing a change in legislation , you have to react.

You pay the extra taxes , get your produce and then ask by fax for an exemption. ( or better come to the meeting with the letter and give it by hand )
and increase your selling price.

2. Cashew nuts is an “essential” commodities in Syria .

3. Exports of cashew nuts from the USA to Syria is prohibited by US sanctions anyway.

4.Two countries, India and Brazil provide 64 % of the total production of cashew nuts.

September 26th, 2011, 4:48 pm

 

Haytham Khoury said:

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

GMT 8:08:00 2011 ??????? 26 ??????

????: ??? ?????? ???????? ?? ???? ????? ???? ?? ????????? ???????? ?????? ?? ???????? ?????? ???? ????????? ?????????? ?? ????? ???? ???? ??? ??? ?????? ???? ?????. ????? ???? ?? ??????? ??? ??????? ????? ????.
????? ?????? ???????? ????? ???? ?? ???? ?????????? ????? ???????? ??? ???? ?????????? ?????????

????? ???? ?? ???? ????? ????? ?????? ????? ??? ?? ?????????? ???? ??? ??? ?? ??????? ?? ???? ????????? ?????????? ??? ???? ?? ????? ????? ?? ?? ?????? ?? ??????? ??? ???? ??????. ??????? ?????????? ???????? ????? “???? ??????? ???? ???? ??? ?????? ?? ??????? ?????? ?? ???? ???????”.

????? ????????? ??? 10 ?? ????? ?? ???? ????? ?????? ????? 21 ?????? ???? ???? ???????? ????? ????? ????? ????? 12 ?? ????? ? ???? ?????? ?????.

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

???? ???? “???? ????? ???????? ??????? ??? ????? ???? ?????? ????? ?????? ???? ????? ??????? ?????? ????? ? ??? ???? ??????? ???????? ?? ??? ??????? ???????? ?? ????? ????? ????????? ???????”.

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

?????? ????? ?????? ????? ?? ????? ????????? ?? ???? ???? ????? ??? ?? ?????? ???? ?????? ????? ?? ?????? ? ??? ?????? ?????? ??? ?? ??? 93 ??? ????? ????? ?? ??? ??? ???? ????/??????.

????? ????????? ??????? ???????? ??? ??? ???? ????? ?????? ???? ????? ?? ????? ???????? ???????. ???? ?????? ???? ??? ?? ???? ?????? ?? ????? ?????????? ?? ???? ???????? ????? ???????? ??????? ?? ??????? ??? ?? ?????? ?? ???????? ????? ?????? ????? ????????. ????? “??? ?? ???? ????? ????? ?? ???? ?? ???? ????? ???? ?? ?????? ????? ?????? ???? ???????? ???????” ???? ????? ??? ???????? ????????? ???? ?????? ????? ???????.

???? ?????? ?????? ??? ???? ????? ????? ???? ??? ???? ????? ???????? ??? ?????? ???? ??????? ???????? ??? ????? ???? ??? ????. ???? ???? ??? ????? ?????? ?? ????? ???? ?????? ???? ??????? ????? ????? ?????? ?? ????????. ???? ?????? ?????? ???????? ?? ????? ????? ???? ????? ?????? ??? ????? ?????? ???? ???? ???? ????? ????? 2700 ????.

???? ??? ???? ?????? ?? ????? ???????? ???? ???? ???????? ???????? ?? ?????? ???? ?????? ??? ????? ???? ??????? ???? ??? “?????? ???? ??????? ???” ????? ??????? ???? ?????? ?????????? ?????? ??????? ???????.

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

???? ??? ???? ?????? ?? ????? ???????? ???? ???? ??? ???? ?? ??? ?????????? ?? ?????? ??? ????? ?????? ??? ???? “????? ????? ?? ?????? ???? ??? ??????? ???????? ????????? ?????”.

???? ???????? ??????? ?? ??????? ???? ??? ?? ???? ?? ????????? ?????? ???? ??? ????? ??? “?????? ????” ??????? ???? ?????? ??? ????? ????. ???? ??????? ?? ???? ???? “??? ????? ???????? ????? ?????? ?????? ????? ????? ?????? ??? ???? ?? ???????? ????? ??? ?? ????? ??? ????? ????? ????”

September 26th, 2011, 4:55 pm

 

NK said:

Areal

I thought those products were BANNED, meaning they will not allow them into the country, there are no extra taxes!

On that note, any estimates on how much wealth the minister will accumulate by the time he leaves office ?

September 26th, 2011, 4:58 pm

 

Tara said:

The Syrian regime does not care about the health status of it\’s citizen even when considering what not to ban. Swordfish should not have been exempted from the ban. Swordfish contain high level of Mercury, a substance that is toxic to the brain if consumed in large amount. Environmental groups recommend avoiding fish high in Mercury such as Swordfish to avoid negative health effect.

Does any member of the Assad family benefit financially from importing Swordfish that in general need to be avoided?

September 26th, 2011, 4:59 pm

 

sheila said:

Dear #35. Areal,
None of these assertions can be trusted. Do you really think that any sane person and for any amount of money would risk showing his or her face on Youtube, Alarabiya or Aljazeera, taking the chance that he or she might be recognized and end up dealing with our merciless regime?. I think not. Anyone willing to take this risk is doing this out of conviction. People giving money to those unemployed and suffering is another matter

September 26th, 2011, 5:05 pm

 

areal said:

45. Ehsani said:

areal,

Sure. The issue is the taxation and duties that you need to levy and collect to balance the expenditure. You are correct that government expenditures can be high. But as the government increased its expenditure from last year by 59%, how would the revenues be matched?

REALITY

When you increase your expenditures , you can balance by
increase of taxes and duties,
increase profits from public establishments,
increase your borrowing,
sale of public properties,
diminution of your reserves ( foreign currency , gold )

Some options are more “virtuous” and easier than others !!

September 26th, 2011, 5:09 pm

 

homsi said:

Thank you Ehsani

some news from homs away from the economy

HNN ???? ????? ???
??? ???? :::
?? ?????? ??? ??????? ????? ???? ???? ?????? ?? ?????? ??????? ??? ?? ???? ?????? ?????? ???????? ? ?? ??? ??? ?????? ? ???????? ??? ?? ????? ??? ????? ?????? ? ??? ???? ?????? ???? ? ???? ?????? ??????

???? ????? ????? ????? ???? ???? ???? ??????? ?? ??? ?????? ??? ????? ????? ?????* ?? ?????? ?????? ????? ??????? ???? ?????? ???????? ?????? ??? ???? ?????? ??? ?? ?????? ????? ? ?????? ??? ??? ?????? ?????? ?? ????? ?????? ??? ???? ??????? ?????? ???? ???? ???? ??????? ????????? ?????? ??????? ?? ??? ??????? ??????? ???? ??? ???? ???? ?? ??? ????? ????? ????? ????? ?? ???? ?? ????? ????? ???????? ???? ??? ?????? ??????? ???? ??? ?????? ?????? ?? ???? ????????? ?? ??? ??????? ?? ???? ?? ?????? . ?????? ????? ??????? ?????? ??????? ??????

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

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

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

???? ???? ???? ?????????? ” ?? ?????? ???????? ??????? ??????? ?? ???? ??????? ?????? ????? ???? ??? ???? ???? ?????? ?? ???? ????????? ? ?????? ????? ???? ?? ????? ????? ??? ????? ” .

? ???? ?????? ?? ?????? ????? ???? ??????? ?????? ????? ???? ?????? ?? ?????? ???? ???????? ?????? ?? ???? ?????? ????? ????? ??? ????? “.

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

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

????????? – ???

http://www.syria-news.com/readnews.php?sy_seq=137777

September 26th, 2011, 5:13 pm

 

TRUE said:

Let’s get little bit more technical and look into the Keynesian formula:

C + I + G + X ? M = Y(GDP)

C (going down): High inflation and an spiked CPI would reduce the total personal consumption expenditure figure
I (going down): Uncertainty, vague ROI and massive $$ deposit withdrawals would lead to shrink this figure down
G (going up): Government expenditure figure according to the new announced budget is going up
X (going down): Export goods or services to foreign consumers is already impacted with more trade and investment sanctions around
M (going down): Import goods and services from foreign producers (that’s what the government was trying to reduce in order to fix this equation, what a naïve strategy!!)

Just by looking at these figures with basic math skills you could easily conclude the deficit (-) and understand where Betho and his stupid policy makers are taking the country. This is without even looking deeply into the weird practice of fiscal & monetary adopted policies.

Inevitably, this government is going bankrupt!!!

Call your friends and families ask them to buy gold or hard currencies NOW.

September 26th, 2011, 5:19 pm

 

Atheist Syrian Salafist Against Dictatorships (ASSAD) said:

@34 sadsyrian

I respectfully must note that the little sectarian insinuation you slipped in your post is most offensive to all Syrians. Irresponsible it is, too.

The head of surgery at Homs hospital was not knocked off because he was 3lawi, but most likely for the help he gave the torturers and killers of this sad and sorry regime AND for all the bodies that left his hospital sans many organs, with the perpetrator of the punishment being most likely a very angry relative of one of those people whose organs were extracted by the honorable head of surgery, regardless of what sect he belonged to.

September 26th, 2011, 5:26 pm

 

areal said:

52. NK said:
“”””
Areal

I thought those products were BANNED, meaning they will not allow them into the country, there are no extra taxes!

On that note, any estimates on how much wealth the minister will accumulate by the time he leaves office ?

“”””
REALITY

Obviously , you have your own answer to the problem of Syrian businessman based on the juicy experience of a former US Vice President.

I am not sure that it is the minister who stands at the border 24/24 7/7 52/52 .

September 26th, 2011, 5:30 pm

 

sheila said:

Dear #55. Areal,
You said” “REALITY
When you increase your expenditures , you can balance by
increase of taxes and duties,
increase profits from public establishments,
increase your borrowing,
sale of public properties,
diminution of your reserves ( foreign currency , gold )
Some options are more “virtuous” and easier than others !!”

Real REALITY:
None of these options are feasible:
1- Can’t increase neither taxes nor duties as people are already suffering from the sanctions and the economic impact of the revolution. This would cause major unrest.
2- Can’t increase profits from public establishments for the same reason mentioned above. People are already impoverished and consumption is down.
3- Can’t increase your borrowing as no one will lend you due to sanctions or lack of trust in the longevity of the regime.
4- Sale of public property is wishful thinking. The market is down and people have little money that they are willing to part with.
5- Diminution of your reserves has already been done and if the rumors are true, Syrian gold is already out of Syria.

Do you have any other ideas?

September 26th, 2011, 5:31 pm

 

OFF THE WALL said:

EHSANI
As usual, outstanding job. Food for thought, and the discussion is becoming more interesting with AREAL challenges.

AREAL
When you increase your expenditures , you can balance by
increase of taxes and duties,

Duties on what? no more import is allowed, I doubt that 51 exempted items are much of the total import to Syria. It most likely will be fees, and taxes, with much being paid by those who can least afford to pay.

increase profits from public establishments,
Say what?… How?, many of the unionized workers are already doing double shift as Shabeeha. You need efficient sector to increase its profit, and the public sector is in full disarray with minor exceptions.

Increase your borrowing,
From whome? Not even china will lend a government in such precarious situation despite of the incredible saving balance in china.

sale of public properties,
To whom?, … People have stopped their own projects, I do not think many will go on buying government companies. Other than public lands , or government vehicles, there is little to sell. One possible temporary way out would have been to embark on building spree and sell apartments at reduced price, but who would do that when they can build in informal settlement with little or no fear. An added complexity is that state owned (sorry, now Shalish owned) government construction firms, have forgotten how to do an honest work at low cost. I am not even talking about construction material, because I am not sure whether they are in or outside that ban.

diminution of your reserves (foreign currency , gold )
That is what the regime is either trying to avoid, or realizing that they don’t have much left to diminish?

September 26th, 2011, 5:35 pm

 
 

zoo said:

21% depreciation against the dollar since the beginning of the year: The Turkish lira!

Turkish Lira depreciates to record low against US dollar
September 26, 2011
http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/n.php?n=turkish-lira-depreciates-to-record-low-against-us-dollar-2011-09-26

Turkish Lira depreciated against US dollar at a record low level on Monday, reflecting the negative sentiment prevailing in global markets due to European debt crisis

The Turkish Lira depreciated and hit an all-time low against the dollar on Monday, marking a loss of 21 percent of its value since the beginning of the year.

September 26th, 2011, 5:49 pm

 

zoo said:

Syrian opposition to open office in Turkey next week
September 26, 2011

http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/n.php?n=syrian-opposition-to-open-office-in-turkey-next-week-2011-09-26

Syria’s opposition is expected to open an office in Turkey next week as part of a drive to open several missions around the world to greater present the demands of anti-government dissidents.

“[The Syrian opposition] will open an office in Turkey in one week’s time. I told [Syrian President Bashar] al-Assad that we would let the Syrian opposition be organized in Turkey. I said that we were a democratic country and could not hamper [them],” daily Hürriyet quoted Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdo?an as telling a group of journalists. The decision to open an office in Turkey was taken after representatives of the Syrian National Council held meetings with Turkish officials in Ankara recently, a member of the Syrian opposition told the Hürriyet Daily News on Monday on condition of anonymity. The opposition representatives, who are closer to the Muslim Brotherhood than others, are expected to hold a meeting Thursday in Istanbul, the source also said. Two opposition groups were established in Turkey at the end of August; namely, the National Council, which is seen as more Islamist and the 94-member National Council of Syrian Transition, which is headed by Burhan Ghaliyoun, a Paris-based academic. In its meeting in August, the National Council decided to form a foreign office, launch a satellite television broadcast and establish a legal office to work on future court procedures. Meanwhile, Syrian tanks pounded a town on a strategic highway overnight, injuring at least three people in Homs, Reuters said. Meanwhile, the official websites of seven major Syrian cities and several government departments have been hacked, according to Al-Jazeera.

September 26th, 2011, 5:52 pm

 

sheila said:

Dear OTW,
This is down right funny. Did you notice how we both answered the same post almost identically?.

September 26th, 2011, 5:56 pm

 

mjabali said:

??? ?????? ??? ???:

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

??? ??? ????? ??????? ????? ?????? ?? ??????. ??? ?????? ???? ???? ????? ???? ?? ????? ????? ?????? ??? 1201-1274

??? ??? ??? ??? ???? ??? 599-661

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

??? ?? ????? ?? ?? ???? ??? ?? ??? ???? ??? ???? ??????? ??? ???? ????? ??? ??? ?? ???? ???? ????? ?? ???? ?? ???? ??????? ?? ????…
???? ??? ?? ??? ???? ?? ?????? ??? ?? ?????.

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

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

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

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

???? ?? ???? ????? ???? ???? ?????? ??????? ?????? ?? ??? ???????? ?????? ?????? ??????? ?? ??? ????? ????? ?????…

September 26th, 2011, 6:00 pm

 

OFF THE WALL said:

Dear Ehsani
This is definitely going to be a problem for the regime. The chamber of industry is joining the chamber of commerce and Aleppo is up for a surprise.

I think the regime will now be forced to rely exclusively on its drug smuggling shabeeha in Aleppo. No longer it can rely on the industrialists support to contain the situation. Off course, Addunya and others will blame the uprising and many Aleppans will do the same (including some I know, who already started the cracked record we hear frequently on SC. But I think the business community in Aleppo, especially middle size businesses, are talking very much like they are giving ultimatum.

Should we expect Besho to come to the rescue. And with that the complete the theatrics or is the situation really very bad?. The government will be let go, and Besho would try to look like the hero along with Saint Terezo Makhlouf, who is already blabbering about building affordable housing and selling his stocks to the people of Syria.

I liked one comment in which an exporter is asking about the dollars his Iraqi customers send to his account, which he has to receive in Syrian Liras.

Do you think Mr. Sha’ar can spend his weekends in Aleppo any longer?

A very very dear friend of mine was told earlier today that September paycheck is his last.

September 26th, 2011, 6:03 pm

 

Syrian Nationalist Party said:

We have asked the paid revolutionaries/mercenaries 3 times this question, what you (murderous scam artists) are going to do to release the 16,000 guppy Syrians you sent to Assad prisons by your false propaganda, incitements and deceiving promises.

And the Answers we got so far are:

0- HO HABLA ANGLAISE, NO COMPREHNDE
1- We are not Syrians, what do we care.
2- Get lost man, leave us alone; we got some serious cash to spend here.
3- This is confusing, what are you talking about.
4- I got to go.
5- Who are “they” you referring to, we really need to know “They”
6- What 16,000, you are confusing us, you make no sense.
7- And to add insult to injury, a poster calling “Itself Syrian”, who care less about these people that are most likely being tortured daily, posted this reply:

“…….Well, the unemployment benefits in Madhaya are much higher than those in Tel Kalakh, the partners are in Montana buying houses in the Italian Alps next to the emigrant community from Vermont. Rentals in Sedona, Arizona are not as expensive as those in Nogales, but San Diego beats Salt Lake City by a large margin because the Mormons will not adopt the MB revolution.

Assad’s cousin is buying the rights to Guantanamo from a French producer, who failed in killing himself after his hair dye ran red instead of blonde. He was s*e*we* by no other than the security official partners in Arida, after they started charging MB from Dair Alzour more than $3000 /day to park their trucks across the river. But the US found the long missing book about Islamically sanctioned Brunet dye for redheads who left atheism before the Bedouins became with conscious……..”

Looks like the 16,000 are going to rot in Assad dungeons till they die, and no one is going to stand up for their release. Moslem revolutionaries are all paid up and too busy spending the money to care. There is priority, having their Hijabed women turning to Peroxide blonds. No one care, the checks are cashed and who care about those dim witted 16,000 Syrians that bought our scam. We Moslem mercenaries left 20,000 dead in the 80’s and few more thousands in mass graves in Palmyra and enjoyed life in London and Vermont, we did not even think about it, will do it all over again if we have the chance. Allah is great, he may give us another if we preyed harder.

I know what they going to say next: Well we are F…ing Moslems, what you expect from us, get lost man, you are insane, you make no sense, leave us alone. Even if we sober from all that cash and whiskey and start to know what the hell you are talking about, it is not our fault, we made out good man, they are stupid, they believed us, and they bought our propaganda and false promises. They got what the deserve for being stupid, many of them got paid from us man, you know.

September 26th, 2011, 6:09 pm

 

OFF THE WALL said:

Dear Sheila
Yes. I did. It was funny.

I am waiting for SNK or five brain-cells to accuse us of conspiracy and of having received talking points from Ambassador Ford.

September 26th, 2011, 6:14 pm

 

SYR.EXPAT said:

This is for you Aboud.

The pathetic Syrian Electronic Army accomplished a new feat today by hacking into Harvard’s web site. Despite the sophistication of the attack, the pathetic army could not avoid making embarassing grammatical mistakes.

Isn’t it amazing that they don’t have within their ranks someone with good command of the English language!

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/education-15061377

September 26th, 2011, 6:32 pm

 

Haytham Khoury said:

Dear Christians on SC:

From now and on, I invite you to eliminate all islamophobic ideas that could be entertained in your mind. Courageous people have no fear. Good people always look for the goodness in others. Further, good people provide the others the opportunity to show their goodness. Phobia and rejection promote indignation and repulsion. By your fear you are promoting sadness and absurdity.by your negative emotions, you are promoting absurdity and destruction, although you are the ones who are supposed to promote resurrection. Come friends and discover the goodness in others. Come friends and enjoy life with me.

September 26th, 2011, 6:45 pm

 

TRUE said:

More bullshit from a Sunni horn

“Muallem said foreign governments sought to undermine co-existence between Syria’s different religious groups.”

http://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/a/-/world/10347565/four-syrian-army-deserters-shot-dead/

Yet he could not name one of these “foreign governments” or at least to a show one single video to prove his empty allegations.

September 26th, 2011, 6:46 pm

 

sheila said:

Dear Ihsani,
I totally agree with OTW. The threat to the regime from the Halabi industrialists and business men and women is very clear: enact this new law and Aleppo will join the revolution. I want to see the regime’s response. They could either cancel or suspend the new law, or punish the people who signed the declaration. Either way it does not bode well for the regime. It is amazing how these people are their own worst enemies. Leave them to it and they will dig their graves with their own hands.

September 26th, 2011, 7:05 pm

 

sheila said:

Subsidizing Mazot in Syria:
My brother and I were discussing the mazot subsidy in Syria. Here is what my brother thinks:
It is an absolute travesty that the regime would subsidize the price of mazot for everyone and for all uses. The rich pay as much as the poor, mazot for factories costs as much as for heating and finally, taxi drivers pay as much as people who own BMWs. Isn’t it better to target the poor for subsidies? This way, the poor will get more and the country will spend less.
What do you think?

September 26th, 2011, 7:44 pm

 

Syrian Nationalist Party said:

@71 Dear Christians on SC

Christians, do not be deceived.
We have a library of YouTube videos collected for Syria Scam Islamic Mercenary /Terrorists 2011 Facebook page. It is horrifying to see the evil in these Moslem eyes while chanting threats against Christians, Shia and Alawites in Syria. They burned churches, beating and raping Christian women in Homs. Threatening Christians with punishment if they don’t join the scam revolution, all on videos they proudly displayed on YouTube for the world to watch.

Christians, do not be deceived by the evil and vile ones. Look how many rotting in Assad prisons, look how they are forgotten now already. History is full of chapters of Moslem deceit, innocent nations and people trusted their deceptive promises, only to be reneged on it. The Moslem massacres of Christians and other KUFFAR can fill a Smithsonian hall. There are streets in old Damascus to this day have blood stain of Christian slaughtered by Moslems less than 100 years ago. Millions of Christians died on hand of Sunni Turks this past Century. If you ever had doubt about the sincerity of Moslem promises, just go to Aleppo and grab any Christian and just ask you will get straight answer the horror stories.

To this day, in Saudi Arabia, A Christian will be killed if he to place cross in the land or even wears one. These paid Islamic mercenaries, sponsored by foreign powers and by Moslem Arabs are the worst of all Moslems. Just watch video of Satanist Moslem Arrour and other rag heads in Arabia. They said that even Two third of Syrians are HALAL to be slaughtered if one third survive to form an Islamic State.

The bible warns us in these closing last days that Christians will suffer and go thru the Tribulation by the Moslem hordes and their Demonic Reptilian backers. The book of Revelation and other books written by god help to guide you in these days not to be deceived. Because we live in the final days of the Age of deception. Ask your Bishop to explain to you was said here.

This is not a conflict about Freedom and Democracy for Syria, this is the final conflict between good and evil, the one spoken of by your Christian Bible. Assad thinks he is resisting US-Israel plots; he is resisting far more sinister and crucial plot than that. He is resisting pure Evil Reptilians that wants to enslave humanity, all of it, massacre all Christians, That is why the Evil ones choose to hire Moslem hordes to take over the entire Middle East, that is why he is sending millions upon millions to occupy Europe and America, he knows they will deliver his evil kingdom the One World Government, The One World Order.

The Bible teaches us to restrain this evil plan and to hinder it. As a Christian, you must hinder it; it is your Lord command.
Here are his words, confirm it with your Bishop:

Revelation 20:1-15
Then I saw an angel coming down from heaven, holding in his hand the key to the bottomless pit and a great chain. And he seized the dragon, that ancient serpent, who is the devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years, and threw him into the pit, and shut it and sealed it over him, so that he might not deceive the nations any longer, until the thousand years were ended. After that he must be released for a little while. Then I saw thrones, and seated on them were those to whom the authority to judge was committed. Also I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for the testimony of Jesus and for the word of God, and those who had not worshiped the beast or its image and had not received its mark on their foreheads or their hands. They came to life and reigned with Christ for a thousand years. The rest of the dead did not come to life until the thousand years were ended. This is the first resurrection. …

Matthew 24:22
And if those days had not been cut short, no human being would be saved. But for the sake of the elect those days will be cut short.

Revelation 11:7
And when they have finished their testimony, the beast that rises from the bottomless pit will make war on them and conquer them and kill them (the Christians)

Romans 9:27
And Isaiah cries out concerning Israel: “Though the number of the sons of Israel be as the sand of the sea, only a remnant of them will be saved, ( be scared Jews, Know your Friends today)
Jeremiah 30:7 “Alas! for that day is great, so that none is like it: it is even the time of Jacob’s trouble; but he shall be saved out of it. ”

Daniel 12:1
“And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation [even] to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book. ”

dragon = satan
(Revelation 12:9,
“And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.”

Watch all 9 episodes:

September 26th, 2011, 7:50 pm

 

sheila said:

To #75. Syrian Nationalist Party,
Oh my God. This is absolutely scary. I did not know that Muslims were so evil. You said : “just go to Aleppo and grab any Christian and just ask you will get straight answer the horror stories“. I grew up in Aleppo. Many of my friends are Christian. They always wore their crosses with pride. I hope they would not have horror stories to share. We seem to get along just fine.
You said: “Millions of Christians died on hand of Sunni Turks this past Century”. And I say: millions of Muslims died on the hands of Christians throughout the centuries. Do I hold today’s Christians responsible for that? The answer is NO.
You said: “The bible warns us in these closing last days that Christians will suffer and go thru the Tribulation by the Moslem hordes and their Demonic Reptilian backers”. I say: excuse me, but wasn’t the Bible written a few hundred years before Islam was even on earth?
I have a simple question for you: Could you please explain to all of us what you are trying to accomplish by spread this lethal message?

September 26th, 2011, 8:13 pm

 

SYR.EXPAT said:

71. HAYTHAM KHOURY

As usual, thank you!

September 26th, 2011, 8:14 pm

 

TRUE said:

@75. Syrian Nationalist Party

LOL, ROFL, LMAO, LAWL, LMFAO, OIC … heheheh I can’t just stop laughing you’re a miserable sad case mate!! C’mon get a life, get a hobby or at least get laid and release this stress out hahahah

I bet you keep peeling the label off your beer eh OMG!! This is hilarious

I’m sure your party members would love to hear more

Please keep posting please heheeheh

September 26th, 2011, 8:14 pm

 

TRUE said:

@ 76. Sheila & SNP

“Could you please explain to all of us what you are trying to accomplish by spread this lethal message?”

Alsh3ab yreed tafseer el’7teb, Alsh3ab yreed tafseer el’7teb

Wo Yil3an ro7ak ya Hafiz

Hehhehehehehehehe 🙂

September 26th, 2011, 8:19 pm

 

SYR.EXPAT said:

Joke of the day:

“This is not a conflict about Freedom and Democracy for Syria, this is the final conflict between good and evil”

In other words, Assad and his mafia represent good.

A psychiatrist is needed ASAP. Someone here has lost it.

September 26th, 2011, 8:20 pm

 

TRUE said:

The legend of unstoppable bullshit

The horn of his time

Ladies and Gentlemen, Please give it up for ……….. “SNP”!!!

Hooray and now let’s all sing

Yil3an ro7ak ya Hafiz wo Allahya’7dak ya Betho 🙂

September 26th, 2011, 8:29 pm

 

SYR.EXPAT said:

???? : Falcon
– ?? ???? ??? ???? ???? ????? ?? ????? ???????? ?? ?????? ?????? ?????? ?????? ????? ???? ???? (????? ?? ?????? ????? ???????) ??? ??????? ?? 1970 ??? ???? ????? ??? 23 ??? ???? ????? ??????? ?? 1970 ??? 1992 !!
– ?? ???? ??? ?? ??? ????? ?? ??? ??? ???????? ????????? ????? ??? ??????.. ?? ????? ??? ????????? ?????? ??? ?????!!!
– ?? ???? ??? ??? ?????? ???? ????? ??????? ??????? ???? ????? (???? ??? ??????? ???????? ??????? ???????? ???? ????? ???? ??? ?????? ?????) ??? ?????? ?????? ?? 9-9-2001 ??? ???? ???? ?????? ?????? ??? ??????? ???? ????? ?? ??????? ?????? ???? ?? ????? ??? ?????? ?????? !!
– ?? ???? ?? ????? ?????? ??????? ??????????? ?? ?????????? ???? ?? ?????? ?????? ???? ??????? ?? ??? ???? ????? ?? ????? ?????? ???? ???? ?????? !!
– ?? ???? ????? ???? ???? ?? ??? ??… ?? ???? ?? ???? ?? ????? ?? ????????… ??????? ?? ???? ?? ??????? ?? ????? ???? ????!! ???? ?? ???? ??? ????!!
– ?? ???? ????? ??? ????? ????? ?? ?????? ????? ?????… ??????? ????? ?????……. ?? ???? ??????? ????? ????? ????????? ??? ????? ?? ???? ???? ??? ???????
– ????? ???? ?? ????? ??? ?????? ????? ????? ??? ????? ???????? ?????? ????????
?? ???? ?? ???? ?? ????? ?? ????? ????? ???????? ????? ?????? ????? ????? ??????? ??? ??? ????? ???? ?????!
– ?? ???? ??? ?? ?????? ??????? ?? ??????? ?????? ????? ???? ?? 90 ??? ????????.. ??? ??????.. ?? ?????? ???????? ???? ??????!
– ?? ???? ?? ??? ??????? ?? ??????? ????????? ?? ??????? ??????? ?????? ?? ????? ???? ???!! ?? ????? ??? ???? ??????? ????
– ?? ???? ?? ??? ??????? ?? ??????? ?? ???? ???? ???? ?? ???? ?????? ?????? ???? ???? ?????? ???? ??? ?? ????????? ????????!!
– ?? ???? ??? ??????? “????? ???????” ???? ??? ?????? ????? 5 ????? ??????? ?? ?????… ?? ???? ????? ????? ?????? ????? ?? ????? ?? ????!!
– ?? ???? ????? ??? ??? ?? ???? ???? ???? ????? ?? ??? ??????? ?????? !!
– ?? ???? ??? ?????? ????? ??????? ????????? ???? ????? ????? ???????? ???????? ??? ??????? ???? ?????? ??????? ?????? ???? ??????? ???????? !!
– ?? ???? ???? ???? ?? ???? ???????? ???????? ???? ?????? ??????? ????? ?? ????????? ?? ??????? !!
– ?? ???? ???? ???? ????? ????? ??? ?? ??????? ????? ???? ?? ??? ????? !!
– ?? ???? ????? ??????? ??? ???? ??? ??? ????? ?????? ?? ??? ?????!!
– ?? ???? ??? ?? ??????? ??????? ?? ???? ????????? ?????? !!
– ?? ????? ??? ??? ??? ??????? ????… ????? ??? ???? ??????? ?? ?????? ??????? ?? ?????? ???? ????? ??????? ??????? ?????? ??????? ??????? ??? ???? ?????? ?????? ?? ???? ???? ?????? ???????? ??????? ???????? ??? ????? ??????? ???? !!??
– ?? ???? ?? ??? ???? ?? ????? ????? ???? ???? ???? ???? ?? ??????? !!
– ?? ???? ???? ???? ????…. ??? ???? ????? ????? ?????? ?????? ?????? ?????? ?????? ???? ????? ?????? ????? ?? ????? ????? ?????!!
– ?? ????? ?? ???? ?????????? ???? ?? ?????? ?????? ???????? ????? ??????? ????? ??????? ??????? ??? ????? ??? ??????? ??????? ????? ?? ??? ?? ?????? ?? ???? ??????? ?? ?????? ?? ?? ???? ??????? ?? ????????? !!!
??? ??? ?? ?????? ?? ?????? ?????? ??? ???? ????? ?? ????? ???? ??????? ???????!!
??? ????? ???? ??? ?? ???????? ??? ??????? ???? ?? ???? ?????? ?????? ?????!!
??? ??? ????? ???? ????? ?? ?? ???? ???? ?????? ????? ????? ?????? ????? ?? ??? ???????.. ????? ?????? ???? ????????..
???? ???? ???? ?????.. ??? ???? ?????? ?? ??? ??? ?????? ????????? ??????..
?? ????? ??????? ??????? ?? ??????? ???? ?????? ?????? ?????..
??? ???? ??? ??? ??????? ??????? ??? ????? ?????? ????? ?? ??????..
????? ???????…
http://syrianrevolution.org/?p=13701

September 26th, 2011, 8:33 pm

 

SadSyrian said:

@58 ” Atheist Syrian Salafist Against Dictatorships (ASSAD)”

1) Believe me, I sincerely hope that I am mistaken with my “insinuations” however, the facts in the ground are sadly leaning in that direction. again, this is very sad and many groups are trying to avoid that path however, the regime acts are enticing this although they claim they are against it.

2) you indicated Dr. Eid was “knocked off” due to the help he gave to the “torturers and killers” & his assistance in removing organs from the dead bodies, can you shed some light on these accusations?

September 26th, 2011, 8:34 pm

 

NK said:

Darryl #372 from the previous entry

Kill in Arabic is ?????? and not ??????, when you say Darryl killed NK you must use ??? and not ????, the two are not interchangeable. Please feel free to consult any Arabic language teacher.

I presented you with Qaradawi’s tafsir regarding verse 9:29, he’s probably the most prominent Sunni scholar today and by many accounts he’s even an extremist (kinda odd coming from an MB leader and an extremist), his tafsir clearly contradicts yours, and 100% supports what I wrote previously, if you read the article I linked there he points to many examples dating back as far as the seventh century.

I presented you with the tafsir of a 2nd scholar who I never heard of before, I got that tafsir by merely Googling the verse.

And now I’ll add what the Bible says about Jizya (and in the bible it’s called Jizya)

?? ??? ??????? ????? ??? ???????? ??? ?? ??? ???????? ???? ???
?????? ??? ????? ?????? ?? ????? ???? ???? ??? ???????? ??? ??? ????? ??????? ?????? ?? ????? ???????? ???? ?? ??? ? ???????? ?????? ???? ???? ??? ???.
??? ??? ????? ?????? ??????? ???? ??? ?????? ? ??? ????? ??? ?? ?????? ???? ?????? ??? ??????: ” ???? ??? ?? ?????? ??? ???? ???? ????? ??????? ?? ??????? ??? ????? ?? ?? ???????? ??? ?? ???? ?? ???????. ??? ?? ????: ????? ?????? ?????” (??? 17/24-25).
????? ????? ?????? ???? ?????? ?? ????? ??????? ? ??? ???????? ????? ?????? ????? ?????? ?? ????? ???????? ??? ????? ??? ??? ??????? ? ??? ??? ????? ???? ?? ?????????? ??? ???? ????? “??? ?????? ?????????? ???????? ?? ????? ???? ?????????? ?? ??? ?????? ??? ??? ?????? ?????? ?????? ??? ??????” (???? 16/10)? ??? ??? ??? ??? ???????? ???????.
??? ???????? ??? ?????? ?????? ???? ?????? ???????? ????? ?? ??? ????? ? ??? ??? ????? ??? ??? ??? ?????? ????: ” ???? ??? ????? ???? ?????? ??????? ???? ???? ????? ????? ???? ???? ???? ??? ???????? ???? ?????? ??? ????” (??? 17/24-27).
????? ????? ???? ??? ?? ??? ???? ???: “????? ?? ???? ???? ????? ?? ??? .. ???? ???: ??? ??? ?????? ????????? ????? ??: ?????. ???? ???: ????? ???? ?? ????? ?????? ??? ???? ????” (??? 22/17-21).
?????? ????? ?????? ???? ?????? ???????? ???? ???????? ?? ?????? ?????? ?????? ????? ??????? ?? ???? ????: “????? ?? ??? ????????? ???????? ??????? ?? ????? ?? ????? ??? ?? ?? ????? ??????? ????? ????? ????? ?????????? ??????? ??????? ?????? … ?? ?? ???? ????? ????? ????? ?? ???? ???? ????? ???? ???? ?? ???? ?? ??? ???? ????? ???? ?? ???? ???? ??????? ????? ???? ??? ????? ?????? ?????? ?? ?? ???? ???? ??????? ??? ??? ?????? ?????? ?????? ??????? ?????? ??? ?? ??????? ??????? ??? ?? ???????? ?????? ??? ?? ?????? ???????? ??? ?? ???????” (????? 13/1-7).

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+13%3A1-7&version=NIV

1 Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. 2 Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. 3 For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and you will be commended. 4 For the one in authority is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They are God’s servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. 5 Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also as a matter of conscience. 6 This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God’s servants, who give their full time to governing. 7 Give to everyone what you owe them: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.

That being said, you most likely will still insist that you’re right and all those Muslim Scholars are wrong, and keep on asking that 1.5 billion Muslims change their holy book to accommodate your vision of what words God should or should not have used. Who needs divine revelation when we have you!

September 26th, 2011, 8:37 pm

 

Syrian Nationalist Party said:

Effective, very effective, they gone Buzzzzzzzurk. LOL. Christians, do not be deceived. This is how they ridiculed and mocked your Jesus and his Christian disciples, all Twelve of them. Go to your Bishop and talk to him today, not tomorrow. I Know they are not Syrians, They are Americans. LOL. They did not understand the very first post today, which will be obvious for Homsi.

September 26th, 2011, 8:39 pm

 

TRUE said:

@ 85. Syrian Nationalist Party

“I Know they are not Syrians, They are Americans. LOL. They did not understand the very first post today, which will be obvious for Homsi.”

Hehehehe, OMG so funny “…Let me guess i got to become a fan of SNP..” ;P

Please keep posting mate!! honestly you should consider applying for “Qurdaha got talent” 🙂

September 26th, 2011, 8:52 pm

 

Syrian Nationalist Party said:

??”…………?? : Falcon
– ?? ???? ??? ???? ???? ????? ?? ????? ???????? ?? ?????? ?????? ?????? ?????? ????? ???? ???? (????? ?? ?????? ????? ???????) ??? ??????? ?? 1970 ??? ???? ????? ??? 23 ??? ???? ????? ??????? ?? 1970 ??? 1992 !!………”

May god bless Hafez soul forever for that deed. A prayer from the deep of my heart.

September 26th, 2011, 8:53 pm

 

sheila said:

To everybody,
I give up. The man is crazy.

September 26th, 2011, 9:02 pm

 

TRUE said:

Salil Shetty, secretary general of Amnesty International, paid tribute to youthful protesters who were “standing up and speaking out in the face of bullets, beatings, tear gas and tanks….This bravery – combined with new technology that is helping activists to outflank and expose government suppression of free speech and peaceful protest – is sending a signal to repressive governments that their days are numbered,”

he said. “But there is a serious fightback from the forces of repression. The international community must seize the opportunity for change and ensure that 2011 is not a false dawn for human rights.”

September 26th, 2011, 9:04 pm

 

TRUE said:

A report by BBC World News, May 12, 2011, cites Amnesty International’s recently published annual report. In the report, Amnesty highlights the fight for control over communications technology.

In a statement, Amnesty pointed to a “critical battle” for control of access to information, means of communications and networking technology. “Governments are scrambling to regain the initiative or to use this technology against activists,”.

It called on companies that provide internet access, mobile communications and social networking sites to respect human rights and not become accomplices to repressive governments.

The reputational risks are not abstract and one notable example of a high profile company that was alleged to have collaborated with a regime known for its human rights abuses was Yahoo.

In November, 2002, activist Jiang Lijun was arrested following an investigation that allegedly used information supplied by Yahoo. Again in September 2005, Yahoo was accused of supplying information to Chinese authorities which led to the jailing of journalist Shi Tao. In February 2006, Yahoo was accused by Reporters Without Borders of releasing information to the Chinese authorities that led to the arrest of Li Zhi, a net activist. In November 2007, Yahoo settled a lawsuit brought by families of bloggers convicted by information the internet firm handed over to the Chinese authorities.

(Source: BBC News. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/mobile/business/8581393.stm)

September 26th, 2011, 9:10 pm

 

uzair8 said:

Syrian UN speech.

Was there a mass walkout?

See video lower down on the following page. From 2.08 the camera pans the hall.

http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=39802&Cr=syria&Cr1=

September 26th, 2011, 9:16 pm

 

John Khouri said:

Haytham Khoury – can you please explain to me why : –

1 ) christians in homs and hama have been threatened with their life, if they send their children to school?
2 ) christian females in homs and hama have been repeatedly warned by the islamic extremists, against wearing any clothing above their knees and elbows?
3 ) why 80% of christians have fled the hamadieh,bustan diwan,bab sabah, etc ( homs ) and hardi ( hama ) ?

I was in syria 4 weeks ago and spend 90% of my time in Homs and wadi nasara. I interviewed 20 christian families from the Homs and Hama areas, and have documented every single account of what they saw. Islamic extremists setting up road blocks with m16’s in homs and hama, priests and allawite clerics kidnapped, cars torched and burnt by these islamic terrorists. I have sent these recorded video interviews over to a few western government agencies, and await their reply.

Haytham khouri, stop being in denial and wake up to the reality on the ground in syria.

September 26th, 2011, 9:19 pm

 

TRUE said:

Sasha Pagella from “IW financial” wrote about “The Geopolitical Risk in Syria”

Geopolitical Risk in Syria
May 2011

The uprisings and protests that have rocked the Arab world have once again demonstrated the interlocked nature of our global environment. While the wider world at large has started to feel some of the consequences stemming from the ongoing upheaval e.g. rising oil prices, no one knows with any certainty what the overall impact will be. What is clear, however, is that risks associated with conducting business in countries that oppress their citizens or have ties to terror are being taken more seriously by institutional investors as a May 2011 IPE article attests. The article entitled, “Geopolitical risk of investments must be taken more seriously”, points out that most such risks could have been anticipated.

Notwithstanding the rapidly growing human rights crisis throughout the Arab region, a significant proportion of western business with involvement in countries such as Syria have much to lose. A quick look at IW Financial’s (IWF) global compliance database reveals that one fifth of companies from the 2010 Fortune Global 500 list have current business operations linked to Syria.

While publically traded companies with ties have already been operating within an existing sanctions regime that has existed since 2004, additional sanctions may be forthcoming if the widespread violence that been gripping Syria continues or escalates in intensity. Earlier this month the European Union (EU) announced that it will be establishing sanctions against top Syrian government officials. As of May 18, 2011 the U.S. has announced that it to, has imposed sanctions on senior Syrian officials as well as on Syrian President, Bashar al-Assad, something the EU had previously avoided. This marks a dramatic ratcheting up of pressure on the Syrian regime and bars U.S. individuals and companies from dealing with any of the named Syrian officials. Additional measures to isolate the Syrian regime are more likely to be adopted the longer that violent repression continues.

The potential risks to businesses, particularly those linked directly with the Syrian government are both reputational and business.

Reputational risk: Large cap publically traded companies are particularly vulnerable to reputational risk due to their raised public profile.

Business risk: A range of potential business risks apply to companies with operations in countries such as Syria and are sometimes highlighted in 10K filings. These include:

Breaches of current sanctions could result in criminal or civil penalties or other remedial measures – see example of Schlumberger Ltd listed below.

Increased level of sanctions might increase the risk and complexity for companies with involvement in Syria as well as cause them to cease operations in Syria all of which could increase costs, distract focus of senior management and result in a loss of earnings.

Regime change resulting in the establishment of a democracy or a radical anti-western government could increase the risks to firms with existing government contracts in Syria. Any new government may not recognize existing contracts or seek to renegotiate terms. Obviously, if a radical anti-western government were to seize power that would also likely result in a tightening of the international sanctions regime.
The examples below, drawn from IWF’s global compliance data, illustrate current company involvement (from 2010 Fortune Global 500) in Syria and some of the potential business and reputational risks that they might be exposed to:

NEC’s Microwave Communications (Pasolink) segment which currently “provides service” in Syria. No details of this service or existing customers are disclosed. According to the company website, the company’s PASOLINK products offer “a full range of economical short- and long-haul point-to-point microwave radio systems designed for a wide range of applications, such as mobile backhauls, broadband networks, enterprise solutions, and emergency networks.” (Company website, 01/2010)
Microwave communications are dual use technology that can be used both for “emergency networks” and for a wide range of government enforcement agencies e.g. military/paramilitary (police).

TUI AG, whose subsidiary, Oft Reisen offers tours to Syria for German travelers. (Oft Reisen website, 01/2010) Given the current circumstances in Syria, you can expect tourism to whither.

Schlumberger Ltd. In August 2010, Schlumberger Ltd. acquired Smith International Inc. which has disclosed corporate operations in Syria via its wholly-owned and partially-owned foreign affiliates. (Smith International Form 10K, 2009; Reuters, 03/01/2010) In the following paragraph, the company acknowledges the potential risks to earnings as a result of operating in U.S. sanctioned countries.
The company reports its activities in U.S. sanctioned countries as follows: “In addition, we are subject to risks associated with our operations in countries, including Iran, Syria, Sudan and Cuba, which are subject to trade and economic sanctions or other restrictions imposed by the United States or other governments or organizations. United States law enforcement authorities are currently conducting a grand jury investigation and an associated regulatory inquiry related to our operations in certain of these countries. If any of the risks described above materialize, or if any governmental investigation results in criminal or civil penalties or other remedial measures, it could reduce our earnings and our cash available for operations.” (Company Form 10K, 2009)
Schlumberger’s website lists Cairo-based East Africa & East Mediterranean GeoMarket (EEG) as a contact for customers in Syria. In addition, Schlumberger Information Solutions lists a contact in Damascus, Syria. (Company website, 05/2010)
In 2008, Schlumberger participated in the seventh annual Syrian International Oil and Gas Exhibition. The company is listed as an exhibitor and a sponsor of the 2010 exhibition. (Syroil website, 05/2010)

As mentioned at the beginning of this piece, “geopolitics will again become an important factor for investors to consider.” Speaking at the CFA Institute Annual Conference in Edinburgh, Pippa Malmgren said investors had forgotten about the “peace dividend” that has been in place since the fall of the Berlin Wall. “People cannot go along saying events [in the Middle East and North Africa] are a Black Swan,” he said. “Most of the geopolitical events we’ve seen could have been anticipated.” (Source: IPE, 09 May 2011)
Syria is one example of a Federally designated state sponsor of terrorism for which IWF has identified six U.S. States that have specific investment legislation pertaining to corporate involvement in Syria. Many of the corporations with involvement in Syria, such as Schlumberger are also exposed to risks from operating in other State mandated countries such as Iran and Sudan.

please contact:
Sasha Pagella
http://www.iwfinancial.com

September 26th, 2011, 9:29 pm

 

Norman said:

It looks like Homs is going to face a major operation soon, The government can not leave the people fending for themselves, it is going to be soon,

I wonder if the ban on products is meant to encourage smuggling so the people of Homs and Tal Khalakh can get busy with that and stay away from the street,

September 26th, 2011, 9:35 pm

 

NK said:

John Khouri

Please do us a favor and post those videos on youtube for all to see, also I’m pretty sure both Ehsani and Alex will gladly post them as a main entry.

Norman

What else can the regime do in Homs, other than using chemical weapons ?
For these incidents to stop the regime should withdraw all army and security personnel from the streets of Homs and then we’ll see how many crimes the armed gangs will commit, they’re clearly not doing a good job anyways, if indeed those armed gangs are roaming freely and committing all kind of crimes all over the city.

September 26th, 2011, 9:42 pm

 

John Khouri said:

NK – the last thing i would want to do is make this video public. Knowing jihadist wahabbi’s like ABOUD and the rest of extremists on this blog, they will be posting it on youtube

September 26th, 2011, 9:44 pm

 

TRUE said:

@ 94. Norman

People of Homs are busy with more important matter than smuggling (this is the job of Alawis), the whole Homs is busy with toppling the regime!

Up yours!

September 26th, 2011, 9:51 pm

 

NK said:

John Khouri

And …
If the videos document the statements of those who suffered under the armed gangs then you have a moral obligation to promote their case for all to see, Aboud posting those videos on youtube will actually help your cause.

And just in case you’re thinking of claiming that you don’t want them to be identified, here’s a link to a free program where you can blur there faces
http://www.thugsatbay.com/tab/?q=zweistein
and here’s a tutorial on how to use this program

September 26th, 2011, 10:03 pm

 

John Khouri said:

TRUE – you need to correct your statement

“”People of Homs are busy with more important matter than smuggling (this is the job of Alawis), the whole Homs is busy with toppling the regime”

Can you explain to me what religion the people of Wadi Khaled in Lebanon which borders Syria? What religion the majority of Telkalakh is? What religion is 90% of Quaysor? What religion is 95% of Daraa and Jisr Shougr? Sorry to dissapoint you but they are all Sunni. And how about Talbisi ( the drug capital of Syria ) ? All these towns border lebanon and jordan and are the main smuggling routes for the terrorists belonging to the so called “revolution”.

September 26th, 2011, 10:10 pm

 

Norman said:

True,

97. TRUE said:

@ 94. Norman

People of Homs are busy with more important matter than smuggling (this is the job of Alawis), the whole Homs is busy with toppling the regime!

Up yours!

Did you really say that, that is amazing, are you an orphan, because your parents would be ashamed of you if they are alive,

September 26th, 2011, 10:14 pm

 

TRUE said:

99. John Khouri

“Can you explain to me what religion the people of Wadi Khaled in Lebanon which borders Syria? What religion……..”

No I can’t bother!!

Inta 2li ween daher ellayleh ya Joni?

September 26th, 2011, 10:26 pm

 

TRUE said:

@ 100. Norman

“Did you really say that, that is amazing, are you an orphan, because your parents would be ashamed of you if they are alive,”

Rah rah rah irrelevant with no depth! So what’s you point you thick.

I’m afraid I have to list you down with SNK & SNP

September 26th, 2011, 10:28 pm

 

Haytham Khoury said:

Dear all and particularly islamophobic Christians:

When I answered Radwan Ziadeh and his colleagues on “The National Initiative for Change”, I did not tell my wife. That was simply because I am a very busy man and I do not remember what I tell and what I do not tell.

One week later, Radwan asked to talk to me. I said to my wife, I need some very quiet time to talk to this gentleman. My wife answered “?? ??? ???? ?????”. My wife is not sectarian, but she tends to avoid uncharted territories. I answered her “?? ??? ????? “?? ?? ???? ????? ?? ?????
The most important, I talked to Radwan. Then, Radwan went to the Antalya conference and when he came back, he said “Haytham, we have to write the new constitution of Syria”. He said that, because he was assigned that task. I told my wife that. She said “??? ?? ??????? ??????? ??? ??????”.
Come my friends join me writing the new constitution of Syria. Come my friends make history with me. If you stay in your fear and phobia, you will be on the margin of history. you will be nobody.

September 26th, 2011, 10:32 pm

 

majedkhaldoun said:

For SNP,John Khouri,Darryl,
This revolution is not Islam against Christianity, this is freedom against dictatorship,Christians all over the world support the Syrian revolution.
Prolonging the war by the regime will strain the army,increase the chances for desertion, impoverize the people,increasing the chance for the people to complain.

September 26th, 2011, 10:35 pm

 

TRUE said:

@ Norman

Listen up mate, my parents would be really ashamed if I kept hiding behind this virtual wall called the “Unknown” and puts all my misery and cowardice on my minorities complex disorder.

Got that big ears!!

September 26th, 2011, 10:38 pm

 

zoo said:

Pro-Assad ‘Army’ Wages Cyberwar In Syria

http://www.npr.org/2011/09/25/140746510/pro-assad-army-wages-cyberwar-in-syria

Syrian hackers crack Harvard website
http://rt.com/news/line/2011-09-26/#id19063
­Syrian hackers have hit the website of Harvard University, one of America’s top universities, Itar-tass reports. The group of hackers placed a portrait of Syrian President Bashar Assad on the frontage with a Syrian flag in the background. Along with the image they left a message saying, “Syrian electronic army were here.” They also criticized US policy towards President Assad`s regime and wrote several threats to the US. The new design stayed on the website for nearly an hour.

September 26th, 2011, 11:04 pm

 

SYR.EXPAT said:

Musician’s family attacked in Syria

September 26th, 2011, 11:15 pm

 

N.Z. said:

Ya Haif, John Khouri.

Are you a true Khouri? Are you related to the late Syrian P.M. Fares Khoury’s, he was a nationalist and a proud Christian. Are you either?

Your religion is your business. We want to bring back the days when all Syrians had a common goal, when only eligibility guarantees you a position.

I will leave you with this:

This review is from: In the Name of Identity: Violence and the Need to Belong by Amin Maalouf.

Amin Maalouf begins this series of essays tautologically. At first, Maalouf is telling me that I am special and so is everyone else. I almost put away “The Nature of Identity.” His theme, then, took on complexity and subtlety. So do wade through the preliminaries, you will be repaid for your patience.

Of course, we are all singular. Of course, we all have shifting identities, depending on our context; answering the question, “Who needs an education about what I represent today?”

We are introduced to the fact that Mr. Maalouf is a Lebanese Christian who speaks Arabic, and now lives in France. Then Mr. Maalouf begins bringing things home.

In this age we are very concerned about the nature of Islam, and how we should regard its prospects in the world. Maalouf establishes that Islam is not, by nature, a religion for radicals. Islam tolerated alternative views of the world in a way unknown to medieval and renaissance Christianity (which butchered its dissidents). Islam was the midwife of modernism for chrissakes. Through Islam we of Western European Christian descent received the cannon of greek philosophy, the foundation of our philosophical world view.

What then is the force radicalizing Islam, Maalouf asks. What is the force leading to radicalization in almost every other form of identity, environmentalism, Christianity, Maalouf asks. Globalization, he answers.

Consistently Maalouf reminds us that people are changed by and change their religion, their identity, their allegiances. We are constantly interacting with our social context. Radicalism is on the rise because all groups, from Timothy McVeigh to Osama bin Laden, feel overwhelmed by the rising tide of what appears an unstoppable globalization. We all, in some sense, feel helpless before this tide. Maalouf views this sense of threat as legitimate. Yet, Maalouf argues, it need not be so. We are in charge of our destiny, we are so much more alike than we are different in this world today. We can all be represented in this globalization tide, although the path is unfamiliar and unsure.

This is a collection of essays in which the tensions and solutions rise together to a very satisfying crescendo. There is no pedantry, nor a trace of condescension in this short powerful book. To my mind, we have received in this volume a very workable program for diffusing the radicalism that so besets our world. At the same time, we receive a program for more comfortably realizing each one of us is a plural and singular entity.

This book finds its origin in anger against those who demand that each person must assert ONE identity, ONE allegiance. Maalouf skillfully establishes that we are plural in identity and allegiance. And if this is realized by most, we have the prospect of a future more of peace than war.

September 27th, 2011, 12:04 am

 

Syrian Nationalist Party said:

@MAJDKHALDOON

“…..This revolution is not Islam against Christianity,…”

I know. The Americans and NATO plotted it as Sunni Islam against Shia Islam. But when smart people in Syria woke up to the nature of this, they got alarmed.

“………..this is freedom against dictatorship,……..”

Sure and 911 was done by 19 Moslem hijackers who seven of them are alive and well in Arabia. WMD was found in Iraq in mass, and Colin Powel did not say to Bashar when the President stated to him that the policy demanded by Neocons is not acceptable to Syrians, Colin did not reply “What do you care about them, you are a dictator and all you need to care about is us”

“……….Christians all over the world support the Syrian revolution…….”.

I talked to many Christians and unlike the dim wits and paid blogger here, surprisingly, they are well informed. The Internet brought up pretty smart Americans nowadays, unlike the days of Cronkite. They did not support Iraq war, Afghan war, for sure not the Libyan genocide and they have clear understanding of what is going on in Syria. Just the other day I was talking to an Investment banker and devout Christian whom we discuss issue with him and surprisingly, he got it all right. Just before Kaddafi escaped, was having launch and had a quick table to table chat with someone named B.Gross, a really big shot in the investment business, was surprised at the things he mentioned to me and even more when he said he was hoping Kaddafi will beat up Britain paid mercenaries. Common man, who are you trying to sell this to, no one is buying except the dim wits. Of course there are plenty of them in Lebanon, those Christians who lacked the intellect and dignity to join a Saudi puppet in Coalition called March 14 instead of forming own Christian Coalition and maintaining independence. Of course the Bishop, thank god is brainy and figured things out the right way, understood the serious danger that will eventually Lebanon will find on its boarders, surrounded. Those Christians supporting the Islamic Mercenaries Revolution are ignorant, we talking fascist like Lebanese Forces leader, a murderer for heaven sake. Those same Christians will need to remember Lebanon Civil War and how they could have lost Lebanon back then. They will all be refugee in Paris. I guess Sarkozy still see that is coming eventually anyway with a bit of delay. It is really a shame ??? ???? that
??? ?????? ???? ????? ???? ????? will act like puppy for a ??? ????? ????? ?? ???? ???????? ?????????, ??? ??? ????????

“…………..Prolonging the war by the regime will strain the army,……….”

It wills not, this is a cake walk for Syria hardened army, Lebanon Civil War and occupation for decades did not even strain it.

“………increase the chances for desertion,……”

Fantasy, no truth to this in practical reality. There is a system and in the army you follow command and superior orders or you will be shot. At one moment in time the army action and desertion could be possible, but that was on March 8 1963, when the mother of all bastards Louai Atassi and his brother and cousin ceased power and declared suspension of the Constitution. On Constitutional ground that army action is possible. Now there exist a Baathist Constitution and the State is recognized by all world countries, including United Nations, even country with a state of war declaration, Israel.

“…..impoverize the people,increasing the chance for the people to complain……”

It did not happen in DPRK, Belarus and may other countries. What you referring to as an actionable way, required a whole different kind of campaign and I assure you are not going to get any tips from me on that subject.

September 27th, 2011, 12:10 am

 

Aboud said:

LOL! UnReal, stop being so touchy. Man you people are so intellectually immature you can’t even stand having a debate on history. Ya zalami when are you guys going to get out of a 1960s mentality and join the 21st century 🙂

And Germany didn’t have enough gold to cover the cost of reparations. Until the payments were suspended, the government thought it a neat trick to print money like there was no tomorrow. I hope some idiot from the idiots running the country has learned a lesson from the 1930s.

September 27th, 2011, 12:28 am

 

Aboud said:

““This is not a conflict about Freedom and Democracy for Syria, this is the final conflict between good and evil””

So we are back to Saddam’s “Mother of all Battles”? And how did that work out for him?

I don’t think SNP is really with the SNP. Only someone with a grudge against the SNP could be so stupid that he’d blame prisoners for their own incarceration, and not the son of mal3oon aslo Hafez. Very strange way of thinking, these old men of the SNP. They claim to be secular, but all we hear is “Islam this and Muslims that and wa wa wa I blame Mohamad because I’m such a loser with blonde women”.

🙂

#100 All the smuggling in the country was done with the cooperation and participation of members of the Athad family and their associates.

“It looks like Homs is going to face a major operation soon,”

That’s always been the wet dream of the menhebaks. “When are you all gonna pound Homs into the dust!” Clearly forgetting that there is an army division inside Homs, and two outside it. Every week we hear the same “Any day now, we are gonna subdue Homs. Yeah, any day. I said so last week, but this week I mean it”

Toooooooz 🙂

“I was in syria 4 weeks ago and spend 90% of my time in Homs and wadi nasara”

And yet when I challenged you with a simple question on Homs, you turned tail and hide for a few months.

September 27th, 2011, 12:39 am

 

Aboud said:

So, how many demonstrations did the SNP manage to hold in its 30s years? How many world leaders received its members? How many countries broke off relations with the Qurdaha mafia thanks to the SNP’s activities.

In fact, just what the has the SNP achieved during its existence, with the exception of a constant stream of whining and bitching about Muslims? It sounds like a really ineffectual party, even by Syrian standards 🙂

Islamophobia, the last refuge of the intellectually bankrupt.

September 27th, 2011, 12:47 am

 

True said:

Bloody hopeless low IQ douchebags!!

just look at the mirror and see the L shape on your foreheads LOSERS eh!

September 27th, 2011, 12:55 am

 

NEW REGIME NEW HOPE said:

The UN hall looked very empty for the Syrian speech.

Perhaps they were outside the building joining a demonstration.

Maybe the Syrian delegation chose a quiet time for their speech like very late at night or early morning.

September 27th, 2011, 12:55 am

 

TRUE said:

@ SNP

[Edited by admin]

On one post you support Christians and attack Sunni Muslims in Syria. on the other post you attack Christians in Lebanon!!

Make up your two cells mind or you know what? go take your med wo 7el 3an tezna

September 27th, 2011, 1:01 am

 

Aboud said:

“NK – the last thing i would want to do is make this video public.”

Dear God, at least no one can accuse you of being even slightly original. Hey guys, remember Mohamad Hamwi, who was supposed to have a treasure trove of videos? The menhebaks on Al Dunya ALWAYS claim to have damning and incriminating evidence that will BLOW THE CONSPIRACY APART but which for various reasons they can’t make public just yet. Maybe next week, yeah, remind me next week 🙂

Pathetic. Every hour the revolution releases iron-hard evidence of Betho’s crimes. There is enough out there to send him to the Hague for ten life times. And yet after six months, the feeble menhebaks still can’t tell us who is supposed to be paying Homsi garbage men 4000 liras to go out and demonstrate *facepalm*.

Oh yeah, and this information came from a “revolutionary”. Dude, why stop there? Why not make it a long standing member of the LCC, and a relative of someone on the National Transition Council, and a good friend of Michele Kilo to boot 🙂

September 27th, 2011, 1:04 am

 

N.Z. said:

115. NEW REGIME NEW HOPE,

Reform has been delayed in Syria due to foreign intervention…duh!
This is the newest invention, in a long list of lies.

September 27th, 2011, 1:06 am

 

uzair8 said:

Trader on the BBC says Eurozone Market will crash

In a scary and painfully frank interview a freaked out BBC interviewer is visibly shaken when market trader Alessio Rastani predicts that the “Market is Toast.” Apparently there is nothing Euro governments can do.

September 27th, 2011, 1:06 am

 

Aboud said:

True

“On one post you support Christians and attack Sunni Muslims in Syria. on the other post you attack Christians in Lebanon!!”

And in one post he claims the SNP are persecuted for being opposed to the Baath, and in the next post he loves the Baath.

Very confused bunch, these old men of the SNP. Usually, when old geezers forget to take their medication, they mumble to themselves out of sight. Now, with the Internet, the whole world has to see their confused mumblings.

September 27th, 2011, 1:07 am

 

NK said:

Dear Haytham

I’m not sure if you got a chance to check the constitution that Anwar Buni wrote a few years ago.

Here’s a link
http://al3asefah.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=24887

I think that’s a good place to start.

September 27th, 2011, 1:23 am

 

TRUE said:

ABOUD

Yeah bro just a waste of space, they’re funny when acting like kids with tears and running to the moderator.

[deleted by moderator]

September 27th, 2011, 1:24 am

 

Ghufran said:

?????? ??? ???? ??????? ?????? ????? ?????
??? ????? ??????? ????? ??? ????? ? ????? ?? ????????? ? ????????? ????? ?????? ? ????? ?????? ???
http://www.alarabonline.org/index.asp?fname=%5C2011%5C09%5C09-26%5C428.htm&dismode=x&ts=26-9-2011%2011:57:47
??? ????? ?? ?? ?? ???? ????????? ?? ?????? ??????? ?????? ????? ? ??? ?????? ???? ?????? ???? ??????
?? ??? ?????? ????? ???? ??? ???? ?? ???????? ????? ?????? ?????

September 27th, 2011, 1:34 am

 
 

agatha said:

Via Houria Abdelouahed :
================================================

Dernières informations sur Rafah Nached

Chers collègues, Rafah Nached se trouve dans une prison pour femmes.
Elle a droit à deux visites par semaine (durée de la visite : 30
minutes). Son état de santé est de plus en plus préoccupant. Son mari
(Professeur Faïsal Abdallah) m’a dit aujourd’hui [Lundi 26 Septembre]
qu’il était allé lui rendre visite. Mais Rafah était incapable de
rester debout pendant les 30 mn de l’entrevue. Nous avons fait
circuler des pétitions, collecté un certain nombre de signatures. Mais
ce n’est pas suffisant.

Rafah est accusée d’incitation au soulèvement, incitation au
renversement du gouvernement et non respect de l’ordre public. Elle
risque d’être condamnée à sept ans de prison.

============= message end ============

September 27th, 2011, 1:57 am

 

uzair8 said:

Last night on the BBC a documentary on the Syrian uprising was broadcast. Panorama is BBC’s prime time flagship investigative current affairs programme.

Panorama. Syria: Inside the Secret Revolution
30 minutes.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b015flwq/Panorama_Syria_Inside_the_Secret_Revolution/

September 27th, 2011, 2:36 am

 

SYRIAN HAMSTER said:

MESSAGE RECEIVED, WE FOLLOW YOUR COMMANDS

SNP @ 69 , 76, 86, 88, & 110
Thank you for relaying our message. We don’t have your credibility among you. The satanic forces led by one reptilian Elohim who has escaped from its subterranean banishment are about the encircle our multitude. We are very happy that the billions of our brethren SNP members have finally found a way to transcend their physical being and to migrate to your highness’s brain. As told by the first mammal to walk on two , this transmutation may cause an apparent incoherence to those who are not in the need to know or in the know . But we hear each and every one of those billions in your head through your mutual messages and have needed neither translation nor interpretation, and we suggest that you keep up the good work. We also suggest, as the first mammal who walked on two once said, that you talk to each others more. It is easily done if one stops those reptile medication your mother is forcing you to take. Avoid them as much as you can, for humanity’s future hinges on your continuing your message. You have succeeded with your combined intellect in throwing the enemies off the mark. Don’t take the medication.

END MESSAGE

September 27th, 2011, 2:40 am

 

Syria no kandahar said:

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

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

September 27th, 2011, 2:54 am

 

Aboud said:

Every day that goes by, the regime looks more and more like George Orwell’s 1984. In that book, the population is deliberately kept in a state of poverty. It makes the Inner Party members easier to control, as every packet of cigarette or coffee ration becomes more valuable. When even being able to switch off one’s two-way television becomes a privilege, people’s loyalties can be bought with very little indeed.

Apparently, the regime realizes that it cannot deliver high standards of living to the country, and instead has embarked on a program of bringing down the standards of living of the Syrian people, to be better able to reward the shabiha with little crumbs left to it. In a country where importing new cars is banned, even beat up old clunkers are suddenly viewed in a new light.

The regime thinks that the whole world are shabiha, that every man, woman and child on the planet only act out of motivation for material rewards. They look on their bought Lebanese trumpets, and think that Azmi Beshara and Najati Tayara must likewise have been bought out by some unknown, undefinable foreign power. Qurdaha peasant thinking in all its simplicity.

September 27th, 2011, 2:56 am

 

Aboud said:

“????? ???? ???? ??????”

That’s all No Klue has left, curses 🙂

Ya Bashar esma3 wa shoof, 3am ensebak 3al makshoof!

September 27th, 2011, 2:58 am

 

Atheist Syrian Salafist Against Dictatorships (ASSAD) said:

????? ?????

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

We must put up with our oppressive dictators just because they say they are standing up to the west (in most cases they collude with the west in secret, just like Ghaddafi, that fake revolutionary did)?

And I don’t quite get your drift @123: yes, I agree Sudqi Ismail is a true revolutionary thinker who would put the present corrupt Baathists to shame, the ones who are using their Baathist label to rob Syria blind and who now would have your respected writer living in a prison cell. So which side are you on, the side of freedom from corrupt Baathist tyranny otherwise known as the Assadist Mafia and Associates, the side of freedom, democracy and unity for all Syrians or the side of this corrupt murderous sectarian gang that hijacked the lofty ideals of Hizib Al Baath al 3arabi al ishtiraki? [Dear Aboud, there’s another acronym you’re gonna love ASMAA…;-) ]

As Haytham Khouri said before, those who want a secular Syria for all Syrians should stop trying to smother this uprising, instead they should roll up their sleeves and participate in building that kind of Watan. But if they are beneficiaries of the A.S.M.A.A then they should come clean and say so instead of hiding behind the anti-west, anti-Israel sham (no pun intended).

September 27th, 2011, 3:07 am

 

Aboud said:

Hey menhebaks, what changed for you guys since you kidnapped Harmoush? From what I’ve seen, all you managed to do was expose your agents in Turkey, which if half the things in the Turkish press are to be believed, is going to come out with a few sanctions of its own soon.

I’ll believe it when I see it, but the omens are not good for Besho. He is just a political amateur, he just doesn’t understand that some historical forces just can’t be stopped, no matter how many people he tries to kill.

The KKK couldn’t stop the American civil rights movements. The Vatican could never stop the Reformation. The Soviet hard liners were powerless against the wave of freedom that swept Eastern Europe and the USSR. Besho’s tragedy was that he happened to be president at this of all times. This revolution was going to succeed, spread and grow no matter what he tried.

And now he and his thugs are reduced to murdering university professors. When things get to that sorry state of affairs, not even the densest menhebak can deny the widespread penetration and appeal of the revolution, and that junior has become highly isolated from Syrian society, with the only loyalty being among people whose material interests are tied up with the regime.

September 27th, 2011, 3:15 am

 

uzair8 said:

Just finished watching the BBC documentary (@126) for the first time. I dont know what to say. Went thru every emotion.

A must watch.

All I will say is that the prayer of the oppressed is a powerful weapon. A very powerful weapon.

September 27th, 2011, 3:27 am

 

Mina said:

Aboud
About the standard of living of the Syrian people, could you just cut short your propaganda and admit you have the best autobus system of the Middle East? Your buses and roads are better than the ones I took in Lebanon, Jordan and Egypt. And the price is okay too, even in local standard (200 SP for 450 km between Damascus and Aleppo, that’s about 4 dollars).
If prices had been up in the recent years, it is true also everywhere else. I am sorry you only gaze at your own omphalos.
What do you expect in plunging Syria in a new Iraq? Do you think thugs will not find enough corrupted/confused/hungry souls to carry a programme of “targeted” killings and kidnappings?
The problem is that most Syrians have no idea of the standard of living in other countries because indeed, they hardly go out. Not only their own government is to blame for that, since Europe is a fortress and takes the money of the application but never give visas… Except for “friendly-thugs” of course. Mafia rules the world, it is a sad reality that starts to be obvious to everybody who has been reading financial news lately (and Berlusconi news, of course).

September 27th, 2011, 3:29 am

 

SYR.EXPAT said:

Another Joke of the Day by the non other than Walid Mu’alem, Syria’s Foreign Minister, known, among other things, for threatening to ignore and forget about Europe:

“???? ?????? ???????? ?????????? ???? ?????? ???????? ??????? ???????? ???????? ??? ????? ????? ??? ?????? ????? ?????? ??????? ?? ????? ???? ???????.”

If you don’t know Arabic (shame on you), Walid Mu’alem was accusing the USA and Europe of violating human rights. The guy has the audacity to talk about human rights while people in Syria and killed and tortured in the most barbaric way by the Syrian government. This guy has no shame.

September 27th, 2011, 3:30 am

 

majedkhaldoun said:

SNP
You are extremely disturbed person, and have illusions,none of your statements make sense,you said you are for freedom,and you support a brutal dictator,you also talk about Gaddafi,while we are talking about Assad,how could possibly any reasonable person defend Gaddafi knowing all the atrocities he had committed,unless the person is deeply disturbed,you said that your friend wishes that Gaddafi wipe out England and France armies,are you dreaming?

Norman
The regime is attacking Homs,and continue to use the army and the Shabbiha against the people of Homs, but if the regime try to wipe out Homs,even Russia will turn against Bashar,Bashar pretends that he is doing reform,but his action contradict his words,in this time of mobile phones and internet,I doubt that Hama 2 can be repeated.

September 27th, 2011, 3:31 am

 

TRUE said:

C’mon ABOUD do you really expect X-Box or Menhebaks to understand what you’re talking about?

too much history and info for them, look around and check out SNK, SNP, Up Yours and little Joni then tell me if their 2 cells brains would be able to digest it? so just go easy on them unless someone who claims some knowledge pops out to debate eh.

So why Betho could not subdue the unrest in Homs so far?

September 27th, 2011, 3:34 am

 

uzair8 said:

@134 MNA said:

“About the standard of living of the Syrian people, could you just cut short your propaganda and admit you have the best autobus system of the Middle East?”

Yes even the Shabeeha use them to travel to their destination.

(Are they different buses?)

September 27th, 2011, 3:34 am

 

Atheist Syrian Salafist Against Dictatorships (ASSAD) said:

#126 Dear Uzair
Any chance of seeing this video elswhere as it seems restricted to BBC UK?

September 27th, 2011, 3:35 am

 

Mohamed Kanj said:

These are the true honerable syrians

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hL9wuQ7y7bs

Just as the Nir Rosen said “these protestors come from the slums”.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hSqXKLgojDg

Aboud how did u manage to get use of a computer? Ah i forgot you sold your ass to the Gulf tourist in lebanon, tripoli. Hope they drilled you nice and hard.

September 27th, 2011, 3:39 am

 

uzair8 said:

@139 A.S.S.A.D

Is it restricted. Damn!

I’ll take a look elsewhere.

I posted another documentary a couple of weeks ago. That must have been restricted too. Although yesterday I posted the youtube version of the 20 minute part covering Syria.

September 27th, 2011, 3:39 am

 

TRUE said:

Losers listen up, don’t cry when i tell ya Up Yours!!

It’s really quite common in the Cymru land (Wales) and people use it like “shut up” or some sorts. So for those ignorant losers (too many of them around here) stop trying to translate it literally as UP YOUR A*S ok?

Up Yours Menhebaks!!

September 27th, 2011, 3:45 am

 

Aboud said:

From SNN

????? ??? ?????? ???? ??????? ?????? ?? ?? ??????? ??? ???? ????? ?????? ???? ??? ????????
??? ?? ?? ??????? ??? ???? ????? ?????? ?? ????????? ????????? ???? ??? ??? ??? ??? ?????? ?????? ????? ?? ?????? ?? ????? ?????? ?? ???? ???? ???, ??????? ????? ??????? ?? ???? ???? ?????? ?????????? ?????? ??????? ??????? ???? ?? ????? ?? ??????? ?????????? ????????, ??? ??? ?????? ??????? ??? ???? ?????? ??? ?????? ???? ?????? ????, ???? ??????? ???? ????? ??????? ?? ????? ?????? ???? ?????? ????? ?? ????? ???, ??? ??? ??? ?????? ???? ????? ???? ??????: ?? ??? ????? ???? ?? ????? ?????? ?? ????? ??? ??????? ?????? ????? ?????? ??? ???????

#140 You know, I have a nickname, it’s Al Fatih. I got it after meeting Besho’s sister 🙂

“About the standard of living of the Syrian people, could you just cut short your propaganda and admit you have the best autobus system of the Middle East?”

Oh dear me, how long has it been since you’ve been to Syria. When we could use the small mini buses, things were great. Then the government gave contracts to its cronies to replace the small mini buses, with big massive green buses, for which no city in Syria has the roads for. The buses frequently need servicing, and on the ill equipped city roads, they causes all kinds of congestion. Yet another sad case of a few cronies benefiting at the expense of the people.

“What do you expect in plunging Syria in a new Iraq”

Turn that lecturing tone toward your president. Why was Najati Tayara arrested? How many of the 3000 Syrians killed were armed terrorists? It is your president that has tried everything he can to turn this into a sectarian war, in bungling his response to a country’s yearning for freedom.

“The problem is that most Syrians have no idea of the standard of living in other countries because indeed”

Bullshit. I find that patronizing sentence quite offensive. Syrians are very aware of the higher standards of living that their neighbors in Lebanon, Jordan and Turkey live. They are very aware of the privileges even a garbage man in Europe gets. If a garbage man in Syria goes out to demand the same, he gets accused of taking 4000 liras a demo from God knows who.

Don’t think that Syrians are ignorant, it is you Baathist who are ignorant of the way the world’s political and economical systems have developed and evolved over the past 40 years. The Baathists are content to stay stuck in 1963. The Syrian people have spoken loudly and clearly, and such a brave and resilient country will not be denied by the Baath nor their pathetic 3rd rate power buddies in India and South Africa, and especially not by their Iranian theocratic Ayatollahs. Ya fake secular inta.

September 27th, 2011, 3:59 am

 
 

Mohamed Kanj said:

ABOUD ( islamic extremist ) –

you said Jordan has higher standards of living, with unemployment of 30% ?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q6xkSWaIU0Y&feature=relmfu

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4uWrl4S8t7I&feature=relmfu

higher standards of living in lebanon ?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sqXmiLMsE1E

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x4H2hZsyHao

higher standards of living in turkey?

http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/n.php?n=minimum-wage-in-turkey-is-below-the-poverty-line-2010-12-27

Aboudijan, when are you going to admit that you are not Syrian? Your a lebanese hater. I apologise if the syrian mukhabarat (deleted due to excessive profanity)………………..ehsani

September 27th, 2011, 4:53 am

 

annie said:

125. agatha said:

================================================

Dernières informations sur Rafah Nached

AGatha, où trouver la pétition pour Rafah Nached ?

Moderator : the Kanj insults at #140 and #144 are a little too much. I have no problems with homosexuals but they should keep their phantasms private.

September 27th, 2011, 5:07 am

 

kubbeh said:

Honest Qestion to the board,
I’ve been following the Syrian revoution for quite a while and it seems to be at a stalement, a nasty one at that (is this really the situation?).
For those of you inside Syria: is Bashar loosing support? Or are the protestors loosing steam?
Is there a next step which can conceivably break the deadlock?
Thanks

September 27th, 2011, 5:09 am

 

Areal said:

104. Haytham Khoury said:

.. I did not tell my wife. That was simply because I am a very busy man and I do not remember what I tell and what I do not tell.

Come my friends join me writing the new constitution of Syria.

“”””
REALITY

Sometimes , your spouse and mother of your children gets a higher view than yourself.
So , if your spouse is suggesting that you should sit at your desk in your home “incommunicado” until you finish to translate the text of the Canadian constitution into Syrian as explained by Anwar Buni in

http://al3asefah.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=24887

please follow her very wise advice .

September 27th, 2011, 5:13 am

 

Atheist Syrian Salafist Against Dictatorships (ASSAD) said:

Don’t worry Annie, Aboud can hold his own against BtB’s sycophants. Let them show their true face and nature. Notice how they ever-so- casually and matter-of-fact-like admit that BtB’s mukhabarat do torture people by impaling them. They do it so often they have become totally blase about it.

HEAR IT HERE ONCE MORE PEOPLE, M. KANJ SAID:

I apologise if the syrian mukhabarat shoved a batton up ur anus

This is the regime and it’s “security” system and their sycophants we have had to deal with for nearly 5 decades.

September 27th, 2011, 5:20 am

 

Mohamed Kanj said:

ABOUD and your fellow islamic terrorits –

here is one of your fanatical revolutionaries from Egypt. What he preaches is the reality of your revolution.

http://www.memritv.org/clip/en/3115.htm

September 27th, 2011, 5:22 am

 

Mohamed Kanj said:

@ 148 – just admit that you are jealous that you never got to taste the batton. When it comes to islamic terrorists, the only way they should be treated is like DOGS AND CANNIBALS. I am a syrian sunni, and the 10% of the popultation whom these terrorists represent, should be all put to jail. Just ask the majority of sunni’s in syria who are sitting back and watching these terrorists in shame and disgust.

September 27th, 2011, 5:26 am

 

Mina said:

Aboud
What you state about buses in Syria indeed show you are not there. Plus you are certainly not the same Aboud posting all the time since March, because you would know i have stated repeatedly that I am not Syrian but I know Syria and have lived there and still have a lot of friends there.

September 27th, 2011, 5:34 am

 

Mohamed Kanj said:

@ 151 – its ok MINA, we all know ABOUD is not syrian and has never stepped foot in syria. His just a jihadist riding the bandwagon with his terrorist friends from the Gulf and Bin Laden Schools of thought

September 27th, 2011, 5:41 am

 

Areal said:

Dear Joshua Landis , ehsani and Otrakji ,

After following your blog for some time , I now have the feeling that the audience is dwelling during the last weeks as shown by the cumulative number of Thumb up / Thumb down after each comment for the comment section.

I will not explain the reasons of the defections as they should be obvious to you.

Can you publish the audience data you can easily collect from the stats module in your dashboard.
( not the individual IP address of commentators !!! )

September 27th, 2011, 6:00 am

 

Aboud said:

Yes Mr “I have an apartment overlooking a military airport but never mentioned it until it was in the news” LOL! Or was that another generic menhebak? I dunno, these Persians all seem to be cut with the same cookie cutter.

Notice how the menhebak is incapable of saying how what I said is wrong or inaccurate, just the usual whine, “Aboud isn’t in Syria moderators why don’t you ban him wa wa wa!”

And what’s with the menhebaks preoccupation with gay sex? That’s all their posts contain, disturbing images of man on man love. I’m beginning to think that their obsession with Ar’or has a touch of macho-sadistic fantasies about it. Is the baker who baked the menhebaks a gay one?

I guess “Drill baby drill!” means something else to the menhebaks 🙂

Annie, let the menhebak make enough rope to hang himself. If the moderators continue to tolerate him the way they have, I can come up with alot of nice insults as well and drown this website in them.

Now, here’s a nice story that deserves to be posted again

Syria seeks cutback in oil production because of E.U. embargo

http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/middle-east/syria-seeks-cutback-in-oil-production-because-of-eu-embargo/2011/09/26/gIQAbDdczK_print.html

Let’s see the Persians sugar coat this one 🙂

September 27th, 2011, 6:07 am

 

Areal said:

BRICS

REALITY
Brazil , Russia, India , China , South Africa are experiencing trouble from sectarian organization and armed gangs.

No wonder that these governments are very receptive to the facts and explanations of the Syrian government.

September 27th, 2011, 6:09 am

 

Aboud said:

The UK ambassador to Syria’s blog. Excellent first post

http://blogs.fco.gov.uk/roller/collis/entry/the_truth_is_what_big

Areal, although that explanation may be comforting to your sort, that’s not the case. The 3rd rate powers of South Africa, India and Brazil are only on the security council until the end of the year, and until then they are indulging in one of the very few times they will be able to stick it to the USA and Europe. They are enjoying their pathetic little moment in the sun, at the cost of thousands of Syrian lives.

Syrians will not forget who their real friends were in these times. Nelson Mandela would be ashamed. And so would Ghandi.

September 27th, 2011, 6:20 am

 

Khalid Tlass said:

The revolution should no longer be peaceful; the red line has been crossed long ago, brother !! Pick uo the gun and pierce yheir hearts with your bayonets and pluck out their hearts with the bayonet, so that Hassan Nasrallah get a chance to write more sad stuff for his Ashura. Ya Hussein Ya Hussein ya Ali Ali Ali Ya Fatima give me more 5 yr olds to sodomise !!!

September 27th, 2011, 6:24 am

 

Khalid Tlass said:

Darryl, the Qur’an is for everyone, not just for Muslims, it is a sign for humanity, just think about it, in the Qur’an Muslims have been asked to protect Christians, so it is our obligation to protect people like you as protected persons; remember the names of people like Umar ibn al Khattab, Khalid ibn al Walid, Saad ibn Abi Waqqas and Amr ibn Aas; if these people wanted they could have exterminated the whole Christain population of Egypt, Iraq, Syria, Lebanon and Palestine. Middle Eastern Christains are very weak as they have shown time and again getting their ass kicked by all in Lebanon, so you need the protection of Sunni Muslims. Look at Lebanon, Christians have accepted the protection of Muslims, Gea and Gemayel are being protected by Hariri while Aoun is being protected by Nasrallah, all this despite that Christians control the top ecehelons of the Lebanese Army. As I said, Middle Eastern Christians are very weak, in 1864 the Druze who were just 5 % of Lebanese population were able to massacre and slaughter 10,000 Maronites who were 40 % of Lebanese population, just give it up, the only way out for you is to be protected persons under the Muslims , like Christains in Egypt, Lebanon, and elsewhere have already done, Syria is an irritating exception but it will follow sooner rather than later. Christians were better off under the Rigtheous Caliphs, in fact during Umar’s time Christians from Turkey and Armenia wanted to pay the Jizya so as to live in Syria and enjoy the great social services and security offered by the Rashid Caliphate.

And for all the Islamophbes, try doing some original research on Ilsam rather than listening to repetitive propaganda, try seeing the video lectures of Dr. Zakir Naik, or Abdul Rahim Green, and Sheikh Ahmad Deedat, and tell us what you think.

September 27th, 2011, 6:40 am

 

Akbar Palace said:

As I said, Middle Eastern Christians are very weak, in 1864 the Druze who were just 5 % of Lebanese population were able to massacre and slaughter 10,000 Maronites who were 40 % of Lebanese population, just give it up, the only way out for you is to be protected persons under the Muslims…

Khalid Tlass,

You aren’t making any sense. First you tell Christians to “give it up” to be “protected persons under the Muslims”, then you admit that the “Lebanese population were able to massacre and slaghter 10,000 Maronites”.

What kind of “protection” is that?

No, what is needed is freedom and RULE OF LAW; not Muslim states and their “promises” of protection or despots who use sectarianism and racism to control their population.

And if Christians are having such a difficult time, just think how nice it would be for Jews.

It’s time to enter the 21st century. The time is ripe for democracy, not Presidents-for-Life.

September 27th, 2011, 7:01 am

 
 

Aboud said:

AP

“The time is ripe for democracy, not Presidents-for-Life.”

Are you implying that you are against the idea of my left toe ruling for 5 consecutive 6 year terms?

>_<

If you guys head over to the UK ambassador's blog, you see the typical menhebak whine;

"please STFU and join your 2 friends the Iraqi children butcher Robert Ford "

Tsk tsk, and these people wonder why are losing the media war. They make my work soooooo much easier 🙂

I just found out that India and SA are on the security council for one more year. But at least Lebanon and Brazil are out. It will be hard for the Indian/South African axis to keep its position against the rest of the security council. Today China made some very disturbing (at least to the Besho lovers) statements 🙂

September 27th, 2011, 7:16 am

 

Akbar Palace said:

3 Wasted Decades

Are you implying that you are against the idea of my left toe ruling for 5 consecutive 6 year terms?

Aboud,

Eeeeew! OTOH, it couldn’t be any worse than President Athad and his sidekick Asthma.

September 27th, 2011, 7:32 am

 

areal said:

57. Aboud said:
¨¨¨¨
The 3rd rate powers of South Africa, India and Brazil are only on the security council until the end of the year,
¨¨¨¨
REALITY

The 2012 United Nations Security Council election will be held in October 2012 during the 67th session of the United Nations General Assembly, held at United Nations Headquarters in New York City. The elections are for five non-permanent seats on the UN Security Council for two-year mandates commencing on 1 January 2013.[1]

In accordance with the Security Council’s rotation rules, whereby the ten non-permanent UNSC seats rotate among the various regional blocs into which UN member states traditionally divide themselves for voting and representation purposes, the five available seats are allocated as follows:

One for Africa (held by South Africa)
One for Asia (held by India)
One for Latin America (held by Colombia)
Two for the Western European and Others Group (held by Germany and Portugal)

The five members will serve on the Security Council for the 2013–14 period.

September 27th, 2011, 7:42 am

 

sheila said:

To #100. John Khouri,
I am dismayed at your post. It shows a deep hatred for Sunnis. You are attaching all evil to the Sunni Muslims of Syria. Do you think this is fair?. Syria has been ruled by the Assads for over 40 years and yet you manage to blame the Sunni for everything. Why is that John?. Have you had a bad experience during your life time with Sunni Muslims?. And when you have a bad experience with someone, do you usually blame it on his or her religion instead of on that person’s bad character?. Do you truly believe that all Sunnis are bad and all Christians are good?. Have you ever had a good Sunni friend?. Can you think of one good experience where a Sunni person actually helped you?. Or this is when you thank character instead of the person’s religion?. Or were you just raised to hate Sunnis?.
I just would like to point out that there is the bad and the good in every religion. Let us not stereotype. Let us judge people by their actions not by what God they worship.

September 27th, 2011, 7:49 am

 

Abu Umar said:

151. Mohamed Kanj said:

“I am Sunni”, start packing your bags as you will be expelled to Iran along with Fashar. As one poster mentioned, if there really were jihadist groups, then the death rate of the shabiha, mukhabarat and army would be tenfold. Be careful what you wish for, and if the despicable Nusayri regime doesn’t stop its onslaught, it will rue the day it seized power. It’s over menhebek majaneen. Start packing your bags to Iran.

September 27th, 2011, 8:07 am

 

MNA said:

155. Aboud said:

Yes Mr “I have an apartment overlooking a military airport but never mentioned it until it was in the news” LOL!

Aboud,

That was me MNA and not MINA who said the above.
Am I the only one on this forum who did not give details about where they live?

September 27th, 2011, 8:10 am

 

Khalid Tlass said:

Abu Umar, “KANJ” is a Lebanesen Shia surname from the Jabal Amil in south Lebanon. You should have realised that.

September 27th, 2011, 8:12 am

 

sheila said:

To #134. Mina,
You are right. Our inter-city bus system is quite good and pretty well priced, but have you seen:
1- our schools?
2- our teachers?
3- our public restrooms?
4- our public libraries?
5- our government institutions?
6- our judicial system?
7- our agricultural policies?
8- our economic policies?
The list goes on, but I do not want to bore you. Bottom line, you managed to find one of the few things that are half decent in Syria, otherwise, every thing else is in miserable shape.
You said: “Europe is a fortress and takes the money of the application but never give visas… Except for “friendly-thugs” of course”. The reason why we are not given visas to Europe easily is because they know that we will stay there and never come back. It seems that the good inter-city bus system is not enough of a reason for Syrians to stay in Syria.

September 27th, 2011, 8:17 am

 

Aboud said:

#164 you are only half right (but still pretty good for a menhebak). 3rd rate India and South Africa keep their seats until the end of 2012, but Brazil and Lebanon are out. I don’t see how the Indian/South African axis can hold out against the rest of the security council, especially with China making the statements it did today.

“Am I the only one on this forum who did not give details about where they live?”

No one gives details on where they live. Only an idiot would. Which is why I’m dubious as to why you’d want to tell people where you live just to score cheap debating points. Anyway, to each their own.

Sheila

“I am dismayed at your post. It shows a deep hatred for Sunnis”

If it walks like a Persian, quacks like a Persian, hates over a span of 1400 years like a Persian, it sure as heck isn’t a Christian Homsi 🙂

September 27th, 2011, 8:17 am

 

sheila said:

To #140. Mohamed Kanj,
Last time I checked, people from “the slums” were still considered human beings.

September 27th, 2011, 8:23 am

 

Äreal said:

REALITY
125 United Nations member states ( out of more than 190 ) so far elected to the United Nations Security Council, including the five permanent members, .

Syria elected 7 times , first in 1947 last in 2003

more or as often and earlier than

Mexico
Romania
Turkey
Yugoslavia
Algeria
Austria
Bulgaria
Costa Rica
Cuba
Ecuador
Gabon
Ghana
Indonesia
Philippines
Sweden
Tunisia
Ukraine
Zambia
Ireland
Malaysia
New Zealand
Portugal
Uganda
Bangladesh
Benin
Bolivia
Burkina Faso
Cameroon
Côte d’Ivoire
Ethiopia
Finland
Greece
Guinea
Guyana
Hungary
Iraq
Jamaica
Jordan
Kenya
Lebanon
Libya
Mali
Mauritius
Morocco
Nepal
Nicaragua
Republic of the Congo
Senegal
Tanzania
Zaire
Zimbabwe
Czechoslovakia
South Africa
Angola
Bahrain
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Botswana
Burundi
Byelorussian SSR
Cape Verde
Ceylon
Croatia
Czech Republic
Djibouti
Gambia
East Germany
Guinea-Bissau
Honduras
Iran
Kuwait
Madagascar
Malta
Mauritania
Namibia
Niger
Oman
Paraguay
Republic of Korea
Rwanda
Sierra Leone
Singapore
Slovakia
Slovenia
Somalia
Sudan
Thailand
Togo
Trinidad and Tobago
Qatar
United Arab Emirates
United Arab Republic
Uruguay
Vietnam
Yemen
Liberia

Give you an idea of the skills of Syrian diplomats !!

September 27th, 2011, 8:28 am

 

areal said:

170. Aboud said:

#164 you are only half right (but still pretty good for a menhebak). 3rd rate India and South Africa keep their seats until the end of 2012, but Brazil and Lebanon are out.
REALITY
My subject was BRICS and as far I know Lebanon is not part of BRICS.
I am 100% right.

Therefore , regarding your diversion on the Security Council ,
you were 66.666666666666666666666666666666666666666666666666666666666666666666666666 % wrong .

September 27th, 2011, 8:40 am

 

sheila said:

To #151. Mohamed Kanj,
I am a Sunni Muslim and it just happens that 90% of the Sunnis I know are with the revolution and against the regime. So please stop talking like you represent the majority of Sunnis, because you represent no one but yourself.
I am quite disgusted with your language and vulgarity. This is a forum for exchanging ideas not insults. If you think you can get your point across better by using these vulgarities, think again. All you do is expose yourself for who you really are.
I am ashamed and disgusted that you and I belong to the same religion.

September 27th, 2011, 8:42 am

 

Abu Umar said:

128. Syria no kandahar said:

Don’t let the door hit you on your way out of Syria. The pathetic cries of a menhebek dead-ender.

September 27th, 2011, 8:44 am

 

Aboud said:

@172 Dude, your insecurity is painful to witness. Put a few more digits behind the decimal point. You might excuse yourself by saying you were talking about the BRICS, but I didn’t have the BRICS in mind.

But hey, menhebak is desperate for any sort of validation.

I notice that I’ve mentioned China several times, but none of the menhebaks want to talk about its shift in tone. They don’t like to discuss uncomfortable topics. Which leaves them nothing to discuss except conspiracies and gay fantasies LOL!

September 27th, 2011, 8:51 am

 

Abu Umar said:

” 168. Khalid Tlass said:

Abu Umar, “KANJ” is a Lebanesen Shia surname from the Jabal Amil in south Lebanon. You should have realised that.”

Khalid, this might be a portent. This psychopath Kanj might be related to Bassam Kanj(Sunni), whom the Lebanese and Syrian army needed 10000 men to take him and a few hundred men on in Dinniyeh. Be careful what you wish for menhebek majaneen.

September 27th, 2011, 8:56 am

 

Aboud said:

I’m looking over the resolutions of the UN Security council when the junta’s UN ambassador was a member during 2002-2003.

It voted for 1481, which gave more powers to the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia. LOL! Hypocrites.

Syria’s representative didn’t participate in the vote on 1483, which extended the food for oil program. Baathist wimps.

It voted for 1482, “Extends terms of judges at the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda”. Hypocrites.

On almost every single other issue, the Baath’s representative obligingly toed the line and humbly voted as the other great powers told them to. “Muqawama” LOL! If everything the US does is a conspiracy, the Baath regime voted for every single conspiracy when they got on the UN security council.

September 27th, 2011, 9:08 am

 

zoo said:

H. Clinton ‘subtly’ threatens Lebanon if it does not abide to the US sanctions against Syria.

“We also cautioned the prime minister that Lebanon needs to be very, very careful in not getting caught up in the unrest in Syria, in terms of not allowing Lebanon to be a way for Syria to evade sanctions and accountability for the brutality that the Syria government is showing against its people,” he said.

Read more: http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Politics/2011/Sep-27/149804-us-warns-mikati-over-syria-sanctions.ashx#ixzz1Z9qXKi5e
(The Daily Star :: Lebanon News :: http://www.dailystar.com.lb)

September 27th, 2011, 9:11 am

 

Mina said:

Sheila
I agree with the poor state of the afore-mentioned, but it also means that many people are corrupt. I think it is deeply a consequence of the culture of patriarchy, and is not going to change with a regime change. See Greece? See Italy? See Lebanon? See Egypt? See Pakistan?

September 27th, 2011, 9:13 am

 

Alescander said:

FYI a letter from Nelson Mandela, I have noticed some frequent blogger referring to N Mandela,
This is a voice of reason from someone who endured long years of oppression, imprisonment , and humiliation
There is very little chance that any of the “day of anger” guys and gals would absorb this, but it is worth a shot,
I wish I have the time you have to blog back and fourth, unfortunately I don’t, plus this dialogue resembles what goes in the middle east when even just 2 friends argue, they start insulting, show ther ugliest features, and the whole point , in this case the destiny of our loved ones in Syria ,will be lost.

A serious consideration is asked from the moderators to really try to persuade people away from resorting to insults, direct and vicious attacks on religious and ethnic groups .
I am fearing that these attacks are very purposeful , not just in the context of a heated blog.

Moderators should try to elevate the level of this blog back to a polite, and civil discussion aimed to bring up the best of people that now are showing their worst.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

???? ?? ??? ?????? ?? ???? ??? ?????? ???? ???? ????? ?????? ?????? ????? ????? ????? ??????? ??? ?????? ?? ?? ???????? ???????? ??? ????? ??????? ?? ?????? ??? ??? ??? ??????? ????? ?? ??????? ?? ??????? ?? ????? ??? ?? ???? ?? ????? ?????
?? ????? ??? ???????? ???????? ??? ??????? ??? ????? ?? ?????? ??? ?????? ?????? ??????.
???? ???? ??? ????? ???? ?? ????? ??? ???? ??? ?????? ?? ?? ????? ????? ?? ????? ????? ?????? ?? ??????? ?? ?? ???? ?? ??? ??????? ???????
????? ???? ??? ??? ?????? ?????? ?? ??? ??? ?????? ?????? ?????? ??????? ???? ??????? ??? ??? ????? ??????? ?? ??? ???????????? ?? ????. ???? ???? “???? ??????? ?????????” ???? ??? ???? ??????? ???????? ???? ??????? ????? ?? ????? ?????.

???? ????? ??? ????? ?????
??? ???? ???? ???????– ????? ???? ?? ???????- ??????? ????? ??????? ??? ??????? ?????? ??? ????????????? ?????? ?? ?? ??? ??? ???????? ?? ?? ??????????? ???????? ??? ?? ???? ?????? ?? ????????? ?????? ??? ???????? ??? ?? ?????? ??? ???? ???????????? ??????? ?? ????? ???? ?? ???????.

?????? ???? ?? ???? ??????? ????? –??? ???? ????????- ??? ??????? ?? ????? ???????? ?????????? ?????? ???????? ?? ??? ??? ??? ???? ??? ???? ??????? ????? ?? ???? ????? ?????? ???????? ?????.

????? ?? ???????? ???? ?????: “?????? ????? ???????”

????? ??????? ??????
??????? –??????????

September 27th, 2011, 9:35 am

 

sheila said:

Dear #179. Mina,
You bring up a very valid point: “many people are corrupt. I think it is deeply a consequence of the culture of patriarchy”. Yes, we do have deep seeded cultural issues, however, this does not mean that we throw our hands in the air and call it quits. We can change and improve. It takes a government that is working for the best interest of its people. I can give you many examples to prove my point:
1- A dictatorial example: Franco of Spain. A brutal dictator who was detested by the Spaniard when he was alive. He took over Spain after a destructive civil war in the thirties. When he died in the seventies, Spain was one of the top ten most industrialized nations in the world. He also managed to civilize the Spaniards by the carrot and stick methodology.
2- A current example: India. If any country suffers from deep seeded cultural issues it is India. No other country can claim a more patriarchal and backwards social culture. Yet, with the political will for change, India today is leaps and bounds ahead. It graduates some of the best educated people around the world and has created a very strong middle class. It is true that it still has a long way to go, but it is well on its way.

I can really go on and on, but what I am trying to tell you is that the fatalistic position of : “this is the way we are. We will always be at the bottom of the barrel”. is wrong. We can change and we can be very successful. Look at the Syrians who leave the country. Many become very successful. So, given the right environments and having the will, Syria can be an advanced nation. This current regime has proved beyond reasonable doubt that it has no interest in change. Removing this regime does not mean the end of Syria’s problems. It will be a very hard transition, but it is the only way that Syria will have any hope in a bright future.

September 27th, 2011, 9:38 am

 

areal said:

REALITY
China calls on International community to respect Syria’s sovereignty

Sep 27, 2011

New York,
Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi called on the international community to respect Syria’s sovereignty, independence and security, implicitly warning of any international act against Syria.

AFP quoted Jiechi as saying in a speech at the UN General Assembly meeting on Monday that Beijing hopes the different sides in Syria avoid any form of violence and ease the situation as soon as possible.

For his part, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov underlined the importance of supporting the Syrian government in carrying out reforms.

Russia’ Today Channel quoted Lavrov as calling, in a TV dialogue with an American Channel, on the Syrian opposition to conduct dialogue with the Syrian government, accept the announced reforms, underlining, at the same time, the necessity for stopping violence.

September 27th, 2011, 9:46 am

 

Aboud said:

#181 Where is the Baathist F.W de Klerk? They have murdered thousands of Syrian Mandelas. Of course, the losing Baathist side would plead and pray for reconciliation after the revolution, but what the country needs is something along the lines of the Nuremberg trials.

Call it a conspiracy all you want, but no one forced the Baathist scum to murder Giath Matar. Nor did anyone force the despicable and gutless Baathist losers on this forum to claim he was an MB member on a suicide mission. Disgusting Qurdaha mentalities. Walla lan tale3 rabkon Hafez men qabro wa nehroqo.

September 27th, 2011, 9:50 am

 

Areal said:

Statement by Minister Al-Moallem at UN General Assembly on the current events in Syria and reforms taken by the Syrian leadership

Sep 27, 2011

Mr. Walid al-Moallem Minister for Foreign Affairs and Expatriates of the Syria Arab Republic

At the General Debate of the 66th session of the United Nations General Assembly

Your Excellency Nassir Bin Abdel-Aziz al-Nasser

President of the 66th session of the UNGA

Allow me to congratulate you on your election as President of this session of the General Assembly. I wish you success in your endeavors to promote the interests of our international organization. I salute your predecessor, Mr. Joseph Diess and express to him our appreciation for successfully presiding over last year’s session.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Allow me first to address the current situation in Syria, our position in regard to this situation and to the circumstances and events unfolding inside and outside the country. Positions and circumstances of states are undeniably governed by their geopolitical realities and by the constraints and demands stemming there from. They are equally influenced by the repercussions they endure, the stances they adopt and the price they pay, be that high or low for their positions towards these questions.

The Syrian Arab republic is located in the heart of the Middle East region. This location determined the major role which Syria played in the balances and politics in the Arab world and the region in general. For many decades, Syria faced major challenges and stood-up firmly against attempts to curtail its role and divert the national course it charted for itself. It is no secret that Syria upheld its national sovereignty and the independence of its national decision. This position has always been one of the primary pillars of Syrian Foreign policy.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Syria spared no effort in support of the legitimate struggle of the Palestinian people and championed resistance governments. Syria upheld its inalienable right to liberate the entire occupied Syrian Golan to the line of June 4, 1967. At the same time,

Syria extended a hand of friendship to all states, and built its international relations on mutual respect and reinforcing interests. It used its leverage to serve and promote the centerpiece of Syrian national prerogatives, namely the Middle East question to liberate the land and restore the rights. Following the occupation of Iraq, Syria was dragged into another battle. It had to choose between enduring siege and isolation or submitting to dictates.

Again Syria summoned all its must to prevail, despite the exorbitant price we had to pay- at the expense of other priorities and domestic interests. We emerged from this battle having gained strength while preserving the independence of our decision and safeguarding our national prerogatives.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

There are two sides to the problem Syria faces today: on the one hand, the country needs the people-driven political, economic and social reforms.President Bashar al-Assad already declared that these reforms are needed and due. He expressed a strong desire to accomplish them. But the force of the political circumstances to which I have briefly alluded earlier forced internal demands- important as they were- to take a back seat to other priorities, Our overriding priority was facing the external pressures which at times tantamount to blatant conspiracies.

On the other hand, popular demands and claims have been manipulated to further objectives which are alien to the interests and express desires of the Syrian people. These demands were the stepping stone used by armed groups to sow discord and sabotage our security. They became the new pretext for foreign interventions. Syria exercised its responsibility to protect its citizens. It acted to guarantee their safety and stability.

Vigilance against the danger of foreign intervention that assumes a different form with every passing day, and challenging it does not mean underestimating popular demands. These demands have already been accommodated prior to the recent events.

In our view, these are needed reforms that have fallen due. Many of their elements have been already met. Those reforms are a work in progress that will continue through national dialogue in the context of national unity, sovereignty and independence. Ladies and Gentlemen, To shed more light on the situation, I will recall at this juncture the statement that President Al-Assad made on June 20 of this year.

In this statement, the President declared reform measures comprising new laws: the political parties Act to guarantee political pluralism, the information Act to lay the ground for free and independent media, the parliamentary elections act and the local demonstration Act.

The proposed reform measures were to be culminated by a thorough examination and review of the Syrian constitution. The review would delete certain articles to allow for political pluralism and democratic practices. It may even lead to framing a new constitution that would guarantee all of the above. The Constitution is the backbone of the political, economic and social life of states. This reform measures will definitely respond to the popular demands and needs.

Furthermore, the President left the door open to views and proposals on the reform effort in general. In a TV interview that followed, the President announced that a time line has been set to agree on and implement the proposed reforms in no more that six months. This is an extremely important stance which requires a serious in-depth national dialogue to arrive at the desired mechanisms and results.

A comprehensive dialogue began a couple of weeks ago in different Syrian governorates. Representatives of various sectors of the Syrian society including opposition figures joined the process to examine the comprehensive, political, economic, and social components of the proposed reform package.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

We deeply regret the surge in the activities of armed groups in Syria which have not waned and instead continued to spiral. The presence of these groups, which of itself is the other aspect of the problem in Syria, is the manifestation of foreign intervention. We expected the states that advocate the need for reform and change to support the Syrian official position instead of opting for incitement and defiance.

In fact, the more ground we cover towards stability and reform, the stronger the foreign incitement. Armed violence surges in tandem with multiple economic sanction. By targeting the Syrian economy with sanctions, the United States and the European Union jeopardize the interests and the basic daily subsistence needs of the Syrian people.

The course can’t in a way be reconciled with pronouncements about concern for the interests, security and rights of the Syrian people. It further runs counter to the basic principles of human rights in defense of which these states base their interference in our internal affairs.

It must be recalled that the Charter of our organization states that “Nothing contained in the present Charter shall authorize the UN to intervene in matters which are essentially within the domestic jurisdiction of any state.”

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Syria provided our region with a model of peaceful coexistence among the different components of the Syrian people, a model which deserves to be emulated. It opted for secularism to promote its national unity in view of the religious and ethnic diversity of the region to which it belongs, a region that was the cradle of divine religious and the birthplace of human civilization.

Any objective analysis of the events in and around Syria will demonstrate clearly that the purpose of the unjust anti-Syria campaign currently underway is to attack the model of coexistence that has been a source of pride to our people. How can we otherwise explain media provocations, financing and arming religious extremism? What purpose could this serve other than total chaos that would dismember Syria- and consequently adversely affect its neighbors? What else could this course achieve other than spreading Western hegemony over the countries of the Mediterranean and serving Israel’s expansionist interests?

I assure you that our people are determined to reject all forms of foreign intervention in their internal affairs. We shall continue pursue security and stability. We shall proceed in implementing the comprehensive program of reform through national dialogue to turn Syria within months into a model of political pluralism and an oasis for peaceful coexistence among the different components of its people. .

From this rostrum I call on states which have partaken in the unjust campaign against Syria to reconsider their positions. To them I say our people will foil your schemes.

I also express our appreciation and thanks to the countries that stood by our people’s side in this crisis, pre-empted any harm that could have befallen their interests and encountered them to pursue their aspirations.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

For years, the international community has considered the two-sates solutions the basis for establishing peace between the Israelis and the Palestinians.

The negotiations between the two sides continued for years. They have failed though to achieve any progress towards a solution due to Israeli well known positions and measures. Therefore, the international community’s pursuit of the recognition of Palestinian statehood on the Palestinian territories occupied in 1967 is legitimate. It is a positive step in the direction of restoring all the Palestinian rights. Syria calls on the international community to support this request. .

Our position on declaring the Middle East a nuclear weapon free zone is established and known. We continue to call for exercising pressure on Israel to implement international resolutions that have called on it to accede to the Non-Proliferation Treaty, and submit its importance to the security and stability of our region. We at the same time stress that all states have the right to acquire nuclear technologies for peaceful purposes. This right is guaranteed by the NPT.

We renew the call to lift the embargo that has been enforced on Cuba for decades.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

We aspire to a more just and secure world. This international organization has a major role to play in this regard. It can play this role more effectively if some powerful states gave up attempts to further their own agendas. We still hope that the international community will be able to follow the right course to bring about a better world to which our peoples aspire.

September 27th, 2011, 9:56 am

 

Aboud said:

Goodbye, balloon of Baathist UN-reality, you are about to burst. LOL! Khazoooooooooq!

US urges China for strong UN action on Syria: official

(AFP) – 20 hours ago

NEW YORK — US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton urged China to back a strong UN Security Council resolution on Syria when she met Monday with Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi, a senior US official said.

Their conversation “had to do with the need for a strong UN Security Council resolution that calls for the violence to end,” the senior US State Department official told reporters on the condition of anonymity.

“I think it’s fair to say that foreign minister Yang understood and supported the notion of the Security Council taking further action and they agreed to have our ambassadors work on this in the coming days,” the official said.

Speaking at the UN General Assembly on Wednesday, US President Barack Obama called for UN Security Council sanctions on Syria, saying there was no excuse for inaction when people were being tortured and murdered by their government.

But US officials said Clinton’s conversation with Yang was more general than the issue of sanctions.

America’s western allies have joined Washington in imposing sanctions against Syria, but Russia and China have opposed attempts to frame a sanctions regime in the Security Council and threatened to veto any such resolution.

China, Russia, the United States, Britain and France make up the five veto-wielding permanent members of the UN Security Council.

September 27th, 2011, 10:04 am

 

sheila said:

Dear #181. Alescander,
Thank you for posting the Nelson Mandela letter. Very nice and profound. It takes a lot of foresight and constraint to be able to do this.
You said: “There is very little chance that any of the “day of anger” guys and gals would absorb this, but it is worth a shot“. I take offense in this statement. The majority of us are neither “day of anger“ people, nor limited and narrow minded as you imply.

September 27th, 2011, 10:17 am

 

areal said:

REALITY
Simon Collis
Ambassador to Syria, Damascus

I am very happy to return to Syria, the country where I first studied the Arabic language over 25 years ago, and which I have regularly visited since. I return at an important time for our relations, and for the region.

The British Government will continue to support the reform process in Syria through dialogue and partnership with the Government and people of Syria.

http://ukinsyria.fco.gov.uk/en/about-us/our-embassy/our-ambassador/

September 27th, 2011, 10:17 am

 

annie said:

Aboud, you let this one slip away unless I am dwindelling on the wrong word.

154. Areal said:

I now have the feeling that the audience is dwelling during the last weeks as shown by the cumulative number of Thumb up / Thumb down after each comment for the comment section.

September 27th, 2011, 10:22 am

 

Aboud said:

#188 Dude, now you are reaching. Really, really reaching. In fact you are starting to look even more pathetic than usual.

This was Ambassador Collis’ article just a few hours ago. I’m dying to see you sugar coat it with your own peculiar brand of Baathist reality LOL!

Simon Collis
Ambassador to Syria, Damascus
RSS feed
The truth is what big brother says it is
Posted 26 September 2011 by e-Media Global | 22 Comments

I’ve been British Ambassador in Syria for the last four years. Last weekend I decided to start this blog after Syria passed a terrible milestone. The Syrians have now endured six months of unrest and violent suppression of mostly peaceful protests. As they now look towards the next six months with a mixture of uncertainty, fear and hope, I wanted to share some personal impressions about what’s happening. Some thoughts about why it’s happening. And maybe to spark some debate about what comes next and what can be done.

In doing so I am privileged. Because I can. The last six months have shown the Syrians can too. But in doing so, they face censorship, threats and arbitrary arrest.

The Syrian regime doesn’t want you to know that its security forces and the gangs that support them are killing, arresting and abusing mostly peaceful protesters: The UN says over 2,700 people have died in the last six months, some of them under torture in prison. It doesn’t want you to know that it is preventing many from meeting peacefully to discuss reform. It wants you to hear only one version of the truth – its own. And to see only one way out – the return to authoritarian rule where fear surpasses a desire for freedom. This is a regime that remains determined to control every significant aspect of political life in Syria. It is used to power. And it will do anything to keep it.

People say that in today’s world it’s no longer possible to hide the truth. A lot’s been said about the power of Twitter and Facebook, the inability for information to be censored in Tunisia and Egypt. The cruel reality in Syria is that they are doing all they can to pull the shutters down.

Foreign journalists are refused entry. Any non-Syrian local correspondents are kicked out – sometimes after a beating. Syrian correspondents, bloggers and citizen journalists are systematically tracked down and imprisoned. It’s a criminal offence to have a satellite phone. Mobile phone and internet networks are heavily monitored, or connection reduced to a crawl especially on Fridays. They are cut entirely anywhere the security forces mount mass arrest campaigns or send heavy armour into cities. Websites and satellite TV channels are blocked, with help from Iran. Before the start of this crisis Reporters Without Borders already ranked Syria as the fifth worst place in the world for media freedom. Over the last six months it’s got worse. A lot worse. The regime wants to create its own truth. We should not let it.

Is it a bird, is it a bullet? It’s Syria’s new media law!

I suppose we all learn early in life that there’s quite a difference between saying something and doing it. Like pretty much all of its reform programme to date, the regime’s answer to its critics was to announce that there would be a new media law; and that a committee had been set up to draft it. But you don’t need a new law to decide to let journalists in. You don’t need a new media law to prevent the big brother mentality that prevails here. You just need to decide to stop restricting media freedoms, and then to act on your decision. And until that happens, why should anyone believe that anything will be different?

Mind the gap

I’ve got a feeling that this gap between reality and promise will sadly continue. President Assad has announced a big reform programme, several times. It’s got a lot of stuff in it that sounds pretty good. Some laws are indeed being passed, and there are more to come. But when you read the fine print, what you tend to find is that every path that’s signposted towards increased freedom and openness actually winds back to a chokepoint. Every avenue leads to a regime official who only lets through what he’s told to let through. Everyone else has to turn back. Or face the consequences.

Shine a light

Even so, brave individuals continue to find ways through to get out video clips that show Syrian security forces firing into crowds of unarmed protesters, or abusing detainees – you can search for them on YouTube. I’m constantly amazed at their skill, daring and ingenuity in finding ways to capture and upload pictures of events on the ground in something close to real time. Regime attempts to dismiss most of this as the fabrications of a foreign conspiracy are absurd.

But without context, it can be hard to make sense of jumpy grainy images. And tragically, repetition dulls the senses. Unless we have some information about what’s happening and why, we risk forgetting that another day, another death is real. It is not just an image of people in a street we don’t recognise, in a town we’ve never been to, chanting slogans in a language that perhaps we don’t understand.

That’s where I hope to come into the picture. As far as I’m concerned this blog will be worth it if it helps to get a discussion going – on this page, with your friends, or even just inside your head – about what’s happening, why it’s happening, and why it matters. Thanks for sticking with me this far. I hope you’ll want to take a look at the next installment.

Daaaaamn dude, that sounds pretty damning coming from a diplomat. Did the MB buy him out too?

Annie, thanks for pointing that one out. It is bizarre phrases like this that convinces me the menhebaks are Persians. It doesn’t even sound like they are trying to translate from Arabic into English. Maybe Farsi though….

September 27th, 2011, 10:32 am

 

annie said:

Wow, the Ambassador !

http://blogs.fco.gov.uk/roller/collis/entry/the_truth_is_what_big

quite a contrast with the official site

http://ukinsyria.fco.gov.uk/en/about-us/our-embassy/our-ambassador/

Do you think that Ariel means the Ambassador did not write the entry in the blog ? Aboud, confess ! It is you !

September 27th, 2011, 10:40 am

 

Aboud said:

Reality challenged menhebak, that particular page went up in 2007. Guess what, if you look outside your baathist reality field, you’ll notice the world has changed quite a bit since then. Like some Earl Grey tea with that khazoooooooq? 😉

September 27th, 2011, 10:41 am

 

Haytham Khoury said:

@ Areal# 148

Thank you very much. I never looked at that document, although I heard about it. It is very helpful. I have had recently some exchanges with Anwar Al-Buni, but all were regarding unifying the opposition.

September 27th, 2011, 10:42 am

 

Aboud said:

Annie, that page went up in 2007 when the ambassador was first appointed. Poor feeble menhebaks think it’s recent. They are clutching at any straw now.

I’m sure they looked around for a date, and noticed the copyright 2011 at the bottom. That is what’s known as a footer, it is automatically generated on all the website’s pages 🙂

September 27th, 2011, 10:46 am

 

Mina said:

Sheila
If you say Franco’s dictatorship brought the Spaniards somewhere, you probably show us why most Syrians have been ok for 40 years with the kind of regime they had. Actually I know people who protested in Hamidiyye and Midan who explain me that Hafez al Asad was good but that Bashar is stupid… You get an idea of their education level.
You didn’t read my reply to your idea of shari’a in the constitution (previous post and comments section).
About India, do you really think this great (Western, if I follow your standards) education would have been achieved without the UK having colonized the place and pre-empted its elite for quite a while, and the special relation that allowed a lot of this elite study in top schools such as Oxford and Cambridge? What you say about India is pure denial of the wild corruption and savagery that is taking places in many places far from cameras.
About bringing democracy to Syria in a week, I am afraid you have to admit it is right on the geopolitical frontline, and no one cares about the lack of civil rights in China, businessmen all around the world are just too happy to make business with them. You can imagine if the Syrians were 80 millions (like the Egyptians) or more than one billion (like China), not a single newspaper would ever mention any protest: they could kill half the population as long as Vodafone can sell subscriptions to those who remain.

September 27th, 2011, 10:51 am

 

Syria1 said:

So not only is the world imposing sanctions on us, but our government has decided that we should impose sanctions on ourselves. What an amazing fiscal policy!

September 27th, 2011, 11:03 am

 

Aboud said:

Mina, if I may

“You can imagine if the Syrians were 80 millions (like the Egyptians) or more than one billion (like China), not a single newspaper would ever mention any protest”

But the Egyptians ARE 80 million, and yet the protests there were front page news the world over.

Now, you are correct when you say that economic interests trump human rights concerns with regards to China. So it begs the question; what stopped the Baathists from building up Syria to be a considerable economic force in the region? Syria has resources in abundance, water, a hard working population and cheap labor force.

Economic power brings with it political influence, that is undeniable. The Baathists choose to enrich a few cronies at the expense of the population, and as a result their only friends today are Russian and Chinese arms dealers, and 3rd rate powers like India and South Africa, who want to stick it to the West while they still can.

If the world turns a blind eye towards human suffering for the sake of business interests, then the Baathists are doubly guilty of allowing the Syrian economy to fall into such a sad state, that no one, not even Turkey, sees any economical benefits to staying friends with them. For that level of incompetence alone, people call Besho stupid. How can you possibly blame them.

September 27th, 2011, 11:10 am

 

Jihanne said:

Agatha

This is the AFP article from Sammy Ketz that is responsible for Mrs Rafah Nached’s arrest

“The paradox is, everyone is scared in Syria,” says Rafa Nashed, a psychoanalyst and one of the organisers of the gatherings at a Jesuit home in the centre of Damascus.

“Why does the regime use violence and repression? Because it is scared of losing power. And the people who protest, do you think they are not scared? They are very scared, but they are still going.”

Read more: http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Middle-East/2011/Aug-31/147618-fear-unites-syrians-of-all-faiths.ashx#ixzz1ZASB2HUP
(The Daily Star :: Lebanon News :: http://www.dailystar.com.lb)

Lettre du mari de Rafah Nached aux journaux
http://acfmp.wordpress.com/2011/09/27/une-lettre-du-mari-de-rafah-nached-aux-journaux/
Le Monde ,Le Figaro, Libération, Lorient, LeJour Alsafir

A propos de l’arrestation de Madame Rafah Nached, psychanalyste syrienne

Monsieur, Madame

Vous avez publié récemment des informations sur l’arrestation de la psychanalyste syrienne Rafah Nached (66 ans qui a des problèmes de santé) à l’aéroport de Damas, le 10 septembre 2011. Elle est toujours détenue, après 5 jours de disparition entre les mains des services de la sécurité militaire. Nous vous remercions pour toutes les informations justes et claires que vous avez diffusées pour soutenir notre demande de sa libération. D’autre part, nous voulons vous informer que Madame Nached n’a jamais exercé aucune activité politique, ni d’activités autre que son travail de psychanalyse. Au début des événements dramatiques qui se déroulent actuellement en Syrie, elle a entrepris un projet de travail de thérapie de groupe avec un collègue, père jésuite psychanalyste aussi. Ce travail était fondé sur le psychodrame et se tenait dans les lieux de prière des jésuites à Damas. Un jour, un journaliste de l’AFP a assisté à une scène de psychodrame sur la peur. A la suite de quoi, il a publié un article sur ce psychodrame, et bien qu’on lui ait demandé de ne pas citer de noms des personnes présentes, il a cité le nom de Madame Rafah dans son article. Vous trouverez ci-joint l’article de AFP et les correspondances entre Madame Nached et le journaliste Sammy Ketz, article qui a causé certainement son arrestation en même temps que mis sa vie en danger. Nous souhaitons que vous donniez votre témoignage sur cette affaire pour nous aider à sa libération. Quant au journal, l’Orient le Jour, il a publié une caricature en citant son nom, ce qui jette de l’huile sur le feu et augmente le danger de sa vie en prison. Nous vous remercions pour votre attention et nous vous demandons de publier cette lettre dans votre journal. Fayssal Abdallah Professeur d’histoire a l’Université de Damas Mari de madame Rafah Nached

September 27th, 2011, 11:37 am

 

areal said:

189. annie said:

Aboud, you let this one slip away unless I am dwindelling on the wrong word.

154. Areal said:

I now have the feeling that the audience is dwelling during the last weeks as shown by the cumulative number of Thumb up / Thumb down after each comment for the comment section.

REALITY

Obviously a whole lot of people read for a full 4 hours 20 min :

I now have the feeling that the audience is dwindling during the last weeks as shown by the cumulative number of Thumb up / Thumb down after each comment for the comment section.

September 27th, 2011, 11:59 am

 

areal said:

194. Aboud said:

Annie, that page went up in 2007 when the ambassador was first appointed. Poor feeble menhebaks think it’s recent. They are clutching at any straw now.

I’m sure they looked around for a date, and noticed the copyright 2011 at the bottom. That is what’s known as a footer, it is automatically generated on all the website’s pages

REALITY
I knew perfectly that the UK ambassador arrived in Syria 4 years ago from Qatar.
His first sentence of his statement is
“I am very happy to return to Syria”

The last sentence of my quoting of his statement

The British Government will continue to support the reform process in Syria through dialogue and partnership with the Government and people of Syria

is very disturbing.

A government has a partnership with another government :
it is the normal job of an ambassador.

A partnership of a government with the people of another country is called :

FOREIGN CONSPIRACY

September 27th, 2011, 12:15 pm

 

Alex said:

Someone earlier asked for Syria Comment’s recent stats.

Here they are for the past 30 days:

85,832
Visits

30,777
Absolute Unique Visitors

173,265
Pageviews

Yesterday there were 2266 visits… about average for SC.

You can see the number of all visitors on the right column of the blog. Now it is 3,182,013 visitors. Check it tomorrow and you will be able to calculate the difference from today.

September 27th, 2011, 12:20 pm

 

Aboud said:

“A partnership of a government with the people of another country is called :

FOREIGN CONSPIRACY”

Soooooo….um…dear me, I’m seriously starting to worry for the mental health of the menhebaks. From the sentence “The British Government will continue to support the reform process in Syria through dialogue and partnership with the Government and people of Syria”, the reality challenged menhebak has extracted a conspiracy going back to 2007…..and based in Qatar no less.

Dude, what would you have liked the UK ambassador to have said?

“BIL RO7 BEL DAM NAFDEEK YA BATHAR BATHAR WA BAS WA TOZ BIL SHA3B EL SOURI!”

Do you people see conspiracies in your morning cereal? You realize that if you get an STD from all the gay sex you people fantasies about, it isn’t Al-Jazeera’s fault?

Anyway, send off an email to the embassy, and tell them you caught them red handed with proof of their conspiracy dating back to 2007. Seriously dude, in your repeated attempts to dig yourself out of the holes of your own making, you only manage to sound even more outlandish.

September 27th, 2011, 12:25 pm

 

Aboud said:

“173,265
Pageviews ”

25% of them are me 🙂

Anyway Alex, since you apparently find comments like #145 and others like it acceptable to your blog, I will response in kind from now on.

September 27th, 2011, 12:29 pm

 

agatha said:

#146
Dear ANNIE,
have a look here: http://www.oedipe.org/phpPetitions/index.php?petition=3

#198
thanks JIHANNE

September 27th, 2011, 12:34 pm

 

Tara said:

Alex and Ehsani

Why are comments like 145 tolerated? I thought there is a clear policy stated above.

September 27th, 2011, 12:40 pm

 

5 dancing shlomos said:

under duress, syria comments presents:

the cubicle jewmates featuring tara

today, everyday, their single “we lie like dogs” from their dustbin cd “rote propagandists”

will, as usual, be bleated.

September 27th, 2011, 12:41 pm

 

norman said:


Reprints
This copy is for your personal, noncommercial use only. You can order presentation-ready copies for distribution to your colleagues, clients or customers here or use the “Reprints” tool that appears next to any article. Visit http://www.nytreprints.com for samples and additional information. Order a reprint of this article now.

——————————————————————————–

September 27, 2011
Fearing Change, Many Syrian Christians Back AssadBy THE NEW YORK TIMES
SAYDNAYA, Syria — Abu Elias sat beneath the towering stairs leading from the Convent of Our Lady of Saydnaya, a church high up in the mountains outside Damascus, where Christians have worshiped for 1,400 years. “We are all scared of what will come next,” he said turning to a man seated beside him, Robert, an Iraqi refugee who escaped the sectarian strife in his homeland.

“He fled Iraq and came here,” said Abu Elias, looking at his friend who arrived just a year earlier. “Soon, we might find ourselves doing the same.”

Syria plunges deeper into unrest by the day. On Tuesday, government troops attacked the rebellious town of Rastan with tanks and machine guns, wounding at least 20 people. With the chaos growing, Christians visiting Saydnaya on a recent Sunday said they feared a change of power could usher in a tyranny of the Sunni Muslim majority, depriving them of the semblance of protection the Assad family has provided for four decades.

Syria’s Christian minority is sizable, about 10 percent of the population, though some here say the share is actually lower these days. Though their sentiments are by no means monolithic — Christians are represented in the opposition, and loyalty to the government is often driven more by fear than fervor — as a group they help explain how President Bashar al-Assad has held onto segments of his constituency, in spite of a brutal crackdown aimed at crushing a popular uprising. For many Syrian Christians, Mr. Assad remains predictable in a region where unpredictability has driven many of their brethren from war-wrecked places like Iraq and Lebanon, and where many have felt threatened in post-revolutionary Egypt.

They fear that in the event the president falls, they might be subjected to reprisals at the hands of a conservative Sunni leadership for what it saw as Christian support of the Assad family. They worry that the struggle to dislodge Mr. Assad could turn into a civil war, unleashing sectarian bloodshed in a country where minorities, ethnic and religious, have found a way to co-exist for the most part.

The anxiety is so deep that many ignore the opposition’s counterpoint: The government has actually made those divisions worse as a way of dividing the country and ensuring the rule of the Assad family, which itself springs from a Muslim minority.

“I am intrigued by your calls for freedom and for overthrowing the regime,” wrote a Syrian Christian woman on her Facebook page addressing Christian female protesters. “What does freedom mean? Every one of you does what she wants and is free to say what she wants. Do you think if the regime falls (God forbid) you will gain freedom? Then, each one of you will be locked in her house, lamenting those days.”

The fate of minorities in a region more diverse than many recognize is among the most pressing questions facing an Arab world in turmoil. With its mosaic of Christians and heterodox Muslim sects, Syria has posed the question in its starkest terms: Does it take a strongman to protect the community from the more dangerous, more intolerant currents in society?

The plight of Christians in Syria has resonated among religious minorities across the Middle East, many of whom see themselves as facing a shared destiny. In Iraq, the number of Christians had dwindled to insignificance since the overthrow of Saddam Hussein, driven away by bloodshed and chauvinism. Christians in Egypt worry about the ascent of Islamists. Christians in Lebanon, representing the largest minority by share in the Arab world, worry about their own future, in a country where they emerged as the distinct losers of a 15-year civil war.

This month, Lebanon’s Maronite Catholic patriarch urged Maronites, the single-largest community of Christians in the country, to offer Mr. Assad another chance and to give him enough time to implement a long list of reforms that he has promised but never enacted.

The comments by the patriarch, Bishara Boutros al-Rai, prompted a heated debate in Lebanon, which lived under Syrian hegemony for 29 years. A prominent Syrian (and Christian) opposition figure offered a rebuttal from Damascus. But Mr. Rai, who described Mr. Assad as “a poor man who cannot work miracles,” defended his remarks, warning that the fall of the government in Syria threatens Christians across the Middle East.

“We endured the rule of the Syrian regime. I have not forgotten that,” Mr. Rai said. “We do not stand by the regime, but we fear the transition that could follow. We must defend the Christian community. We, too, must resist.”

It is a remarkable insight into the power and persuasion of fear that the status quo in Syria these days remains preferable to many. The United Nations estimates that more than 2,600 people have died since the uprising erupted in mid-March in the poor southern town of Dara and, given the desperation of some, even activists warn that protesters may resort to arms. Estimates of arrests run into the tens of thousands. Indeed, the toll has proven so grave that not all Christians express fear alone.

Some Christians have joined the ranks of the uprisings, and Christian intellectuals like Michel Kilo and Fayez Sara populate the ranks of opposition figures.

An activist in Damascus recalled over coffee at the upscale Audi Lounge how a Christian friend found himself hiding in the house of a conservative Muslim family in a town on the outskirts of Damascus. His friend was marching in a demonstration, along with others. When security forces arrived at the scene shooting randomly at people, they ran for cover, hiding in the nearest houses and buildings, he said.

When the tumult was over, his new host asked him what his name was. Scared, he thought for a moment about lying, but worried that they might ask for his identification papers he told the truth. To his surprise, the host and his family and all those hiding in the house began cheering for him. He had joined their ranks.

The formula often offered of the Syrian divide — religious minorities on Mr. Assad’s side, the Sunni Muslim majority aligned against him — never captured the nuance of a struggle that may define Syria for generations. Even some Alawites, the heterodox Muslim sect from which Mr. Assad draws most of his leadership, had joined protesters. When a few came to the central Syrian city of Hama to join huge demonstrations in the summer, they were saluted by Sunni Muslims with songs and poetry.

But while the promise of the Arab revolts is a new order, shorn of repression and inequality, worries linger that Islamists, the single most organized force in the region, will gain greater influence and that societies will become more conservative and perhaps intolerant.

“Fear is spreading among us and anyone who is different,” said Abu Elias, as he greeted worshipers walking the hundreds of stone steps worn smooth over the centuries. “Today, we are here. Tomorrow, who knows where we will be?”

More in Middle East (2 of 40 articles)
World Briefing | Middle East: Four Syrian Soldiers Reported Killed in Escape Attempt
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September 27th, 2011, 12:45 pm

 

Aboud said:

{deleted by admin}

September 27th, 2011, 12:47 pm

 

areal said:

Simon Collis
Ambassador to Syria, Damascus

The truth is what big brother says it is :

“Foreign journalists are refused entry”

“Websites and satellite TV channels are blocked, with help from Iran”

REALITY

Only today , a journalist from BBC entered Syria but a UK ambassador cannot know about her because she is Canadian and the UK foreign office advised UK citizens to leave Syria some weeks ago.

It is impossible for Syria ( or Iran ) to block a satellite TV channels because they don’t control the satellite ,
Only Europeans and USA can do it , they have blocked the satellite TV channel on Hotbird.
http://www.addounia.tv/web/main.php

September 27th, 2011, 12:50 pm

 

Aboud said:

“Christians are represented in the opposition, and loyalty to the government is often driven more by fear than fervor”

The only evidence presented for Christians support for Besho is some Facebook comment. And infact a third of the article is about a Christian activist running from the security goons and finding sanctuary at a nearby house.

September 27th, 2011, 12:51 pm

 

ann said:

U.S. makes inquiry about Syrian deposits

September 27, 2011 ? 12:34 pm

http://www.yalibnan.com/2011/09/27/u-s-makes-inquiry-about-syrian-deposits/

The United States Treasury Department has made an inquiry about Syrian deposits in Lebanese banks but has yet to request formal action.

The inquiry came during the visit of Finance Minister Mohammad Safadi and Central Bank Governor Riad Salameh to the United States, The (Beirut) Daily Star reported Monday.

Since the beginning of the unrest in Syria March 15, a number of sanctions have been imposed on Syria by the United States and European Union to pressure the Syrian government to stop violence against civilian protesters.

Most recently, the U.S. Treasury placed sanctions on the Syrian-Lebanese Commercial Bank and its shareholder, the Commercial Bank of Syria, freezing Damascus’ U.S. assets and blocking Syria from doing business in the United States.

September 27th, 2011, 12:56 pm

 

Syria no kandahar said:

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September 27th, 2011, 1:01 pm

 

5 dancing shlomos said:

reposted by popular demand:

“We mustn’t forget that some of greatest murderers of modern times were/are Jewish” – sever plocker

http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3342999,00.html

add to the mass murders by jews in soviet union/russia: iraq, palestine, lebanon, armenia.

and

jewry hopes for many deaths in SYRIA and iran.

September 27th, 2011, 1:07 pm

 

5 dancing shlomos said:

211. ann – “The United States Treasury Department has made an inquiry about Syrian deposits in Lebanese banks but has yet to request formal action.”

i smell looting about to happen. steal from libya. steal from iran. steal from syria.

fake syrians will bless/encourage this standard free market activity.

September 27th, 2011, 1:12 pm

 

sheila said:

Dear #195. Mina,
Sorry Mina, but you are wrong on all fronts:
1-“Franco’s dictatorship brought Spaniards somewhere”, because Franco’s main goal in life was to improve his country and push it forward. This is far from what the Assads goal in life is. Neither Hafez nor Bashar give or gave a hoot about Syria. All they care or ever cared about is their Swiss bank accounts balance.
2- Sorry, I did not read your reply. But my post was about the Sharia being a source and not THE source for the constitution. What I meant is that Sharia could be one of the sources and that there is nothing wrong with that. We should be open minded enough to seek knowledge from all available sources and choose what works for us best.
3- About India: For you to claim that all there achievement is because they were colonized by the British is wrong. You also said: “What you say about India is pure denial of the wild corruption and savagery that is taking places in many places far from cameras”. I have mentioned very clearly that it has a long way to go, but you can not deny that India today is in much better shape than Syria Alassad (sad to say).
4- About China: Again it is a story of good governance. With all the corruption and lack of human tights in China, it is still governed by a group that has the country’s best interest at heart. The Chinese government transformed China for the better in the last 11 years, while your beloved Bashar was in his palace granting his cousins the right to rob everything in sight in Syria. Just can not compare the two. Syrians were willing to take the dictatorship for the promise of reform and change, they got neither. Today, those who are smart enough, are convinced that all we will get from the current regime is more corruption and no reform. Open your eyes and try to see the truth.

September 27th, 2011, 1:12 pm

 

annie said:

http://www.npr.org/2011/09/25/140746510/pro-assad-army-wages-cyberwar-in-syria


A recent documentary on Addounia, a private channel owned by the president’s cousin, outlined the “plot” with satellite photos said to show sites where replicas of Syria’s cities have been built. There, Americans, French and Israelis direct actors in protest videos.

These film-makers will never make it to Hollywood. Lousy shooting except for the hoodlums. Lousy casting, we only see backs, lousy lighting !

September 27th, 2011, 1:16 pm

 

Tara said:

5 Dancing Ballerinas

Hi. I am not Jewish.

Also, did I tell you I like Ballerinas. My daughter is one. She practices every day.

September 27th, 2011, 1:19 pm

 

ghufran said:

Homs is now a playground for criminals,many are using the anti regime slogans to facilitate their activities. Assassinations and kidnapping are becoming a daily scene in that city. Victims include doctors,dentists,university professors,etc.
It is easy for Syrian expats to advocate violence against military personnel as long as that violence does not affect their life style in the west and squeeze their bank accounts. the problem is that violence now is not only directed at military and security officers but it is targeting everybody,this violence also will not lead to the fall of the regime as some predicted but to the fall of Syria as a country that was once relatively safe and hospitable to its citizens and its visitors.
This is not the country we used to call home.

September 27th, 2011, 1:21 pm

 

Tara said:

Ghufran

By the way, I like you. You have lots if class. You remind me if Abu Ghassan and you may be him. I hear you loud and clear and I do not disagree a bit. But Ghufran, how are we going to topple Bashar. Selmiah simply did not work.

September 27th, 2011, 1:27 pm

 

Akbar Palace said:

Hi. I am not Jewish.

Tara,

Thanks. You’ve been spared not being associated with a tribe of murderers;)

http://www.jinfo.org/

Also, did I tell you I like Ballerinas. My daughter is one. She practices every day.

It sounds like you’ve been blessed.

September 27th, 2011, 1:30 pm

 

annie said:

Agatha, merci pour le lien; j’ai mis la pétition sur mon site
et je vais la twitter et la fessebooker

Dommage que la belle affiche soit en pdf; pas moyen de l’enregistrer sous jpg et de la mettre dans mon post.
http://data.oedipe.org/pdf/oe__rafahnached0.pdf

208. Aboud, don’t go down to their level please. We deserve better than that coming from you.

As for #213. 5 dancing shlomos said:
You know how much I dislike Israel and everything connected to it, but leave Jews (and Alawis) alone.

http://youtu.be/BAV-3-AqP9M

And that is for Big Palacio too; they fill more than a phone booth and their numbers are growing.

September 27th, 2011, 1:35 pm

 

Mina said:

Well Sheila, obviously you don’t want to answer on the constitution issue: do you really think the MB are going to mention “shari’a (which one, by the way… you know how diverse are even the four main madhhab-s?), the bible, and roman law”, which would actually reflect the truth of the sources of law in Syria and other Arab countries?

You are happy with Franco, with the Chinese regime, but have a problem with the Asad-s. I bet you won’t be happy with any other mafia that will replace them (remember Karzai… ? a good friend of Lise Doucet, who would never be interviewed on corruption and anything she may have witnessed during the long time she has spent in the secret of Afghanistan’s presidency…)
Well, then you just confirm that probably it’s true that 50 percent of the country are happy with a strong regime, no matter the horrible things it does. Then, if the other 50 percent is unhappy with that, they can turn to civil war. This is what happen when people resort to violence.

For the record:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-15079620
But you’ll probably say that the Al Saud family as “the best interests of the “Saudis subjects” at heart”. Obviously you just avoir sensible topics, and do not actually take the issue of patriarchy on which you have pretended to answer above. Same propaganda as Tara and Aboud and Revlon, all the Canada Syrian fols who have put a foot there once in twenty years.

September 27th, 2011, 1:36 pm

 

annie said:

Agatha, merci pour le lien; j\’ai mis la pétition sur mon site
et je vais la twitter et la fessebooker

Dommage que la belle affiche soit en pdf; pas moyen de l\’enregistrer sous jpg et de la mettre dans mon post.
http://data.oedipe.org/pdf/oe__rafahnached0.pdf

208. Aboud, don\’t go down to their level please. We deserve better than that coming from you.

As for #213. 5 dancing shlomos said:
You know how much I dislike Israel and everything connected to it, but leave Jews (and Alawis) alone.

http://youtu.be/BAV-3-AqP9M

And that is for Big Palacio too; they fill more than a phone booth and their numbers are growing.

September 27th, 2011, 1:37 pm

 

Tara said:

Talking about film making, since I am so much now into “art” this time trying to neutralize the horrid scenes, feelings, and thoughts dominating my life living the revolution hour by hour, I emailed 2 famous Iranian movie makers asking them to consider making a documentary about our sacred revolution. I realize they might be Shiaa and I hear all this arguments about religious fights yet I have a genuine belief that a real artist always look for and able to find the truth.

September 27th, 2011, 1:41 pm

 

Mina said:

Tara, last March you didn’t know anything about Iranian films. Did JAD got you to watch some? May I ask which ones you liked? Could you give the names of the “famous movie makers”, because so many are in jail now that it would be interesting to know who remained outside (it’s like Turkist journalists who dared writing about the Kurds or Armenia).

September 27th, 2011, 1:47 pm

 

areal said:

218. ghufran said:

Homs is now a playground for criminals,many are using the anti regime slogans to facilitate their activities. Assassinations and kidnapping are becoming a daily scene in that city. Victims include doctors,dentists,university professors,etc.
This is not the country we used to call home.

MORE REALITY etc = teacher,etc

Armed Terrorist Groups Murder Officer and Three Civilians in Homs and Idleb

Sep 27, 2011

HOMS, IDLEB, (SANA) – The body of First Lieutenant Mohammad Firas Jadid, who was abducted by armed terrorist groups on Monday in the town of Maaret al-Numaan in Idleb, was found bearing a gunshot wound on Tuesday on the road between the towns of al-Tamana’a and al-Khouin.

In Homs, teacher Hasehm Yousef Nassour was martyred at the hands of an armed terrorist group as he was heading to work at al-Shumawiya School near Homs.

Homs Police said that the incident occurred around 8:00 AM on the road of Qattina, with hooded gunmen on a motorbike attacking the teacher who was in his car and shooting him, killing him and injuring his relative Ghazi Bashlawi.

Authorities in Homs also found the body of Manhal Sleiman in his car near Amr Bin Abdulaziz School on Monday afternoon, with the body bearing several gunshot wounds. Homs Police told SANA that the deceased’ father reported him missing since Monday morning.

The body of Samer Ali Hourani was found near Al-Nawawi Mosque in al-Bayyada neighborhood, with the body bearing gunshot wounds and signs of torture and trauma induced by sharp objects.

Mustafa Sharif Shaiir and Ahmad Mustafa Shaiir were injured when an armed terrorist group intercepted them on Al-Siteen Street in Homs and opened fire on them.

In al-Rastan area in Homs, an armed terrorists group attacked the director of the Homs branch of Omran Establishment and stole his car. Sources said that four hooded gunmen on bikes forced the director out of his car, an Opel Omega, and took it to an unknown destination.

Authorities seize new quantities of ammunitions and weapons in Homs

Competent authorities today seized new quantities of ammunitions and weapons in a KIA car parked at al-Wa’er neighborhood in Homs.

A source at Homs Police said the seized weapons include two TPGs, 3 rifles, 2000 bullets, 6 hand bombs as well as 6 car boards. All used by the armed terrorist groups to attack people.

http://www.sana.sy/eng/337/2011/09/27/371953.htm

September 27th, 2011, 2:00 pm

 

5 dancing shlomos said:

a repost for cubicle jewmate annie:

213. 5 dancing shlomos said:

reposted by popular demand:

“We mustn’t forget that some of greatest murderers of modern times were/are Jewish” – sever plocker

http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3342999,00.html

add to the mass murders by jews in soviet union/russia: iraq, palestine, lebanon, armenia.

and

jewry hopes for many deaths in SYRIA and iran.

September 27th, 2011, 2:04 pm

 

Syrian Nationalist Party said:

“…..Also, did I tell you I like Ballerinas. My daughter is one. She practices every day….”

Break a leg, or better…two, how else we can get rid of these poor hip hopp bullshiterina dancers that give real ballerinas a bad name. Silmiya will not do it.

September 27th, 2011, 2:22 pm

 

Jihanne said:

Annie

Excusez-moi, mais je ne sais pas si une campagne pour Madame Rafah Nashed ne serait pas plutôt nuisible à sa libération car elle radicaliserait encore plus les autorités, dejà à bout de nerfs..

Dejà son mari a fait la remarque suivante dans la lettre qu’il a adressée aux journaux:

‘Quant au journal, l’Orient le Jour, il a publié une caricature en citant son nom, ce qui jette de l’huile sur le feu et augmente le danger de sa vie en prison’

Je pense qu’il faudrait plutot consulter son mari sur la démarche car c’est un sujet delicat qu’il ne faut pas prendre à la légère surtout que d’après son mari, son inculpation est due à un journaliste anti-régime de AFP qui lui a prêté des phrases qu’elle n’a sans doute pas dites.

A mon avis la presse ferait mieux de se taire que de mettre en danger des innocents en montant les autorités contre eux.

September 27th, 2011, 2:28 pm

 

Khalid Tlass said:

160. Akbar Palace said:

“Khalid Tlass,

You aren’t making any sense. First you tell Christians to “give it up” to be “protected persons under the Muslims”, then you admit that the “Lebanese population were able to massacre and slaghter 10,000 Maronites”.

Zionist, you won’t understand these things. What I was saying was that in 1860-64 in Lebanon, the Druze who were just 5 % of the population were able to slaughter 10,000 Maronitesd who were 40 % of the poulation. I showed that to illustrate how weak the Middle Eastern Christians are, and why they need the protection of Muslims. In the Qyur’an they are referred to as “protected persons”.

September 27th, 2011, 2:39 pm

 

Mina said:

Areal
About how “salmiyya” were the demos in Ma’arrat al Nu’maan already in April, search for the link to the Youtube video I provided then or with google ‘risalat from the people of Ma’arat’, posted online 2 days before a demo and with a guy burning portraits of B al Asad.

September 27th, 2011, 2:44 pm

 

uzair8 said:

@126 and 133. The previous video was restricted for outside of UK viewers. Here is a youtube version.

Post 126:

‘Last night on the BBC a documentary on the Syrian uprising was broadcast. Panorama is BBC’s prime time flagship investigative current affairs programme.

Panorama. Syria: Inside the Secret Revolution
30 minutes.’

Post 133:

Just finished watching the BBC documentary (@126) for the first time. I dont know what to say. Went thru every emotion.

A must watch.

All I will say is that the prayer of the oppressed is a powerful weapon. A very powerful weapon.

September 27th, 2011, 2:48 pm

 

Akbar Palace said:

Denial isn’t just a river in Egypt

Zionist, you won’t understand these things.

Khalid Tlass,

Show me a Islamic state that protects its citizens as well a secular democracy. Pakistan? Saudi Arabia? Iran?

I showed that to illustrate how weak the Middle Eastern Christians are, and why they need the protection of Muslims.

Like a chicken needs a butcher.

September 27th, 2011, 2:58 pm

 

TRUE said:

As a wise man once said “Stinky smell leads to the shit”

http://all4syria.info/web/archives/29708

So who was shovelling fog high eh?

Stop bloody Kirking us right now and get your facts straight!!

September 27th, 2011, 3:08 pm

 

Syrian Nationalist Party said:

Too much profanity………ehsani

September 27th, 2011, 3:12 pm

 

tarek said:

True,

So that is what we smell when we see your note,!

September 27th, 2011, 3:16 pm

 

Amir in Tel Aviv said:

Dear Girls and Guys,

The new Jewish year of 5772 ( ????”? ) begins tomorrow. According to the Jewish tradition, we’re commanded to ask for forgiveness and be sorry for wrong doings. If I said something that did hurt your feelings or upset you, I want to ask for your forgiveness, and say that I am Sorry!

I wish a better new year to Syria and to all Syrians. I wish Syria, Freedom, peace and the full fulfillment of the talents, inspirations and abilities of the Syrian people.

Shana Tova.
.

September 27th, 2011, 3:18 pm

 

Akbar Palace said:

The Khazar-Neocons Syria Roll Back Plan NewZ

… you are the best thing that ever happen to Assad, and the best tools to defeat your own plan and your hired mercenaries…

SNP,

What “plan” and what “mercenaries” are you referring to? I’d like to learn more about this.

September 27th, 2011, 3:19 pm

 

Khalid Tlass said:

SNP, (SSNP in Lebanon)

Do not forget that (no need for such violent remarks……………ehsani)

September 27th, 2011, 3:20 pm

 

Akbar Palace said:

Amir in Tel Aviv,

Happy New Year! You have my forgiveness for not answering our questions about your family ancestry;)

September 27th, 2011, 3:23 pm

 

Syrian Nationalist Party said:

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL THE NICE JEWISH PEOPLE IN ISRAEL, AND FOR THOSE THAT ARE NOT, HAPPY NEW YEAR AND NEXT YEAR IN JERUSALEM.

September 27th, 2011, 3:26 pm

 

TRUE said:

@ 236. Tarek

Very true it’s the smell of your mouth and your god Betho

Hurry up go prostrate few time on his portrait and you might sniff some shit as well

September 27th, 2011, 3:29 pm

 

Khalid Tlass said:

Aboud and all,

I have reached a state of mind where I now only care about (comment deleted due to excessively violent remarks…….ehsani)

September 27th, 2011, 3:29 pm

 

TRUE said:

@ 236. Tarek

I shall call ya Na3iq instead of Tarek

Go join your crony Jamal eh you both are bloody lousy and super lame horns!!

1919

September 27th, 2011, 3:34 pm

 

Tara said:

Amir

Happy New Year.

September 27th, 2011, 3:34 pm

 

uzair8 said:

Let me get this right. I used to get confused in the past. Getting used to it now.

Am I correct? :

“Annie ‘Good’
Ann ‘Not Good’

Annie ‘Good’
Ann ‘Not Good’

Annie ‘Good’
Ann ‘Not Good’

…….”

lol

September 27th, 2011, 3:37 pm

 

TRUE said:

239. Khalid Tlass

(deleted………….ehsani)

The SPP boys are so good and eventually they’ll come back to us.

September 27th, 2011, 3:39 pm

 

Khalid Tlass said:

You just have to hate the Democrats and the Labour Party, we just can;t get along with them….although we aren;t friends with Neocons and Conservatives, at least we can do business with them. Stupid BLAIR was the grratest friend of Gaddafi and Besho,……………….(deleted …………….ehsani)

September 27th, 2011, 3:41 pm

 

uzair8 said:

Last night on the BBC a documentary on the Syrian uprising was broadcast. Panorama is BBC’s prime time flagship investigative current affairs programme.

Panorama. Syria: Inside the Secret Revolution
30 minutes.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e_SIeljZ3Tc

PS: Link previously posted may have been missed in a convoluted post @232.

September 27th, 2011, 3:42 pm

 
 

Syrian Nationalist Party said:

A Saudi woman has been sentenced to 10 whip lashes for driving a car in defiance of the ban on female drivers and another woman has been arrested in this connection, says an activist.

An activist said on condition of anonymity on Tuesday that Sheima Jastaniah was sentenced one day earlier by a Jeddah court, where she was caught driving in July, AFP reported.

The activist added that Jastaniah “had refused to talk to media about her trial and we were shocked yesterday (Monday) that she was sentenced to 10 lashes.”

Amnesty International (AI) has condemned the sentence, describing it as “discrimination against women in the kingdom.”

September 27th, 2011, 4:07 pm

 

jna said:

disgusting 243,247, 248

Please control yourselves. This is a forum for discussion and not for ginning up a slaughterhouse of hate.

September 27th, 2011, 4:21 pm

 

annie said:

227. 5 dancing shlomos said:
My answer
Sorry, I had not read the article you referred to. It is true.

I referred you to the young Jewish Americans who dissent because those are the ones who will eventually tip the balance away from US support to Israel.

As for Franco, I lived under his regime and living in Syria reminded me of that time. But there was probably more freedom of private expression in Spain. I was not paranoid about someone filing a report about me.

September 27th, 2011, 4:31 pm

 

TRUE said:

The real alliances yet to be formed after militarising the revolution, hopefully very soon.

A quick glance suggests that Alawis & Christians have decided to stick together. Such an alliance is totally skewed towards Alawis as it would give them the necessary shield to use the word “Minorities” and at the same time a bargain card to play at the right time whether during a civil war or future election. On the other hand, and from Christians perspective, such an alliance might be a Déjà vu to what happened in Lebanon when Christians refused to partner up with Sunnis. Eventually, Lebanese Christians have been ousted for a long time from the political life till they reached to the point, under Assad’s regime, where Muslims elect the Christians MPs.

On the other side, the Druz are on standby and playing the patience game with their fingers on triggers. The recent history exhibits a tendency of Sunni & Druz alliance such as the Lebanese civil war. Druz control very strategic geographical area goes all the way from Syria to connect with Lebanon and deepens in Palestine and the occupied Golan heights.

Additionally, Kurds are the key to unite or divide the future Syria. Kurds have experienced the bad and the worst from both Alawis and Sunnis, hence lacking of trust. Kurds opposition is quite reluctant to charge fully and take a supreme side, they rather prefer to keep the distance, distinct their independent opinion and seek future guarantees.

September 27th, 2011, 4:44 pm

 

Tara said:

Dear Aboud

“The 3rd rate powers of South Africa, India and Brazil are only on the security council until the end of the year, and until then they are indulging in one of the very few times they will be able to stick it to the USA and Europe. They are enjoying their pathetic little moment in the sun, at the cost of thousands of Syrian lives.”

Thank you very much for this info. Their support of the Syrian murderous regime was their “moment of fame” probably triggered by intense feeling of inferiority and happiness of just assuming a position against the west no matter what the cost is.

A tribunal to try Besho for crime against humanity sanctioned by the UN security council is then coming soon.

September 27th, 2011, 4:54 pm

 

sheila said:

Dear #222. Mina,
I am not trying to avoid any subject, I am not Canadian, I go to Syria every year and hopefully, I am not a fool.
1- The constitution: all I am trying to say is that we should derive good from any source, be it: Islamic Sharia, the Bible, the Torah, the American constitution, Hammurabi….You get the picture. Nothing should be off the table. The MB s are part of the Syrian society and they should be present at the table, however, Syria has many other participants that will weigh in too. The constitution is not the word of God. We might not get it right at first, but we can always amend it. Please let me know if you feel that I avoided anything, so that I could try again.
2- I understand your concern about replacing one mafia with another. It is a distinct possibility. There is no guarantee that if the regime falls, we will get a democracy. On the contrary, the transition is going to be very hard. We all know what happened during and immediately after the French revolution. Syrians are not used to democracy and have no mature political opposition (thanks to Alassads), however, what I am trying to tell you is that Syria has been on a downward spiral since these thugs took over and to stop and reverse that, we have no other choice but to topple this regime. What I am trying to say is that the Assad route is known and the result is guaranteed disaster, at least with toppling this regime we have a sliver of hope that things might improve.
3- To answer your question: yes, I would have been fine with a dictatorship had I seen any improvements on the ground. Every year I go to Syria and see the decline in everything. It makes your heart ache. I do not think any of the countries mentioned are perfect. I do not know of any country that is perfect. I am not expecting perfection. I just want the basics for the Syrians and I can assure you that they do not get even the basics with this regime. Never did. Never will.
4- As for Saudi Arabia, I consider it to be the most backwards country of all. I do not think that the king has the best interest of his subjects at heart, he just has a lot of money to throw at his problems. In my view, the US is far more of an Islamic state than SA is. Discriminating against women and other religions was never a part of Islam.

Finally, I have no agendas or goals other than hoping for the best for my country. We deserve better, don’t you agree.

September 27th, 2011, 5:02 pm

 

Syrian Nationalist Party said:

“………….The real alliances yet to be formed after militarising the revolution, hopefully very soon……”

Here is the correction needed:

The real alliances yet to be formed after militarising the online, virtual revolution, hopefully very soon.

Just don’t get virtually nuked in the militarising process.

September 27th, 2011, 5:16 pm

 

Syrian Nationalist Party said:

UUUUGGHHH , Soryy one more correction:

“…………On the other side, the Druz are on standby and playing the patience game with their fingers on triggers….”

On the other side, the Druz are on standby and playing the patience game with their fingers up their ass.

September 27th, 2011, 5:19 pm

 

TRUE said:

@ 235. SNP

Are you implying the following?

(deleted due to repeating profanity of others…….ehsani)

“LOL & LOL & LOL” as an expression of severe mental issues

Using such expressions indicates to one conclusion of “post traumatic stress disorder”. Clearly you haven’t been taking your med or you haven’t even visited a shrink yet!! If you feel short just go to your next door Azadi Psychiatric Hospital in Tehran.

“WE would …, so that WE can post … .LOL and LOL. WE done past …, WE created various internet .. WE were doing because .., but WE did not care, …, WE just laugh and ..”

Who do you mean by (WE)? Is it the division 225 of Mukhabarat or the Syrian electronic thugs?

September 27th, 2011, 5:26 pm

 

Alescander said:

Shiella

Thanks for your kind words , and thanks for paying a deserved attention to a precious advice by Mandela,
The people who were intended to read this did not comment,
Your voice of reason , although I don’t agree with, helps making the dialogue more productive
Just hope we can desert the negatives and focus on the common positives we have and help advance our country without bloodshed nor revenge

September 27th, 2011, 5:28 pm

 

TRUE said:

@ 258. Syrian Nationalist Party

“On the other side, the Druz are on standby and playing the patience game with their fingers up their ass.”

Since your English is a bit weird I need to understand is “up their ass” an expression of some sorts? Or is it just a reflection of frustration?

September 27th, 2011, 5:32 pm

 

Ehsani said:

I have moderated few comments. This is time consuming. Everyone knows that profanity and excessive violent remarks will not be tolerated. Rather than deleting and moderating some of these comments, an outright ban may take place next.

September 27th, 2011, 5:33 pm

 

sheila said:

Dear #253. Annie,
I also lived in Spain under Franco and was there to witness the chaos when he died. The Spaniards were like a genie in a bottle all these years, were let out after the death of Franco and did not know what to do with themselves. They rioted, burnt cars and broke every phone booth they could get their hands on. In my mind, I always worry about what will happen after the Assads fall. I think it will be far worse than what happened in Spain.

September 27th, 2011, 5:36 pm

 

amal said:

A reminder to all Al-Qaeda contributors and their supporters on this blog. The resort at GUANTANAMO BAY is still open, and waiting for you with lots of open vacancies

Cheers

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guantanamo_Bay_detention_camp

September 27th, 2011, 5:37 pm

 

sheila said:

Dear #259. TRUE,
You just stooped to his level. I hate to see you or Aboud do that. There are ladies on this forum and this is quite offensive. Please stay above the fray. We all know the man is unhinged.

September 27th, 2011, 5:44 pm

 

TRUE said:

@ 265. Sheila

Sure thing, No worries!

September 27th, 2011, 5:59 pm

 

Mango said:

??? ?????? :
?? ???? ?? ?????? ???????? ?????????? ??? ????? ????????? ??????? ?????????
?????? ?? ????? ??? ????? ????????? ??? ???????? ????????? ???? ????? ????? ???? ????? ????? ???? ???????? ?????. ?? ???? ?? ?????? ???? ???? ?????? ???? ?? ????????????

September 27th, 2011, 5:59 pm

 

SYR.EXPAT said:

262. EHSANI
“I have moderated few comments. This is time consuming. Everyone knows that profanity and excessive violent remarks will not be tolerated. Rather than deleting and moderating some of these comments, an outright ban may take place next.”

Dear Ehsani,

Please go for it. It’s becoming too much.

September 27th, 2011, 6:02 pm

 

Ehsani said:

Mango,

I did not compare Syria to the USA. Please tell me specifically where I did that. The title admits that this is a “new reality” for Syria which is what you are implying, no?

September 27th, 2011, 6:04 pm

 

Syria no kandahar said:

True
I noticed that you insult a lot of posters her and you call them smelly mouths.Do you smell online?
What kind of mouth wash you use ?is it Aroorin mouth wash?
You know when minorities will join your jihadists?
When the wolf friends sheep
When the sun stops rising
When Alaaroor gets to be a saint
When your mouth does not smell

When

September 27th, 2011, 6:08 pm

 

Alex said:

Please email me or Ehsani if you encounter a comment with profanity, racism and violent threats. Emails are listed on the top right corner. This will be the fastest way to get a comment moderated.

Happy New Year Emir (and Akbar, and Shai and Yossi and AIG if you are here). Thank you for your wishes.

I just added two historic photos about Jews in Syria.

Qamishli Jews (originally Kurdish Jews)
http://www.mideastimage.com/blog/?p=160

Gabbai’s stamp (consuls to British India in Aleppo)
http://www.mideastimage.com/blog/?p=155

September 27th, 2011, 6:11 pm

 

TRUE said:

@ Sheila

Would you have an idea what’s the roughly % demography structure in Aleppo (including the outskirt) in terms of sects and backgrounds?

September 27th, 2011, 6:12 pm

 

SYR.EXPAT said:

The Syrian government’s media mouthpeices can’t hide their true colors anymore. The latest example is that of Talib Ibrahim who challenged his guest and the guest’s creator (in other words, he is challenging God) to prove that the security forces and shabiha tortured, mutilated, and killed Zaynab Al-Husni. Prior to that, he had an iterating slip of the tongue when he said that the shabiha killed her.

The exchange starts at 43:00
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GbuvkHqpP9A&feature=player_embedded#!

This is what the Syrians have been dealing with for a long time. May God destroy them.

September 27th, 2011, 6:12 pm

 

TRUE said:

@ SNK

How many times did I tell ya “stop talking to me”?!!

I find it really hard to decipher your encrypted posts eh

@ Sheila

See I managed to “stay above the fray” 🙂

September 27th, 2011, 6:15 pm

 

SYR.EXPAT said:

“This is what the Syrians have been dealing with for a long time. May God destroy them.”

“May God destroy them.”
This is referring to those challenging God and their supporters.

September 27th, 2011, 6:25 pm

 

Syrian Nationalist Party said:

What a relief, finally my Iranian Shia partners in Tehran (Noble Moslems) completed a board game called: Syria Revolution 2011 it is for ages 3+ it is part of a series of board games, the last one will be called Syria Revolution 2111 THE DAY ASSAD JR BECOME EMPORIO DE SYRIA. Willing to give each one of the kids in here a board game and a real size squirting dildo shaped gun to get off from this blog and go play with the new game board. The chances of advancing 2 squares on the board is great too, but don’t ever land in C407 block, you are out and lost just like the 16000 Syrians who played a virtual revolution and landed in real block C407 for life, GAME IS OVER.

September 27th, 2011, 7:11 pm

 

Amir in Tel Aviv said:

Armed terrorist gang

Assad’s new reforms; arresting Salafists

.

September 27th, 2011, 7:11 pm

 

TRUE said:

According to the current available resources (only 1 book that I’m aware of) there’s no trace of al-ASSAD family prior to the appearance of Hafiz’ grandpa (the porter “3atal” Sulayman al-Wahhish) coming from Turkey.

It’s quite bewildering how there was no exact date of Sulayman’s arrival to Qurdaha. Patrick has only mentioned the date when Sulayman changed his surname from al-Wahhish to al-Assad in 1920.

Are these ASSAD criminals really Arabs?

How come the porter “3atal” Sulayman al-Wahhish could not speak Arabic when he arrived to Qurdaha?

(Ref: Asad of Syria: the struggle for the Middle East By Patrick Seale)

http://books.google.co.nz/books?id=6D9EiJKRTHcC&pg=PA12&lpg=PA12&dq=his+grandfather+arrived+to+Latakia&source=bl&ots=RoXZh5UQ8n&sig=dOGl0_F6thy8NZ8Iw6QzRQZrnjU&hl=en&ei=9FKCTrLxNeyyiQeYkongDg&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=1&ved=0CB0Q6AEwAA#v=snippet&q=sylayman&f=false

September 27th, 2011, 7:25 pm

 

TRUE said:

@ 277. Amir in Tel Aviv

These are Betho’s thugs and Shabiha arresting “underage” students with no permit from their caregivers or even supervision from the school administration.

September 27th, 2011, 7:30 pm

 

TRUE said:

It’s about 7:45 pm (after dinner and a cup of coffee) mmmmm just about time to receive a wave of posts from Menhebaks

September 27th, 2011, 7:44 pm

 

Ghufran said:

???? ???
??? ???? ???? ??? ???????
??? ????? ?? ????? ?? ?????
http://www.syria-news.com/readnews.php?sy_seq=137834

September 27th, 2011, 7:54 pm

 

Akbar Palace said:

Life behind the Walls

Alex,

Thank you for the New Year’s wishes.

(BTW – you’ve got a handful of violent nutcases on this website, just so you know)

These are Betho’s thugs and Shabiha arresting “underage” students with no permit from their caregivers or even supervision from the school administration.

True,

Thanks for the above video. I would love to help Syrians who want freedom and democracy, but I feel helpless.

Frankly, Jews are at the bottom of the “totem pole”. A half year ago, no one was demonstrating against Assad and everything was good. Everyone hated the Zionist enemy, and it all made sense.

Now that Syrians are getting killed and pulled off the street on a whim, what can we do? Even if you have the audacity to ask for help, you would immediately be referred to as a Zionist sympathizer, the worst epithet known to Man.

So now the question is, where are your Arab and Muslim brothers? If they can’t help, how can we?

September 27th, 2011, 7:56 pm

 

sheila said:

Dear #272. TRUE,
Thank you for obliging.
In terms of the demographic percentages in Aleppo, the straight answer is: I do not know and do not believe that anyone knows for sure. As you well know, we do not have good statistics in Syria overall.
I believe there are a few on this forum from Aleppo and are welcome to contribute.
Here is what I think Aleppo’s composition is like today:

In terms of religion:
1- Muslims : Predominantly Sunnis. Some Alawiis mainly from Aliskandaroun and some Shia. I think Muslims are probably around 65 to 75% of the population of Aleppo.
2- Christians: Predominantly Orthodox, then Catholic and a small Protestant community. They are also divided into many churches including Greek Orthodox, Syriac Orthodox, Syriac Catholic, Chaldean, Latin, etc.. Christians are probably between 20 to 25% of the population of Aleppo.
3- Jews: many have left Aleppo when the travel ban was lifted.

In terms of ethnicity:
1- Arabs. (I am considering Syriacs, Chaldeans and Assyrians to be Arabs. I will leave it up to them to decide whether they consider themselves Arabs or a different ethnic group. I have seen it both ways)
2- Kurds.
3- Armenians.
4- Circassians.
5- Turkmen.

Historically speaking, Aleppo always had a good size Christian community and a decent size Jewish community, but what most people do not know is that the majority of Muslims in Aleppo were at one point Shia. You know Alhamadaniyeen: Abu Firas Alhamadani and Abu altaib Almutanabi (the famous poet). Those were all from Aleppo and were all Shia. The Ottomans annihilated the Shia of Aleppo and here we are today where the majority of Muslims in Aleppo are Sunni.

September 27th, 2011, 8:00 pm

 

Mohamed Kanj said:

How funny is this. Thank God for Addounia. Addounia Tv is a slap in the face for Alqanzeera and AlAirrrrrrrrrrabia. Now we know why the europenas sanctioned Addounia. Its because it shows the actual facts on the ground. None of this Abu hamwi or abu daara or abu homsi from alqanzera

http://www.youtube.com/user/HananNoura

September 27th, 2011, 8:11 pm

 

Tara said:

I am tired of the moronite patriarch Mr. Rai using religion for scaremongering among the Christians in order to serve Bashar.

The best quote for the day is: Only in the ME:??????? ?? ???? ????? ? ????? ?? ???? ??????? ? ????? ?? ???? ??????

I am also tired of watching Lebanese sycophants.  I thought I liked the Lebanese.  I am thinking again.  The one featured on Aljazeera today was a hateful Lebanese who got his talking points from his masters. I guess some people do like slavery.   

September 27th, 2011, 8:12 pm

 

TRUE said:

@ 282. Akbar Palace

baruhim haba’im

Honestly, it would be interesting to examine how Syrian Jews would act (if there was any :() during the revolution? I hope they would not join the minorities and hide behind their cowardice.

“where are your Arab and Muslim brothers?”

Let’s try to get the support from the confused Syrian brothers first :). We in NO need for Arabs & Muslims, Syrian freedom fighters would do the job themselves and earn their freedom.

“what can we do?”

If you really mean it from your heart then make us all a favour and go out tonight to the old city, shake a hand with a Palestinian and place a red rose near the Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem, the FREEDOM rose.

Catch these moments on video and dedicate it to every innocent soul butchered by Betho and his thugs.

September 27th, 2011, 8:18 pm

 

Mohamed Kanj said:

TARA – it seems your beloved New York Times ( the newspaper you always praise ) , is showing the point of view of christians in syria. You just cannot handle the truth. Are you trying to state that the christians in syria are slaves ? How about the people who live under Saudi Arabia, Dubai, Yemen, pakistan? The women cannot leave their house unless they have written permission from their husbands or fathers. The women are not permitted to drive. The women are not permitted to be seated next to a male unless they are related etc etc etc . Isnt this slavery?

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/09/28/world/middleeast/fearing-change-syria-christians-back-bashar-al-assad.html

September 27th, 2011, 8:19 pm

 

Syrian Nationalist Party said:

So Ehsani deleted my previous post for excessive profanity. Although I did edit the curse word down to the first and last letters only, but I guess he is right, it still is understood to be profanity and thousands of women read this blog, my apology. Agree 100% there should not be use of it at all and neither these actors use of violence is acceptable.

But the underlying of the post is interesting. So here it is clean. Back in March 2005, Landis blog was just starting up, at the same time SNP mobilized for the third time in the hope that the U.S. after so much loss of life, regardless who did it, was ready to start a new Middle East.

We soon found out that there existed no opposition willing to participate in a change of Political landscape in Syria except for the MB. Then came Khaddam NSF and we right away knew the book from its title “Not Sufficient Fund” and opted out of any association.

Syriacomment were really dry, especially the comment section, so we resorted to setting up “Internet Identities” to stimulate the comments. Landis knew nothing about it. Each identity had own name, IP, email and passionately fought for Political view, one that is tailored in a way that suited what we wanted to comment on. There is the belligerent foul mouse bloggers, the Pro Assad bloggers, the anti Assad ones and then there is SNP that responded in respectable words to all of them, begging others for moderation. We basically played the “market maker in stocks and commodity trading pits”.

Back then we thought using SNP name and all the symbols are non-starter, so we put up a website by the name of Syrian Republican Party (which is smaller of the 4 group comprising SNP) and put the Syrian Falcon for logo, adding the Greco-Roman olive branch to promote peace with Israel. Now we don’t care, that is what we are Nationalist and Right wingers.

Of course the whole game was being watched by spies, Israeli, Americans and maybe others who have interests in bugging others (as you know Israelis wired planet earth already). So these were laughing all the way knowing, studying and learning tactics of this virtual game played. We know that too, because for one thing, I know where all the bugs are and for second it was so outrageous for them they sometime comes on the blog and leave comments that they know. But we did not care, they know, but the readers and the world out there did not know, it was all done professionally.

So now, these Johnny came lately, after seven years, comes up with similar plot and the guys paid to post here and elsewhere are not aware that we invented this virtual game and now we are laughing at it.

September 27th, 2011, 8:20 pm

 

Ghufran said:

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

September 27th, 2011, 8:28 pm

 

TRUE said:

@ 283. Sheila

Very comprehensive, ta.

The more diversity within a city the more risk of sectarian attacks during a civil war (God forbid)

The regime during the time of Rifa’t al-ASSAD has implemented a cunning plan of placing Alawi gatherings around major Sunni hot spots such as Meza 86, Tadamon, Dahayet ASSAD and others in the capital. If you examine these locations you would easily conclude the surrounding of Damascus and its four entries.

September 27th, 2011, 8:32 pm

 

Tara said:

Mohamed Kanj

Hi. No I did not mean Syrian Christians are slaves. In my mind, slavery is that of thoughts and soul. Any one who always conform to a concept or frame of thoughts without internally challenging it especially when it originate from fear, desire, certain agendas, or even habit is a slave. So women who are not permitted to drive are not slaves unless they are content with it.

I do not have favorite newspaper. Any smart writing can do

September 27th, 2011, 8:35 pm

 
 

TRUE said:

@ TARA

The Lebanese Christians are quite famous in taking the wrong side. They challenge when they suppose to bend and the suck up when they suppose to charge forward.

Fundamentally, the old Lebanese Maronites are ready to drink, feed and sleep with Lucifer himself rather supporting a Sunni and most precisely a Palestinian.

Sadly speaking it’s in their blood!!!

September 27th, 2011, 8:47 pm

 

Ghufran said:

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

September 27th, 2011, 8:51 pm

 

zoo said:

Syria ‘is heading for financial disaster’

Phil Sands
Sep 28, 2011

DAMASCUS // Syria could be heading for financial disaster after the government revealed dramatically expanded spending plans for 2012, economists warned yesterday.

With European Union sanctions beginning to bite, on Monday Damascus adopted a budget for next year equivalent to Dh97 billion, an increase of 58 per cent from 2011.

“Where are they going to get the money from to pay for this? That’s the big question,” said Nabil Sukkar, a leading economist and former World Bank official who now heads an independent think tank in Damascus.

“Our concern is that they are going to start printing money to meet their expenditure, which will lead to serious inflation,” he said. “With the economy stagnating that would be an unfortunate situation to find ourselves in.”

Another independent Syrian economic analyst was more blunt. “It is hard to see how Syria is doing anything other than walking into an economic disaster,” he said. “They are spending more money, money they do not have, at a time when their income has dropped significantly as they have no way of getting credit.

“The numbers do not work. I cannot see any light at the end of the tunnel. I cannot see any way out of this, we will be feeling the effects of this for a long, long time.”

Nevertheless, neither analyst expects the worsening economic climate to turn Syrian business leaders against the president, Bashar Al Assad.”This will not topple the regime,” the independent economist said. “The business community isn’t happy about any of it but they will not turn against the regime, they cannot, they will not.”

Washington and Brussels have imposed sanctions on Damascus, including the small but vital oil sector, for its handling of an anti-regime uprising. The United Nations says more than 2,700 people have been killed since March by security forces suppressing of pro-democracy demonstrations, with tens of thousands of dissidents arrested, many of whom face torture while in detention.

Syrian officials deny that, and insist they are locked in a battle against armed Islamist insurgents and foreign conspirators who have killed 700 members of the security services.

The budget was announced with little fanfare, and few precise details, although economists say day-to-day expenditure, including fuel subsidies and payment for expanded security operations, would account for more than 70 per cent of the total.

“If anything, I had hoped to see more investment spending, something that would inject some life into the economy and generate some growth,” said Mr Sukkar. “But the investment programme has been frozen, we are seeing a reversal of essential market reforms and a return to protectionism.”

The International Monetary Fund this month predicted Syria’s economy would shrink by 2 per cent this year, revising its previous estimate of 3 per cent growth.

Many foreign aid programmes have been suspended and international banking services halted, while anecdotal reports indicate rising unemployment – which unofficially had been hovering at about 20 per cent even before the crisis began – as well as reduced payment of taxes and significant reductions in consumer spending.

Syrian officials have acknowledged the economy is under pressure. The foreign minister, Walid Moallem, told the United Nation’s General Assembly on Monday that economic sanctions by the United States and EU would “jeopardise” the lives of ordinary people.

Working and middle-class Syrians have said they are braced for bleak economic times, with some already complaining of recent prices rises on basic foodstuffs, including eggs and sugar, with expectations of fuel and power shortages in coming months. Government sector salary increases from earlier this year have already been wiped out by creeping inflation, Syrians say.

“We know it is going to be bad for us,” said one government employee, a father of six who has a second job as a delivery driver in Damascus. “The rich will be fine and the smugglers will be happy, but the rest of us are going to suffer.

“If we’re lucky we will be able to afford to eat and heat one room in the house this winter. There will be nothing else, we will simply be existing.”

Nonetheless, regime officials say the country – which faced sanctions, inflation, stagnation and hard currency shortages in the 1980s – will cope.

“We expect it will cost us at least one year’s worth of budget to overcome the crisis and we have not spent that much yet,” said one official. “In a few months the protests will stop and the situation will be getting back to normal, this is a problem we will overcome.”

Hamidi Abdullah, a Syrian commentator and analyst, said the economy would not be crippled because of its relative self-sufficiency and the absence of a blanket UN-imposed embargo.

“Sanctions on oil will not amount to a deadly hit because we’re not an oil dependent economy,” he said. “We still have good links with non-EU countries, including Iraq, we’re not heavily indebted and our strategic foreign currency reserves are still strong.”

He also backed the expanded budget, saying it would safeguard the poorest section of society by ensuring fuel and food subsidies remained in place. “Economic reforms will continue and if waste is cut and corruption cut back, the economy will emerge from this period stronger than it was at the start,” he said.

The budget announcement comes days after the authorities imposed a ban on non-essential imports. That move, made without advance notice, alarmed Syrian economists and businessmen, who described it as a “panic” measure.

Prices of electrical goods and cars have already begun to rise, with reports that the cost of a small family saloon is now thousands of dollars more than it was last week .

“The only explanation for the import ban is that the treasury saw some numbers that frightened it,” said another leading Syrian economist. “They must be burning through their US dollar reserves faster than they thought and they had to plug the leak.”

Syria says it has about US$17bn in hard currency reserves, although analysts say they have no way of knowing if that figure is correct because of opaque accounting practices.

The minister of economy and trade, Mohammad Nidal Al Shaar, said the suspension of luxury imports was designed to maintain those reserves. He also insisted it was a short-term move and that the list of items on the banned list was already under review.

“It is a preventive, temporary measure which will help enhance productivity and give a chance to local factories to produce more and create jobs,” he said.
http://www.thenational.ae/news/worldwide/middle-east/syria-is-heading-for-financial-disaster?pageCount=0

September 27th, 2011, 8:56 pm

 

Tara said:

Mina

No Jad can only influence himself. I was influenced by some one brilliant but exquisitely sensitive. I liked few that are very spiritual and sad.

September 27th, 2011, 8:59 pm

 

TRUE said:

@ Mohamed Kanj

Can you please introduce yourself? like where do you stand? What’s your background ..etc

I hope you’re quite comfortable with your skin and this question won’t irritate ya eh

September 27th, 2011, 9:01 pm

 

jna said:

Armed defenders of Syria’s revolution

Nir Rosen

http://english.aljazeera.net/indepth/features/2011/09/2011927113258426922.html

Al Jazeera special correspondent Nir Rosen spent seven weeks travelling throughout Syria with unique access to all sides. He visited Daraa, Damascus, Homs, Hama, Latakia and Aleppo to explore the uprising and growing internal conflict. In the second article of his series he meets with leaders of the armed opposition in Homs. Names of some of the indivduals quoted have been changed to protect their identities.

Better than 1st article by Nir Rosen. He reports on both insurgents and soldiers.

September 27th, 2011, 9:07 pm

 

Ghufran said:

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September 27th, 2011, 9:11 pm

 

Akbar Palace said:

Honestly, it would be interesting to examine how Syrian Jews would act (if there was any 🙁 ) during the revolution? I hope they would not join the minorities and hide behind their cowardice.

True,

That’s a difficult question. I think you have to put yourself in the shoes of the minority. Arab Christians are now doing what the Arab Jews did: they leave. It just isn’t safe.

And of course, it’s a shame, because if these governments had rule-of-law, they wouldn’t feel the need to leave.

Unfortunately, many arab countries are broken, and the hope is that the Arab Spring will eventually start to repair them.

If you really mean it from your heart then make us all a favour and go out tonight to the old city, shake a hand with a Palestinian and place a red rose near the Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem, the FREEDOM rose.

Not a difficult task and certainly a good idea. I been in the Dome of the Rock several times, but never with a red rose.

Catch these moments on video and dedicate it to every innocent soul butchered by Betho and his thugs.

In my next visit, I will do it.

BTW True, most (Arab) Israeli Christians are sympathetic to the palestinians, certainly those that live under the PA. However, the Christian palestinian population is decreasing, and the Israeli Christian community in increasing.

Fundamentally, the old Lebanese Maronites are ready to drink, feed and sleep with Lucifer himself rather supporting a Sunni and most precisely a Palestinian.

True,

I don’t know what you’re saying here, but an individual should be able to support whoever they want in an election. Don’t you agree? Or do you want it the way it’s been for the last 300 years: the most violent thug wins?

September 27th, 2011, 9:11 pm

 

Syrian Nationalist Party said:

“………Names of some of the indivduals quoted have been changed to protect their identities….”

Is it perhaps because they don’t exist except in the imagination of the foreign intelligence operatives.

September 27th, 2011, 9:18 pm

 

sheila said:

Dear Tara,
I just gave up on that person. I do not think he read or understood the article in the New York Times that he is referring to. It is a very good article about the position of Christians in Syria vis-à-vis the revolution. It is a very balanced article talking about the legitimate fear that the Syrian Christians have and the participation of many of them in the revolution. It is a good read.

September 27th, 2011, 9:20 pm

 

TRUE said:

@ 300. Akbar Palace

“Arab Christians are now doing what the Arab Jews did: they leave. It just isn’t safe.”

I have to disagree.

Do you really believe your should pack your bags and run instead of fighting for your own country?

It’s their country as it’s everyone’s else, they owe their country the duty to protect it as the country gives them the right and honour to be part of it.

“In my next visit, I will do it.”

That’s quite positive, well done.

“and the Israeli Christian community in increasing.”

How come they’re increasing while they’re under the risk of being deported after the racist Binyamin Netanyahu has declared that Israel is a “Jewish state”.

September 27th, 2011, 9:27 pm

 

TRUE said:

@ AP

“individual should be able to support whoever they want in an election. Don’t you agree? Or do you want it the way it’s been for the last 300 years: the most violent thug wins”

I agree One-person/One-vote is the solution and this surely includes the Palestinian Right to Self-Determination, do you agree?

September 27th, 2011, 9:36 pm

 

Syrian Nationalist Party said:

Someone here is making me feel really guilty after reading SNP post on fake internet identity and the Syrian Revolution 2011. We should have stated in big bold print:

DO NOT ATTEMPT THIS IN REAL SITUATION. SERIOUS BODY INJURIES AND SEVERE COMPLICATIONS TO YOU AND OTHERS WILL RESULT WITH IMPROPER USE.

I never thought that a warning label was necessary, I thought most Intelligence Agencies that some are behind this Syria Virtual Revolution ploy will only employ operatives aged 12 years and older.

September 27th, 2011, 9:37 pm

 

majedkhaldoun said:

I watched The opposite direction
I think Taleb Ibrahim,he said many many lies,and he denied that Zainab AlHosni was killed by the regime ,he said she was killed by Shabbiha, who are those Shabbiha,they are walking side by side with the troops, why do,nt the army troops arrest them if they are not sponsored by the regime?, He is also denying things denied that there was revolution, denied that Bashar using the army to kill syrians.

September 27th, 2011, 9:49 pm

 

Darryl said:

85. NK said:

Dear NK, I have respect for you and I appreciate you taking the time to explain your perspective and that of Sheikh Qaradawi. NK, I know the Qur’an says Qatilu and not Iqtilo, but the intent is the same of destroying a life. The intent of Qatilu is to kill and harm.

Jizya, is an old concept that dates to the first time when we had lots of hair and the strongest man picked up a piece of fallen tree branch to make a weapon out of it. Well most of us don’t have lots of hair now and we have constitutions that promote inclusion and citizenship rather than master-slave philosophy, that reflect that society evolves, cultures change, we all think differently, and we dream.

My other point in this bringing up this verse is in fact is due what is being talked about in Egypt after the revolution. A number of disgraceful sheikhs who are calling for Jizya and even have the guts to call Christians, who were there from day one, as “Crusaders”. They do this live on television in a most disrespectful way. Off course the same Sheikhs are calling for an Islamic state and openly care less about 10% of the population.

My last point in the other verse I quoted if you are interested, is that there are a number of really good verses in the Qur’an that in fact promote harmony, respect and multiplicity. Unfortunately, these verses are never mentioned by Muslims Sheikhs when the camera is in their face. And most unfortunately, the majority of Muslims have never read the Qur’an and rely on the Sheikhs.

In conclusion, I know you cannot change the Qur’an, Christians and Jews did not change the Bible to promote and encourage democracy and free thinking, however, we sidelined it and we do not take it literally because we know a government based on it will discriminate against Muslims, Atheists, Buddhists, Hindus etc. and limit society’s potential. Can Muslims stop taking the Qur’an literally when most do not know what is in it?

September 27th, 2011, 9:52 pm

 
 

Norman said:

I wonder if the ban that the government did is meant to do the little thing that the Syrian government can do to punish the West for the sanctions, as most these products come for west,( Cars and other luxury items.

September 27th, 2011, 10:03 pm

 

Norman said:

Ehsani,

your efforts are appreciated, but try to slow down so you do not get burned out with all the work related to the blog in addition to your other work, just saying,

Shiela,

All Christians in Syria consider themselves Arabs first then Christians beside the Assyrians who are special case,

September 27th, 2011, 10:14 pm

 
 

Haytham Khoury said:

@ AP# 300 and True# 303: (I need Camille and Dr. Landis opinions on this comment)

I disagree with Akbar Palace’s comparison of the situation of Christian Syrians now with the Syrian Jews after 1948.

Indeed, the Syrian Jews after 1948 suffered from Anti Jews rhetoric. While the public media always used the word Zionist when describing the state of Israel, in the public mind there was no distinction between Zionist and Jew. The media rhetoric against the Zionist state transformed to a rhetoric demonizing the Jews in the public mind. The word Jew had become in the public mind the byword for all kinds of bad quality, particularly hate and criminality.

However, I should insist that rhetoric never transformed in Syria, contrary to what happened in Egypt, to a systemic harassment or physical harm. Indeed, the Jews in Syria were physically protected by the state. They enjoyed good economic prosperity. Further, the public attitude in everyday life toward them was relatively tolerant, in contrast to the rhetoric. The quarter where I grew up was not far from the Jewish quarter in Damascus. My family physician was Jew. A lot of shops in the area where owned by Jews, who were providing excellent service for the community. Indeed, the main point that made them uncomfortable was the rhetoric against them.

The remaining Jews in Syria are very few (few hundreds. They are all old. I met some of the Syrian Jews in New York. Some (minority)of them regret leaving Syria.

There is no comparison between the situation of the Jews (after 1948) and the present situation of the Christians. There is no one calling them of bad names. There is no raging against them stupid rhetoric. Their fear is just in the mind. It has baseless origin.

(please notice how I put the adjectives and the names Christian Syrians Vs Syrian Jews).

September 27th, 2011, 10:22 pm

 

Tara said:

True

Thanks. Good read. To any christian who brings Iraq and Egypt stories, how hypocritical!! Mubarak\’s regime attacked churches covertly and blamed it on the Muslims and the peasant\’ regime in Syria exported terrorists to Iraq to wreck a havoc. So what minorities\’ protection under dictators you are talking about? Or is it just slavery to a thought process that you can\’t get rid of? Can I hear one convincing response?

September 27th, 2011, 10:26 pm

 

Akbar Palace said:

I agree One-person/One-vote is the solution and this surely includes the Palestinian Right to Self-Determination, do you agree?

True,

I agree. One person/one-vote means a Christian can vote for or against Assad. Or for/against Hezbollah or for/against Likud, or for/against Hamas or the PA. The point is, only in Israel do they have elections where this is possible. And that includes “racist” Israel, where Arabs are free to vote for whomever they want.

You should be able to vote for whoever you want and support whoever you want without having to worry about your job or your health.

Palestine’s right to self-determination was agreed to between Israel and the Palestinians. It is called the PA. Membership to the UN is not a human right. It has to be agreed to in the UN.

Kurds, for example, do not have the right to “self determination” unless they are granted self-determination from Iran, Iraq, Syria or Turkey. So far, none of these states feel the need to follow Israel’s “racist” example.

Do you really believe your should pack your bags and run instead of fighting for your own country?

True,

Sure. Jews have fought for every country they lived in. The point is, throughout history, the very countries Jews have fought for have turned against them. So perhaps some small minorities of Christians are “feeling the heat”. This is what I am hearing/reading. Why risk your life for a country that doesn’t want you?

How come they’re increasing while they’re under the risk of being deported after the racist Binyamin Netanyahu has declared that Israel is a “Jewish state”.

True,

Who is being deported? Israel is a state of the Jewish People. Again, for the umpteenth time, we identify ourselves as a people AND as a religion. Because we are the majority in Israel, we have the right to identify as such. Moreover, Israel has freedom of speech, free elections, freedom of religion while having no State religion. Therefore, when the majority identifies itself differently, Israel can change her flag, national anthem, and/or identification. If Palestine wants to identify itself as a Muslim state, it wouldn’t be the first one.

September 27th, 2011, 10:32 pm

 

SYRIAN HAMSTER said:

To the despiring poet of 212

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——————
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* Consuming alcohol with sweets increase intoxication substantially.

SNP.. DON’T TAKE THE MEDICATION

September 27th, 2011, 10:34 pm

 

ann said:

Israel approves 1,100 settlements despite peace talks

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2011-09-28/am-israel-settlements/3025782?section=world

Israel has approved the construction of 1,100 new settlement homes on disputed land in the West Bank, less than a week after promising to pursue peace with the Palestinians.

The houses, as well as a new school, public buildings and an industrial site, will all go up on land claimed by the Palestinians but occupied by Israel.

The new homes are to be built in Gilo, an urban settlement that Israel erected on West Bank land it captured in the 1967 war and annexed unilaterally as part of its declared capital, Jerusalem.

The plan dramatically increases the size of the Jewish settlement there.

One member of the planning committee says the approval “is a nice gift for the Jewish New Year, Rosh Hashanah”.

September 27th, 2011, 10:34 pm

 

Haytham Khoury said:

@ Norman 310.

I agree. Rather I would say all Christians in Syria consider themselves Syrian before being Christians. For examples, this is one of the nuances that should be emphasized in the new constitution.

September 27th, 2011, 10:36 pm

 

Ghufran said:

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September 27th, 2011, 10:36 pm

 

Haytham Khoury said:

@ Akbar Palace #314

There is no comparison between the Jews situation and the Christian situation in Syria. Please read #312

September 27th, 2011, 10:40 pm

 

Akbar Palace said:

Protect your local Zionist

I disagree with Akbar Palace’s comparison of the situation of Christian Syrians now with the Syrian Jews after 1948.

Haytham Khoury,

Just to clarify, I don’t think the situation is the same, except that both communities are vulnerable. The Christians didn’t try to create a new Christian state for example. However, the fact of the matter is, Christian communities are dwindling all over the ME. Why?

But you’re saying 2 contradictory things:

First you’re saying Syrian anti-semitism was acute:

The word Jew had become in the public mind the byword for all kinds of bad quality, particularly hate and criminality.

And then you say Jews were treated well:

However, I should insist that rhetoric never transformed in Syria, contrary to what happened in Egypt, to a systemic harassment or physical harm. Indeed, the Jews in Syria were physically protected by the state. They enjoyed good economic prosperity.

Apparently, Syrian Jews got the message. They’re gone.

September 27th, 2011, 10:41 pm

 

TRUE said:

309. Norman

“the Syrian government can do to punish the West for the sanctions”

That’s a shaggy dog story!!

Syria imports only %9.4 from Europe in total. The biggest hit is on the Chinese best friend with %10.8

Imports $15.44 billion (2010 est.) Import goods machinery and transport equipment, electric power machinery, food and livestock, metal and metal products, chemicals and chemical products, plastics, yarn, paper

Main import partners
China 10.8%,
Saudi Arabia 10.1%,
Turkey 7%,
UAE 5%,
Italy 4.9%,
South Korea 4.7%,
Germany 4.5%,
Russia 4.2%,
Lebanon 4.1%,
Egypt 4.1% (2009)

https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/sy.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Economy_of_Syria

September 27th, 2011, 10:47 pm

 

Akbar Palace said:

The Obstacle to Peace is the PA

Israel approves 1,100 settlements despite peace talks

Ann,

What “peace talks” are you talking about? Whether Israel builds settlements or not, the PA has refused to return to the negotiating table.

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703558004574581672227706980.html

September 27th, 2011, 10:56 pm

 

louai said:

Dear Jad @ 223
https://joshualandis.com/blog/?p=12186&cp=all#comment-274837

‘Thank you very much for sharing with us your experience traveling back home’
you are welcome , as I said I had the intention to share my observations with all of you guys but I only shared here some notes about the Christians
I stopped taking notes in Syria when a member of my family was threatened and we had to flee out of the city, my main concern was the safety of my family, I am sorry to say that my family is already on the run inside Syria , you know my brother is here already and it will not be long before the rest of my family is coming here however they are safe now .
I found one page that I didn’t delete from my visit to Syria , I would like to share with you and who ever cares . here it is :

‘’i will take advantage of the limited internet access i have to share with you my experience
i arrived few days ago to rediscover Syria again ,the first thing surprised me was the over polite air port police officers ,the word to describe them was polite and professionals but they are over doing it .
in Damascus all was quiet and normal ,we had to refill the car we stopped near yabrud to refill , we heard that George Nakhli from yabroud was shot dead on the front of his door ,he was threatened before and accused to be a government informant

we drove to Homs in the early morning to avoide arriving during the night to Homs
the first military presence i saw was at Tadmure junction ,the entrance of the city from Damascus ,group of 3 soldiers looked very nervous ,i waved for them and they waved back smiling !! its amazing what a smile could do to the other person in this days in Syria
Homs was a ghost city, very few people i saw in Al-Hadara and less people in Babelsbaa ,
in babelsbaa the first thing I noticed the tanks marks on the streets , the streets were filthy but I was told its was clean comparing to few days a go before the army entered the neighbourhood .
people were vigilant ,they would stare at you as if they can read and scan your mind ,a smile will do you and do the other person a big favour and he/she would smile back ,all people looked like they were let down by someone or something /something
People are still the same, very kind very simple what changed is that they speak politics now , you can feel their anger and great disappointment i don’t know from what but i am sure i will find out
i want to share with you about the Christian community , my observations to the people i met from my family and friends most of them were politically virgins when i left Syria but not anymore
i arrived expecting them (Christians) to be on the side of the government but i was surprised to learn they are not, they still as i left them, criticize the government a lot but now they pray things will calm down and they expect the government to sort things out ,speaking to any of them will confuse you he dose criticize the regime and acknowledge the demands of the protestors but at the same time criticize the protestors even more ‘because the are destroying the country ‘

, in the entrance to babelsbaa ,there is few military vehicles one of them is anti aircraft when i asked why this needed i was told for the protection of the solders from bullets . you could see empty bullets at any corner my nephew has a new hobby ‘collecting bullets ‘ he has more than 40 , I found on my way 2 he added them to his collection .
every day after altarayeeh prayer we hear gun shots , I was hopping to see the people protesting sopecially that I live in the heart of babelsbaa , but I couldn’t see any , all the protests starts from the mosque and they walk toward the castle , I could hear voices from far away but in babelsba I hear only guns without any protests ,‘’

I stopped the writing here because of the threats.

It’s very sad how Homs became! Homs is already in a civil war, without the army there, the city will explode, every one knows that even revolutionists.

In reply to your questions

‘ Wadi Al Nasara is the place to measure it from, because it has the majority of Christian Syrians there, right? ‘
I am not sure as I have no accurate statics but as percentage you are absolutely correct
‘it seems that Syrian Christians are split between anti and pro, the same % of all other Syrian communities no surprise there and all what we are reading about Christians being either 100% pro or 100% anti are nothing but pure propaganda to be used by either side of the conflict for political gains.’
you are right with that as well if you are talking about Syria in general but if you are speaking about Homs so its different. in Homs unfortunately people split according to their sects already , I am talking about Homs the city and not the towns , almost all Christians do not support the revolution and almost all sunnis do support the revolution.

‘ how much more Syrian blood do people need to see before they say enough? ‘
People are saying enough already , everyone wants things to stop , but the do not underestimate the media effect on people , the regime supporters and ‘the silent majority’ do NOT watch Aljazeera and co ,the revolutionists they do not watch SANA and co , in my opinion the media has the biggest role on what is going on in Syria ,people do not want war every one thik he is doing the right thing , I spoke to some revolutionists , I dare not to call them mundaseen , I met only good people thinking they are doing the right thing ,everything we learned in school and from our parents and our media about resistance martyrdom and heroism is what driving those people ,the only thing changed is the enemy , the media managed to change the enemy from the occupier to the current regime ,very sad what I saw . I don’t know how the media will stop its war, but what I know is the majority of the people are fed up with the current situation and they are the one who should end it !

September 27th, 2011, 10:58 pm

 

TRUE said:

@ Akbar Palace

I refuse to talk to anyone who does not acknowledge the Palestinian rights of

• Ending the occupation
• Stopping the expansion of settlements
• Right of return to the real Palestine in 1948
• Right of self-Determination which means to ask them where do they prefer to live

Comply with these legitimate rights then claim being in the state of democracy. For the time being it’s an Israeli occupation.

Nuff said.

September 27th, 2011, 10:58 pm

 

Syria no kandahar said:

????? ???????
What I wrote was not intended to be poit.it is just a food for thought .if you did not like it,I have achieved my goal.
??? ??? ??? ??? ????? ????? ??? ??????

September 27th, 2011, 11:02 pm

 

Syria no kandahar said:

Where is Aboud Alwahabi today?is he boiling a soldier?or is he using the name True today?

September 27th, 2011, 11:08 pm

 

Haytham Khoury said:

@ Louai 322

Excellent and objective description.

September 27th, 2011, 11:10 pm

 

Mina said:

For Mr Simon Collins,
As the demonstrations in Syria are losing their momentum and thus allowing newspapers to mention the Palestinian issue again, you have decided to take off you ambassador’s hat and do what an ambassador is not supposed to do. Not only you give wrong information by stating that satellite channels and websites are blocked, but you omit to mention the hundreds of thousands Iraqi refugees that get phonecalls everyday from all over the world without being bothered, or the thousands of Syrians who have recently joined Skype and Facebook and are now participating in the global conversation. It is your country and the US who wanted Syria to be a totally locked territory in the last years, after some attemps of opening up were made by B. Al Asad, officially to guarantee the safety of your troops in Iraq. But what did you do to prevent the massacre of Christians and others in Iraq and their exodus to Syria? And where are they supposed to go next, if we have to sign up for a regime fall and a debaathification and the request of autonomy of the Kurds and columns of Palestinian refugees going back home? I wonder what you will find then, but it’s your job to be cunny, no doubt, after all, with all his Mubarak and Kadhafi’s friendship, Blair is still the head of the totally discredited quartet.
You are obviously trying to give a green light to activists on the ground, and this comes next to H. Clinton threats to the Lebanese premier. So again, it’s all about Iran and Lebanon.
Coming from a monarchy, where most people don’t know why they should pay extra taxes to help the royal family live a life of leissure and tax evasion, you are certainly the last person who can give lessons in democracy. The record of the UK in education is also deeply unbalanced, with half the population not even understanding the slang spoken by the working class (cockney english) and “top schools” (Oxford and Cambridge) that are the symbol of a co-opted, super-rich, elite.
What did your country and the UN do in 2009 when 40,000 Tamils were massacred by the army in Sri Lanka? Nothing. You are simply trying to have Syria in the news because you prefer the media to turn a blind eye on Yemen,Bahrein and the coming events in Palestine. If the refugees headed home, and fell under the bullets of the Israeli army, I bet you wouldn’t have a single post on your blog. When the Muslim Brothers in Germany and France will take the streets and request the right to have Muslim political parties, you won’t move a finger, because with a Muslim population mainly from South East Asia, the MB are not a problem for the UK. Quite the opposite, while these extremists were under trial in their countries of origin (Yemen, Syria, Jordan), you gave them accomodations and a microphone, enabling the famous “Londonistan”. Now the UK, Qatar and France are distributing weapons all over North Africa to keep a way of presuring Tunisia and Egypt in case they turn too far left. It is so convenient to create yourself an enemy somewhere, now that you can’t do more in Iraq, Somalia, and Afghanistan/Pakistan. It diverts people from their problems: a financial crisis, caused by the most powerful on earth (for lack of regulations, and personal interest)that they should accept and sit watching the glamorous lives of royal families…

September 27th, 2011, 11:11 pm

 

louai said:

Dear NK

‘219. NK SAID:
‘I have no doubt that monsters are being created, and the regime bears full responsibility for creating this mess. For months now 5-10 people die every single day and that’s in Homs alone, you can not expect them to remain rational especially when there’s total disregard to the law by non other than those expected to uphold the law. You are talking about a few sectarian incidents now, however this situation should persist I expect a full fledged civil war on the streets of Homs, and maybe in other places. It’s so sad that the Army and the Police cannot be part of the solution here since they’re the agitators and the reason we got here in the first place.’

I would disagree with you about the reason we got there but You are partially right however the same apply on the revolutionists ,in Homs the civil war is already there , trust me without the army we will the ugliest civil war ever ! I know you think the army is the problem but in Homs at least the army is the protection for both sides .
‘’Dear Louai, have you noticed that despite all the crimes you just described and the many many more crimes the regime propaganda machine accused the armed gangs of committing we have not seen a single trial ? not even against those who appeared on State TV confessing their crimes ‘
I have no good answer for that , I always wonder why we don’t see this trials or hear that those people were charged with this crimes , I mean the government could use it as a big propaganda tool , there are crimes you and me know that they did happen , Nidal Janood for example was killed and filmed , his killers admitted on TV and there is no doubt that he did it , I don’t understand why they are not sentenced so far I hope some one or you explain to me .

September 27th, 2011, 11:12 pm

 

ann said:

ID ABOUD is out preparing to celebrate the Jewish New Year, “Rosh Hashanah”

September 27th, 2011, 11:18 pm

 

louai said:

thank you Haytham

September 27th, 2011, 11:19 pm

 

Akbar Palace said:

It Takes 2 to Tango

I refuse to talk to anyone who does not acknowledge the Palestinian rights of

True,

Feel free to talk to whoever you want. However, I just want you to know that regarding your 4 points above, the international community understands that these issues can only be solved by negotiation.

September 27th, 2011, 11:21 pm

 

Akbar Palace said:

Habby New Year

ID ABOUD is out preparing to celebrate the Jewish New Year, “Rosh Hashanah”

Ann,

No, he’s probably conspiring with Arabs who want freedom for Palestinians but not for themselves.

September 27th, 2011, 11:25 pm

 

Mina said:

Louai, thanks a lot. This reflects my experience too. The only fundamentalists I ever met in Syria were from Homs, and the brother had got papers to go to France and open a shop of “Islamic clothing”, no doubt with the help of the MBs. The most important problem in France as it seems for this person was that there was a need for more mosques because people were praying in the streets on friday. I mentioned that they could also take the tube or buses and go to the big mosque in the centre of Paris instead, but obviously there was an agenda of claiming political rights as a “Muslim minority”. I saw the same thing in Berlin with pot-smokers who were bought by some Wahhabis to play Coran in some garden of big appartment blocks and of course, it was just 2 months before a local election.
Again, if it was Zawahiri instead of Aroor talking of the UK instead of Syria, there would have been an immediate answer. When you think Aroor has been also active on Twitter and FB promoting his hatred shows on his Wesal TV since March, you get a picture of the media impact. Syria is unwillingly now at the forefront of the battle against the extremists, and it pays for having given asylum to Hamas and helping Hizbollah, who indeed are in part basing their popularity on spreading extremism and a medieval versions of islam, but this is something to expect from armed resistance, when it has to discipline the troops.

September 27th, 2011, 11:26 pm

 

Haytham Khoury said:

@ Akbar Palace #319

I can talk precisely about Syria.

The Christian emigration from Syria happened mainly, during three periods: 1860 (due to the Ottoman persecution), 1915 (during the first world war due to the famine) and 1980-now (during Assad’s rule due to the police state instated by Hafez al-Assad).

Infact, during Hafez al-Assad, not only the Christians left, but also the Muslims. For this reason, the dwindling number of Christian in Syria in the last decades is not not because they are specifically targeted, but because the general situation is bad.
I am one of the people who refused to go back to the country, because I do not want to kneel to Hafez al-Assad’s thugs. I did not emigrate because I felt threatened by me fellow Syrians.

The Assad regime account for the Christians’ dwindling number.

September 27th, 2011, 11:34 pm

 

SYRIAN HAMSTER said:

To the not so Poetic

And what I wrote applies to both your poetic pretense, literary attempts, and the non-nourishing food for the single thought you have been hammering for months on with no evolution or any meaningful contribution to the dialog. You keep painting everyone you disagree with using a single cartoonish image that has been discredited from day one.You are scared and angry, and I can understand your spasms and reactions. But what I can’t understand is that after months of being on this site, you have taken nothing, nothing from all the discussions and arguments. What a shame. Fear is freezing you into a vicious cycle of a single nightmare. But pitty is more negative than sarcasm. So be happy that I do not pitty you and be happier that had I not felt that you have a thread or two of decency, I would not have bothered.

September 27th, 2011, 11:37 pm

 

Mohamed Kanj said:

@ 327 – well said MINA. We syrians have the palestinian issue embedded in our blood. We have sat down and watched the Gulf nations bow down to the wests hypocrisy, and that is why you see 70% of the sunni population and 99% of the other sects and religions in syria stand by the current syrian government. We will not join the wahhabi states with their hidden agendas.

September 27th, 2011, 11:39 pm

 

John Khouri said:

@ 334 – Haytham, your completely wrong. Yes the christians did emigrate during the early 1980’s. But it was as you should recall, due to your uncles and grandfathers who belonged to the muslim brotherhood, murdering and raping the christian minorities. The Assad family brought about security and freedom of religion. So you better think twice before spreading your lies and propaganda on this blog. Just call one of your christian friends who lives in Homs or Hama and ask them how life is with all these islamic extremist roaming the streets at night? Ask them if they will let their daughter out alone at night to buy an icecream? Let them tell you about how they have been threatened by the terrorists for not wearing full body clothing. Let the truth be told. These islamic terrorists in Homs are trying to turn the city into another Saudi Arabia and Wahhabistan. How about the christian girl who was kidnapped and forced to strip naked and be filmed by the islamic extremists. She was forced into saying that the army raped her. This is the SYRIAN REVOLUTION

September 27th, 2011, 11:48 pm

 

SYR.EXPAT said:

322. LOUAI

Thank you for your input and your candor.

September 27th, 2011, 11:53 pm

 

Mina said:

Sheila,
What you write show that it is easier to be a cyber activist than a politician. You don’t want to think seriously about sharia and the law/legal system, i. e. about the power given to religious authorities in dealing with private and civil matters (this apply also and even more for the various Christian sects). In that case you don’t want to think about the possibility of achieving egality between genders in terms of rights. You just say “it would be nice, Hammurabi, etc”. By the way, shari’a is already in most Arab constitutions, so it is not about writing it, but just about admitting that Arab societies are more than the different madhhabs and their different customs (plus recognizing the existence of the non-Muslims in the society).
Finlly, you say in one sentence “As for Saudi Arabia, I consider it to be the most backwards country of all. (…)In my view, the US is far more of an Islamic state than SA is. Discriminating against women and other religions was never a part of Islam.”
Well that tells a lot about cyber activism and living in a virtual reality. I bet you wouldn’t exchange the rights you have in the US for the ones offered in Saudi Arabia.
As for Islam discriminating agains women and other religions, indeed, that’s not what we can read in the Coran (unless we want to take every sentence literally), but unfortunatly, this is what has happened through history. And this again, is because the reality of power differs from cyber activism.

September 27th, 2011, 11:54 pm

 

SYR.EXPAT said:

Just finished watching the BBC documentary about the Syrian uprising. It’s another indictment of the criminal Assad mafia. I am sure Asma’ won’t be watching it any time soon (from wife of a dictator/reformer to wife of a mass murderer and war criminal).

BBC Syria Inside the Secret Revolution Daraa

September 28th, 2011, 12:01 am

 

Syria no kandahar said:

????? ??????? ??????
Your Terrorist Jihadist friends like kaled Tlass who is going on and on hoping to collect larynxes and slash Syrian commando throat are your pride.Any way I don’t like rats and especially wahabi ones.your response to my posts shows that they are bothering your big master paying rats.if my posts were so stupid then you are you trying to be smart responding to them.I think you are very smart but unfortunately I see no hope in the way you and your jihadist and terrorist friends are taking my country,so I strongly disagree with you,but you seem,being a hamster,not matur enough to accept different opinion.

September 28th, 2011, 12:08 am

 

Haytham Khoury said:

@ John #337

I am one of the people that refused to Syria, because Hafez al-Assad’s images used to provoke my nausea.

Further, this is a meassage that I recieved from a Hamwi christian

I am Hamwi and I have been in Damascus since 1998. In Hama most of Christians people are with the revolution, but here is Damascus is not the same situation, take me as an example I have lost most of christens friends because the thing that I am bad person and I do not like our county just because I want freedom and I say the troth.
Whatever the situation is I will try and try and always say the truth , what I know my muslims friends are not salafeen and not mondaseen.. by the way the same story in 1982 my grandfather had been killed by the government because of we were living in Hama, yes the government killed my Christian grandfather under because they thought that he is Ekwan Muslemiin…. In 1982 the all Hama had been destroyed because of the story of AlAssd system “Ekwan Muslemiin” and now all Syria us being destroyed in the same way and lies ” Mondaswwn, Salafeen> and whatever.
And now right now my godfather. Gorger sabra is in jail somewhere in Syria… actuality Christian free people are lost and week we cannot so almost anything. Because this will be against the church and the system.
Thank you again and sorry for my bad English.
Adham

September 28th, 2011, 12:16 am

 
 

Akbar Palace said:

Haytham Khoury,

Thank you for the explanation in 334. It makes more sense to me now.

September 28th, 2011, 12:28 am

 

Aboud said:

#325 Ask Besho’s sister where I am. “Drill baby drill!” LOL!

So delicious that the cookie cutter menhebaks are pissed off at the British ambassador. He really hit a nerve with them 🙂

When you boil down the cookie cutter menhebaks’ posts, they come down to this;

“Extremists. Jihadists. Extremists. Jihadists. Extremists profanities conspiracies extremists Jihadists*

The same tired excuse that didn’t work for Bin Ali, Mubarak or Zinga Zinga. If I was a menhebak (God forbid) I’d be sorely disappointed at Besho’s lack of imagination.

September 28th, 2011, 12:34 am

 

Ghufran said:

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

September 28th, 2011, 12:40 am

 

Aboud said:

Just saw another of the regime’s trumpets on Al-Jazeera. For all the whining the menhebaks do about Al-Jazeera, the channel does allow everyone from all sides to express their opinions. You will never see that on the sectarian incitement promoting Al-Dunya. One wonders where the menhebaks are going to get their daily fix of incitement from now.

“Extremists jihadists extremists jihadists extremists with a sprinkle of posts that try to make believe that the SNP was ever relevant (it never was. One moment the dude is pro-regime, the next he’s anti-regime.)”

September 28th, 2011, 12:49 am

 

Aboud said:

“Just call one of your christian friends who lives in Homs or Hama and ask them how life is with all these islamic extremist roaming the streets at night?”

More sick and perverted fantasies about rape from the disturbed menhebaks. The army has a division in Homs, and two more outside it. Homs has been under military occupation for months. How then are “islamist extremists” roaming the streets at night? What is your army doing then? Pleasuring each other? LOL!

September 28th, 2011, 12:53 am

 

Syria no kandahar said:

Aboud Alwahabi
At least jihadist and extremist are all over like your dudes Kalid Tlass and Abumer.
You wahabis are hallucinating about:Persians ,shabiha,Persians,shabiha,Persians…

September 28th, 2011, 12:57 am

 

John Khouri said:

@ 342 – Haytham, why dont you pay a visit to Wadi Nasara or mashta helou, where 90% of the christians and 50% of the sunni’s from Hama have fled your loveable Hamwi extremists, that you claim are with the revolution. Why dont you go and listen to their stories first hand about what they witnessed. Why dont u go and drive down to Mhardeh which is part of the city of Hama ( inhabited with 25,000 christians ). Ask the christians their how they have their town besieged by your freedom loving revolutionists. Ask the family of the car dealer in Mhardeh who was kidnapped and held for ransom by your loveable and caring islamic extremist revolutionist, how they adore your revolution. Hiding behind this blog and claiming to be christian and also claiming that the christians of Hama are with the revolution is really absurd.

You can keep on blabbering on about how you are christian and how the christians are with the revolution. It wont achieve nothing but appease the geek islamic extremist internet bloggers on this.

September 28th, 2011, 1:02 am

 

ann said:

*** L’SHANAH TOVAH ***

EU powers drop UN Syria sanctions call

European countries proposing a new UN resolution over Syria have dropped demands for immediate sanctions against President Bashar al-Assad’s government.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-15085816

The draft, proposed by the UK, France, Germany and Portugal and backed by the US, threatens sanctions only if the repression of protests does not end.

The scaled-back version is aimed at winning the support of China and Russia, which oppose sanctions.

Western diplomats say they are planning for a vote by the end of the week.

The draft resolution “demands an immediate end to all violence”, according to copies obtained by news agencies.

It says the 15-nation Security Council “expresses its determination, in the event that Syria has not complied with this resolution, to adopt targeted measures, including sanctions”.

Last month the US, Britain, France, Germany and Portugal put forward a draft resolution calling for sanctions against President Assad, members of his family and close associates.

But Russia and China have threatened to veto any sanctions resolution against Syria.

Others countries which oppose sanctions include a bloc of key emerging powers – India, South Africa, and Brazil.
Wider crisis

The BBC’s Barbara Plett at the UN in New York says some countries fear any outside involvement in Syria could trigger a much wider crisis.

Their position has been hardened by Nato’s actions in Libya, which they say has overstepped a UN mandate to protect civilians there, she adds.

September 28th, 2011, 1:02 am

 

agatha said:

An other inside story:

Une journaliste a filmé la répression en Syrie
Sofia Amara, 43 ans, est la première journaliste indépendante à avoir pu filmer – en août 2011 – la révolte du peuple syrien et sa sanglante répression. Son documentaire “Syrie, dans l’enfer de la répression”, sera diffusé le 11 octobre à 20h40 sur Arte. Pour lavie.fr elle nous raconte son périple à haut risque.
http://www.lavie.fr/actualite/monde/une-journaliste-a-filme-la-repression-en-syrie-27-09-2011-20316_5.php

September 28th, 2011, 1:09 am

 

ann said:

Syria sanctions strategy ‘unreliable’ – Lavrov

http://rt.com/news/syria-sanctions-lavrov-507/

Russia cannot support the project on Syria being pushed through by the West, Foreign Minister Lavrov stated in New York ahead of his address to the UN General Assembly.

Sergey Lavrov said he believed that placing sanctions on Syria are “not a very reliable strategy”.

“We ask what the next strategy is, how have you calculated your next steps? The answer we get is that we haven’t thought about it yet, but President Assad needs to go, we need to drive him into a corner with sanctions – he should go first, and then we’ll see,” Lavrov said in an interview with “Russia 24” channel. “It’s a very simple but – I believe – not very reliable strategy, if it can be called a strategy at all,” he concluded.

The United States and the European Union have already implemented unilateral sanctions against Syria.On September 13 they announced measures including bans on oil imports and an asset freeze. Western powers have been calling within the United Nations Security council for a resolution on Syria in the form of a set of sanctions. The US is calling for the resignation of the Syrian president, Bashar Assad, whose regime has led a deadly crackdown on anti-government protesters.

And while new fighting erupted in Syria between pro-government forces and rebels for the control of several key cities, Syrian Foreign Minister Walid Moualem said in an address to the UN General Assembly that the West was trying to create “total chaos” in order to break up the country.

Government troops have reportedly stormed a key opposition town after pounding it overnight with heavy machine-gun fire.

The United Nations says more than 2,700 Syrians, including 100 children, have been killed during six-months of unrest sparked by an uprising against the 41-year rule of the Assad dynasty.

­Journalist and anti-war activist Susan Lindauer says that Syria should heed the words of Russia’s foreign minister and allow in foreign mediation.

“There is no way the Syrian president can do it by himself, and he is not receiving any proper assistance from the United States or any European power that would be able to offer conflict resolution,” she told RT. “Sanctions are not the answer, sanctions only hurt the Syrian people. If Bashar al-Assad is wise, he would quickly invite a Russian delegation to come in and help the Syrian government resolve this problem.”

“Sanctions freeze the situation, so that diplomacy is stalled,” she concluded. “It never works. It is a bad strategy, and it means that they lack ideas for solving the problem.”

September 28th, 2011, 1:14 am

 

Darryl said:

322. LOUAI said:

Louai, from my relatives in Wadi-Alnsara, here is the picture I get:

1. The wadi is now swelling from those who vacated Homs and many non-wadi citizens are desperately looking for somewhere to live there.

2. Apparently, some body has been trying to stir trouble as Sunni citizens have told their Christian comrades that they were told to attack the Christians as well the Alawites. North-western portion of the Valley has pure Alawite and mixed Christian-Alawite towns. But given the excellent relationship and long shared history among all groups, the Sunni comrades told the “trouble makers” to piss-off.

3. “Trouble makers” from Tell Khalakh have passed through the valley seeking hide out from government forces and were told to go away by Sunni and Christian citizens.

4. The valley is still behind the president and if there was any dissent, it may have shrunk after the city dwellers vacated and told stories of horror and killing. One of the reasons they are behind him (and possibly) most Christians in Syria, he has encouraged Christians to be proud of who they are and to promote their long history in the country. Also the Valley has a large population of SSNP supporters that dates back to the 50-60s and this is another reason they support the government to transition rather than have a revolution.

5. Wadi Al-Nasara citizens, at least Christians have lots of land holdings that is still owned by the same families for generations and have many relatives and family members outside Syria. Through the years, they learned to manage with good and bad government policy and they receive lots of money from those overseas clan members. Hence, they can ride-out the economic sanctions on the country without feeling much pain and not turn against the government. Being close to Lebanon (we can see the snow covered mountains with the naked eye), they can also rely on goods smuggled easily.

September 28th, 2011, 1:17 am

 

ann said:

Thank you for your honest report DARRYL

The TRUTH offends haytham koury and his al qaeda friends

September 28th, 2011, 1:32 am

 

agatha said:

Bonjour Annie et Jihanne,
est-ce-que vous avez déjà visiter http://souriahouria.com/ aujourd’hui?
Il me semble que son mari veut distribuer l’appel.

September 28th, 2011, 1:33 am

 

NK said:

Darryl

Now we’re talking the same language, and I totally agree with what you wrote in #307. Let me just point out a few things

We are already paying Jizya in Syria, forget the name and let’s look at what Jizya is. “You pay a set amount of money and in return you don’t have to serve in the Army”. Does that sound familiar ?, now that I’m thinking about it, even if you insist on the (being humiliated while paying it) bit, there is plenty of humiliation going around, if you visited “???? ???????” before then you know what I’m talking about 😉

As for the Egyptian sheikhs, they are miserable souls but they’re not alone in this world, just check out Terry Jones, or Franklin Graham or even this guy
http://bit.ly/ocLxKz
Or even our own SNP, not to go too far
https://joshualandis.com/blog/?p=8673&cp=4#comment-243828
Luckily those guys can never flourish in an open society, and it’s about time the Arab countries join the rest of the civilized world.

As for your last point, I think the problem is not the sheikhs but the media that only focuses on the bad and ignores the good.

In conclusion, I agree that the culture in the Arab world has to change, the first step is to free ourselves of tyranny and oppression.

September 28th, 2011, 1:35 am

 

Syria no kandahar said:

Aboud
Are you doing ?? ?? ?? ?? ???? ???? ?? ?? ??
In the US now.it is almost 9am in Homs,go get some ??????? ?? ???? or ???.

September 28th, 2011, 1:52 am

 

ann said:

Russia’s Lavrov says BRICS aren’t looking for fight

Russia and its partners in the “BRICS” bloc of emerging market economies, which Western powers see as increasingly obstructionist on Syria and other issues, are not looking for a fight, Russia said on Tuesday.

http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/09/27/us-un-assembly-russia-idUSTRE78Q4ET20110927

The BRICS group — Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa — has resisted attempts by the U.N. Security Council to impose sanctions on Syria, thwarting efforts by U.S. and European officials to punish Damascus for its six-month crackdown on pro-democracy demonstrators.

But in Russia’s annual speech to the United Nations, Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov denied that there was any attempt by the five nations to cause trouble.

“BRICS does not aim at confrontation with anyone,” he told the 193-nation U.N. General Assembly. “Its goal is to enhance productive multilateral collaboration to address the urgent problems of the contemporary world.”

By coincidence, all five BRICS nations are currently on the Security Council, where they have managed to block U.S. and European efforts to impose U.N. sanctions on Syria for its crackdown that has killed at least 2,700 people, by U.N. counts.

Some Western diplomats complain that the BRICS countries increasingly favor policies of nonintervention in crises like Libya, Syria and elsewhere.

BRICS members charged that NATO overstepped a U.N. mandate in Libya, although South Africa initially voted in favor of a March 2011 U.N. Security Council resolution that authorized NATO operations to protect civilians in the north African country and enforce a no-fly zone.

Lavrov repeated the BRICS’ criticism in his U.N. speech.

“The attempts to go beyond the UNSC (U.N. Security Council) mandate are unacceptable, since they undermine its authority and multiply the suffering of innocent civilians,” he said.

PROVOKING VIOLENCE

On Syria, Lavrov repeated Russia’s criticism of the opposition to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, who has faced growing street protests demanding an end to 41 years of Assad family rule.

In response, Assad has sent troops and tanks into cities and towns across the country over the last six months, though he has promised to implement some political reforms.

“As for Syria, it is inadmissible to boycott proposals on a national dialogue, stir up confrontation and provoke violence, while neglecting, albeit late, but still achievable reforms proposed by President Bashar al-Assad,” Lavrov said.

Western diplomats on the Security Council say that Russia, which like China holds a veto on the Security Council, is the strongest opponent among the five BRIC nations to imposing U.N. sanctions on Syria’s leadership.

The Western powers, however, plan to submit a new draft resolution to the Security Council soon that would condemn Damascus and threaten future action if Syria does not halt its crackdown. Such a resolution, European diplomats say, will hopefully be more palatable to the BRICS.

Lavrov confirmed Russia’s support for the Palestinian application for U.N. membership for a Palestinian state, which President Mahmoud Abbas delivered to the United Nations on Friday. Washington has vowed to veto the Palestinian application when and if the Security Council votes on it.

Lavrov also called for stepped-up diplomatic efforts to solve the confrontations over the nuclear programs of Iran and North Korea, saying that ending both of those disputes would improve the global nonproliferation regime.

“We see no alternative to their political and diplomatic settlement and taking concrete steps to create conditions for the resumption of negotiations,” Lavrov said. “We call on all partners to address these tasks with utmost responsibility.”

September 28th, 2011, 1:53 am

 

annie said:

Dear 263. sheila :

I also lived in Spain under Franco and was there to witness the chaos when he died. … They rioted, burnt cars and broke every phone booth they could get their hands on. That was not my experience in the Levante.
I lived there much earlier but used to visit every year thereafter.

In 1975 when Franco died, the pent up frustration that exploded was also sexual.

Spaniards used to travel to the French border to buy pornography. That was the explosion I witnessed. I remember the bus where all the men were buried in their x rated magazines.

September 28th, 2011, 1:59 am

 

Aboud said:

Cookie cutter menhebak #335, when it comes to the truth and credibility, your regime is the Bernie Madoff of the media world. If Standard and Poor gave credit ratings for credibility, you’d be in the minus triple F. Who else would claim that al-Jazeera had built mock ups of Syrian cities. Heck, you people would get your own special Betho rating.

The entire efforts of the menhebaks on this forum tend to drift towards fantasies; the absurd, and the frankly sick. We have the fake Christian Homsi getting off on imagining the rape of women. We have the irrelevant SNPer day dreaming that his bunch of old men were ever relevant. We have the frustrated writer No Klue seething that his Besho fan fiction isn’t getting picked up by publishers (“Besho Athad and the Global Extremist Conspiracy By Extremists to Promote Extremism”)

The menhebaks are no longer even pretending that the majority of the country support their leader. Their efforts this past week has all been focused on trying to convince the world that a *sizeable* segment of *Christians* support the Baathists. Not even *most*, just a sizeable. They bring up Iraq and Lebanon, ignoring the disgraceful role their own regime played in wrecking those countries.

Even the NY Times article offered only a Facebook comment as evidence of *Christian* support for the murderous junta. A third of the article was about a Christian who ran away from the shabiha scum and found sanctuary with a family. Typical menhebaks, post an article without bothering to read it. And since when did the menhebaks start loving the NY Times anyway? LOL! They are nothing if not hypocrites. Just look at how their UN representative voted when he was on the security council, obligingly toeing the line drawn by the Americans and Europe.

September 28th, 2011, 2:05 am

 

ann said:

Syria may fall victim to ‘new cycle of colonial wars’ – UN debate hears

http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=39844&Cr=syria&Cr1=

27 September 2011 –
Syria runs the risk of falling victim to the same “new cycle of colonial wars” that was imposed on Libya, Venezuela told the General Assembly’s annual general debate today.

In a message delivered by Venezuelan Foreign Minister Nicolás Maduro Moros, President Hugo Chávez Frías said that the real reason for military intervention in Libya this year was to take over its wealth, and that the same imperialist tactics are being exercised in Syria.

“It is intolerable that the powers of the world intend to claim for themselves the right to direct the lawful rulers to resign immediately. This was the case in Libya and they want to proceed in the same way in Syria,” he said.

In March, the Security Council authorized Member States to take “all necessary measures” to protect civilians, following the crackdown against a popular uprising by the forces supporting the then leader Muammar al-Qadhafi.

Members of NATO subsequently carried out air strikes and, after months of fighting between pro-Qadhafi forces and rebels, the National Transitional Council (NTC) has been internationally recognized as having assumed authority over the country.

Mr. Chávez called for the immediate cessation of the bombing operation in Libya, and spoke strongly against any form of intervention in Syria.

“The ‘Libyan Case’ was brought before the Security Council on the basis of an intense propaganda by the Western mass media, who lied about the alleged bombing of innocent civilians by the Libyan air force, not to mention the grotesque media setting of the Green Square of Tripoli,” he said.

“After the Libyan air force was completely annihilated, the continued ‘humanitarian’ bombing shows that the West, through North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), intends to impose their interests in North Africa, turning Libya into a colonial protectorate,” he added.

Mr. Chávez stressed that the same should not happen in Syria, and that military intervention should not be an option for the country.

“Only the Syrian people can solve their problems and decide their fate in the light of the right to self-determination of the peoples, an inalienable right in all respects,” he said.

“Were it not for some permanent members showing a firm stance, everything would be defined within the Security Council to authorize shooting missiles and sending bombardiers against Syria,” he added.

September 28th, 2011, 2:07 am

 

annie said:

240. Akbar Palace said:

Amir in Tel Aviv,

Happy New Year! You have my forgiveness for not answering our questions about your family ancestry;)

Let me guess; Big Palacio assumes that Amir being so nice with Arabs must be an Oriental Jew.

Since we have a delegation of the people from over the border Emir and Akbar, and Shai and Yossi and AIG I would like to send them to this site http://www.youngjewishproud.org/.

As I said before, these youngsters will tip the balance away from the blind US support for the rogue state they are connected with or live in.

Syrians are much more tolerant of your posts however irritating they can sometimes be. Try and have a dissenting voice heard at some zionist sites.

September 28th, 2011, 2:10 am

 

ann said:

At UN, Syria warns of ‘blatant conspiracies’ from outsiders against its people

http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=39802&Cr=syria&Cr1=

26 September 2011 –
Syrian authorities will continue to undertake political, social and economic reforms but they will also act to protect citizens from “blatant conspiracies” aimed at sabotaging national security or inviting outside interventions, the country’s Foreign Minister told the United Nations today.

Addressing the General Assembly’s annual general debate, Walid al-Moualem said the reform process is “a work in progress” in Syria, where large numbers of protesters have for months been calling for greater democracy and freedoms.

He said many of the demands for reform have already been met, and they will continue through a process of national dialogue based on “national unity, sovereignty and independence.”

He cited changes announced in June to liberalize the country’s media, guarantee political pluralism and reform the staging of parliamentary elections and the management of local government.

Top UN officials have repeatedly expressed concern this year about the nature of the Government’s response to the largely peaceful protest movement, with at least 2,600 Syrians estimated to have been killed after military forces clashed with demonstrators.

The UN Human Rights Council has ordered an inquiry into the violence after an earlier UN fact-finding mission outlined a litany of Government abuses, including murders, enforced disappearances and acts of torture.

But Mr. al-Moualem said the overriding focus of authorities has been to deal with “the external pressures which were at times tantamount to blatant conspiracies.”

He said that “popular demands and claims have been manipulated to further objectives which are alien to the interests and express desires of the Syrian people. These demands were the stepping stone used by armed groups to sow discord and sabotage our security. They became the new pretext for foreign interventions.

“Syria exercised its responsibility to protect its citizens. It acted to guarantee their safety and stability. Vigilance against the danger of foreign intervention that assumes a different form with each passing day, and challenging it does not mean underestimating popular demands.”

Mr. al-Moualem said there had been a “surge in the activities of armed groups” within Syria that was a “manifestation of foreign intervention,” and he criticized moves by the United States and the European Union to impose sanctions, saying they would hurt the daily needs of ordinary Syrians.

Describing his country as a model of coexistence that has opted for secularism over religious or ethnic favouritism, the Foreign Minister said that the clear “purpose of this unjust anti-Syria campaign currently under way is to attack this model of coexistence that has been a source of pride to our people.

“How we can otherwise explain media provocations, financing and arming religious extremism? What purpose could this serve other than total chaos that would dismember Syria – and consequently adversely affect its neighbours?”

September 28th, 2011, 2:17 am

 

annie said:

363. annie

I was of course wrong about Oriental Jews being nicer to Arabs; it is often the opposite since they have to out-Herod Herod to prove their loyalty to the state.
Yet, some remain what they are : Arabs, Jewish Arabs or Arab Jews

I feel a little bad about our occasional bantering while people are under siege and I think often of Sheila and the others who are in daily danger.

22:02 A massive protest began in the Daraa neighborhood of Al-Arbain. Security forces stormed the area and pursuing the fleeing demonstrators. (S.N.N.)

22:00 Heavy gunfire was heard in Deir az-Zour. (S.N.N.)

21:33 Security forces are pursuing protesters in the Houran town of Jassem. (S.N.N.)

21:30 Anti-regime protests began in the Houran towns of Mseifra, Al-Jeeza, Taseel, and Al-Teeba. (S.N.N.)

21:15 Protests against the regime began in the cities of Latakia and Deir az-Zour. (S.N.N.)

21:10 Protests demanding the fall of the regime began in the Edleb town of Sermeen and the Homs neighborhood of Deir Baalba. (S.N.N.)

20:37 Protests began in the cities of Qamishli and Amouda. (S.N.N.)

20:35 An anti-regime protest began in the Homs town of Rastan. (S.N.N.)

20:30 A massive protest against the regime began in the city of Teir Maaleh. (S.N.N.)

20:13 A protest began in the city of Derbasiya against the regime. (S.N.N.)

20:07 Explosions rocked the Homs neighborhood of Al-Khaldiyeh. (S.N.N.)

20:04 Security forces arrested four youths in the Homs village of Bouwayda while they were marching in a funeral. (S.N.N.)

20:00 Security forces killed four defecting soldiers in the Homs neighborhood of Baba Amro. (S.N.N.)

To read more: http://www.nowlebanon.com/NewsArticleDetails.aspx?ID=253828#ixzz1ZE4Cf0bG
Only 25% of a given NOW Lebanon article can be republished. For information on republishing rights from NOW Lebanon: http://www.nowlebanon.com/Sub.aspx?ID=125478

September 28th, 2011, 2:28 am

 

ann said:

Syria intends to retaliate against Turkey for arms interception

http://www.todayszaman.com/news-258107-syria-intends-to-retaliate-against-turkey-for-arms-interception.html

Syria has announced intentions to review a free trade agreement (FTA) that the country claimed was favoring Turkish trade over Syria’s, a move that came as an obvious attempt at retaliation following Turkey’s initiative to intercept an arms shipment to Syria.

“Political relations and economic relations are two different things. … We need to review certain articles in the FTA we signed with Turkey because it currently favors Turkish trade over Syrian benefits, and it damages us,” Syrian Economy and Trade Minister Mohammad Nidal al-Shaar was quoted as saying by the Cihan news agency on Monday.

The announcement of Syria’s intention to review the FTA, signed back in 2006, comes in clear retaliation for a move by Turkey to increase interceptions on arms shipment to Syria, an initiative Turkey took since Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s rule came under heavy fire over the killings of Syrian civilians. Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdo?an is also expected to introduce sanctions against the Assad administration, as he announced last week that he was planning to pay a visit to a camp hosting thousands of Syrian refugees in the southern border province of Hatay. The premier also noted that Turkey would evaluate options for sanctions in the meantime, the outcome of which would be publicized during his visit to Hatay.

Meanwhile, a US diplomat on Tuesday acknowledged that the US welcomed the measures Turkey will take regarding Syria, and the two countries were also engaged in talks to bolster cooperation at a US foreign policy conference regarding the 2011 UN General Assembly meeting.

Michael Hammer, the acting assistant secretary for public affairs at the US State Department, told reporters in New York that although the US applied unilateral sanctions to Syria, they remained minor, and it was highly important for neighboring countries such as Turkey to take steps that might increase the pressure on the Syrian regime, according to an Anatolia news agency report.

The remark came days after Prime Minister Erdo?an announced Turkey would keep on intercepting arms shipments to Syria, as it has been doing in the recent past.

The official also commented on the delivery of US unmanned aerial vehicles named Predators to Turkey, saying the US has a strong partnership with the country and would support Turkey in its fight against the terrorist Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK). Erdo?an announced last week that the US and Turkey had “agreed on principle” for the delivery of the vehicles, and Turkish Defense Minister ?smet Y?lmaz noted on Saturday that the Predators would be delivered to the Turkish Armed Forces (TSK) in June 2012. Hammer did not elaborate on the details of the deployment of the Predators, but said he had seen media reports announcing an agreement between Washington and Ankara to deploy the vehicles at the strategic ?ncirlik Air Base in the southern province of Adana.

Turkish officials have met or had phone conversations with their counterparts from the US many times this year, which Hammer considers essential for increasing bilateral cooperation. Hammer also noted on the sidelines that the US had hailed the Turkish decision to install an early warning radar system under a new strategic defense strategy within NATO countries to block missiles coming from outside Europe. Although the defense system was speculated to be a means of protection from the alleged nuclear ambitions of Iran, Turkey insists the system targets any country that threatens NATO members. Iranian officials condemned the Turkish government last week over the decision, warning that there would be serious repercussions for the country and accusing Turkey of hypocrisy with regard to Iran.

Hammer also touched upon the debate over oil and gas resources in the eastern Mediterranean seabed that have set the Greek and Turkish Cypriot communities at odds, suggesting that the US-based company that acquired the Greek Cypriot licenses for research and excavation had the right to carry out drilling activities. Greek Cypriot drilling for hydrocarbon sources also triggered Turkey to sign an agreement with Turkish Cypriots to determine continental shelves, allowing the countries to carry out their own drilling operations for resources. Hammer noted that the US had hoped the drilling initiatives would not cause new tension in the region, and that it was in touch with Turkey regarding the situation.

September 28th, 2011, 2:31 am

 

ann said:

Israeli prove Reality of State Terrorism against Arab People

http://www.dp-news.com/en/detail.aspx?articleid=97953

GENEVE- During a Human Rights Council session, Syria’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Dr. Fayssal al-Hamwi, stressed on Monday that the Israeli violations of human rights prove the reality of state terrorism practiced by Israel and the aggressive tendency against the Arab people.

Al-Hamwi said the talk about Israeli violations of human rights in Palestine and the occupied Syrian Golan comes at a time of critical escalations committed by the Israeli occupation which committed the crime of killing Syrian, Palestinian and Lebanese peaceful protesters who were stressing their legal right of returning to their lands.

Al-Hamwi pointed out to the Israeli crime few weeks ago as the occupation authorities started to build a racial separation wall to separate the occupied Syrian Golan from the homeland, Syria.

He added that the Israeli authorities have arrested for 27 years 9 prisoners from the Golan and the international Red Cross knows that.

He went on saying that the Israeli crimes and aggressive policies led to escalating hatred and isolation of Israel by the vast majority of the world peoples, stressing that the Human Rights Council and the High Commission for Human Rights should end their silence on such practices.

September 28th, 2011, 2:38 am

 

Aboud said:

“At UN, Syria warns of ‘blatant conspiracies’ from outsiders against its people”

What did I tell you. “Extremists conspiracies extremist extremists rape of girls conspiracies Al-jazeera built a mock up of cities in Qatar”

If the menhebaks are so sure of their narrative, why not let in the world’s press and let them see for themselves, instead of relating what one cookie cutter menhebak heard from his smelly drug addled shabiha scum cousin.

But of course Besho would never allow a free press to see what is going on in Syria. He might as well let in the four horsemen of the apocalypse; Famine, War, Pestilence and the extremist conspiracy salafi guy who built fake cities in Qatar.

September 28th, 2011, 2:40 am

 

Darryl said:

Aboud, you are attacking that cute and cuddly Syrian Hamster in #335. You are losing it Aboud, take a break and have a shot of Frangelico.

September 28th, 2011, 2:42 am

 

ann said:

Syria forces storm refuge for army defectors

Updated: 2011-09-28 09:28

http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/world/2011-09/28/content_13807596.htm

AMMAN – Syrian forces backed by tanks and helicopters stormed into the central town of Rastan on Tuesday to crush army deserters who are fighting back after months of mostly peaceful protests against President Bashar al-Assad, residents said.

Undeterred by the crackdown, more deserters declared the formation of another rebel military unit, of uncertain size, in the same area. And in a sign of increasingly heavily armed opposition to Assad, people in the nearby city of Homs said rebel soldiers hit a government tank with a rocket.

Early on Tuesday, dozens of armoured vehicles entered Rastan, a town of 40,000 on the Orontes river north of Homs, after tanks and helicopters pounded it with heavy machineguns through the hours of darkness.

“Tanks closed in on Rastan overnight and the sound of machineguns and explosions has been non-stop. They finally entered this morning,” said a resident named Abu Qassem.

Hundreds of soldiers who have refused orders to fire on protesters have formed the Khaled Bin al-Walid battalion, named after the Arab conqueror of Syria, in Rastan. The force, led by Captain Abdelrahman Sheikh, has some tanks. Colonel Riad al-Asaad, the most senior military defector, is active in the area.

In the area of Houla, across the Orontes, thousands of villagers held an anti-Assad rally on Tuesday during which a new battalion of defectors was announced. Several soldiers in fatigues were seen in a YouTube video as a crowd chanted “Freedom!” Houla residents said they had attended the event.

To cheers, an announcer was seen in the video saying: “The Syrian Free Army declares the formation of the Ali bin Abi Taleb Battalion in Houla, Homs, under the command of First Lieutenant Colonel Fayez al-Abdallah, to be supervised by the Khaled bin al-Walid battalion … to protect peaceful protests.”

Rebel forces

Rebel soldiers, who are estimated to number in the thousands across the country, have attacked army buses and roadblocks manned by troops and pro-Assad militiamen, known ‘shabbiha’. These have multiplied in recent days as security forces try to disrupt protests and hunt down activists in the Rastan area.

Activists in Homs said at least six inhabitants were killed in raids by security forces and rebel soldiers hit a tank on Tuesday with a rocket propelled grenade in the Bayada district, which is inhabited by members of desert tribes who are now among the main opponents of Assad in the city of one million.

The official news agency said “armed terrorist groups” killed three civilians in Homs on Tuesday.

The region around Homs and the adjoining province of Idlib on the border with Turkey have emerged as hotspots of armed resistance, although the bulk of the armed forces, commanded by officers from Assad’s Alawite minority, has remained nominally loyal, with tight surveillance by Alawite secret police and soldiers who disobey orders to crush protests risk being shot.

A senior diplomat in Damascus said rebel units were a mixed bag of deserters but that only the efforts of the Alawite officer corps were preventing much larger units joining them.

“The deserters so far are a hodgepodge,” the diplomat said. “They did not train together and whole divisions are not leaving because of the Alawite control.”

Julien Barnes-Dacey, Middle East analyst at Control Risks said unless more defections occur “the regime won’t face a meaningful military challenge.”

September 28th, 2011, 2:44 am

 

ann said:

Arab Uprising Whirlwind Catches Lebanon

http://www.eurasiareview.com/28092011-arab-uprising-whirlwind-catches-lebanon-oped/

Lebanon has always been the epitome of freedom of speech in the Middle East. The press has a long history in the Lebanon and the variety of political and religious groups there have prevented its diverse community from ever falling under the domination of one of its internal powers.

It’s all too clear that such a community would never be affected by the same fate as the other Arab countries and there would never be any sign of a revolution there. Most of the revolutionary leaders which have come close to power in Arab countries have either spent some part of their lives in Lebanon or have briefly benefitted from the blessing of its freedom. Even though there is no real democracy in Lebanon and the Lebanese factions run the country in the form of a “consensus democracy,” its political situation has always been the envy of the oppressed people of other Arab countries.

Notwithstanding, Lebanon is not disconnected from the developments and revolutions of other Arab countries. The groups and parties of this country are categorized based on their support of or opposition to one or more of the Arab governments who are currently categorized as exposed to threat or at risk of collapse. While some of the political wings in Lebanon such as Saad Hariri, former prime minister and the leader of the March 14 alliance, are accused of shipping weapons to Syria to incite a civil war there, the president, parliament speaker and the prime minister of Lebanon support Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.

The support of the Lebanese leaders for Damascus appears natural on account of its special historical and geographical ties with Syria. The Lebanese elite are intensely afraid of the effects of the unseemly repercussions of a civil war in Syria or its disintegration on their own small country, especially that Israel is still lying in ambush for Lebanon and the unbalancing of the political map of the Middle East might tempt the appetite of its leaders for a fresh round of adventurism in Lebanon.

What has recently become the focus of attention in Lebanon is the stances and demeanor of Archbishop Bechara el-Rai, the new Maronite patriarch, who has faced opposition and criticism from the March 14 alliance, which is close to Western states. Their censure has escalated to such an extent that they have accosted the outgoing patriarch, Nasrallah Sfeir, and are seeking to place him head to head with his successor.

It’s still not clear why Nasrallah Sfeir stepped down, voluntarily or otherwise, from his religio-political position. Some believe that the Vatican has played a key role in this replacement. Developments in Arab countries and increase in the power of Islamist groups has concerned the Vatican that the Christians of the Middle East and especially Lebanon might be exposed to force and threat. Thus, a figure with no previous hostilities on his records must assume the leadership of the Maronite Christians to be able to guarantee the future for Christians.

The former Lebanese Maronite patriarch Nasrallah Sfeir was on the March 14 alliance’s side and not willing at all to build a normal relationship with its rival March 8 faction. He was oppose to the trial of Israeli mercenaries after they fled southern Lebanon in 2000 and insisted that light punitive sentences be issued against them. He never travelled to the liberated southern Lebanon to avoid being accused of supporting anti-Israeli resistance.

The new Patriarch has adopted a new policy in line with the recent developments in the Arab world, a policy which the previous patriarch was incapable of implementing due to his political background.

Patriarch Bechara el-Rai made a trip to France a few weeks ago to warn President Nicolas Sarkozy that his and other European leaders’ attempts to initiate transformations in Syria and change its regime would not benefit Lebanese Christians and the rise to power of the Muslim Brotherhood as well as Salafis in the country means wreaking havoc on Christian interests and setting them on fire.

He also supported the maintenance of Hezbollah’s military capabilities by pointing out that it is the Israeli occupation of Shebaa Farms south of Lebanon which makes Hezbollah retain its armed forces and that Israel’s withdrawal from these regions will resolve the problem.

Sources close to the Lebanese patriarch have spoken about his great astonishment after hearing the proposal made by the French president, who has asked el-Rai why all Lebanese Christians do not immigrate to Europe and the West to steer clear of the problems or dangers potentially caused by regime change in Syria.

Another significant measure taken by the Lebanese patriarch was his several-day trip to southern Lebanon to visit the liberated areas, which was warmly welcomed by the Hezbollah and Amal movements. During the journey, he addressed the residents and members of the resistance organization and praised their sacrifices in repelling Israeli forces. He also called for vigilance against threat that could split and disintegrate the region.

Such positions are not favorable to the March 14 alliance leaders and the Western governments sponsoring. These leaders have, as a counteraction, tried to use the previous Maronite patriarch in order to threaten Bechara el-Rai with removal from his position or pressuring him into continuing to follow the political line of his predecessor.

In addition to Paris, which resentfully tolerated the opposition of Lebanon’s Maronite leaders to regime change in Syria, Washington has informed el-Rai that he cannot meet President Barack Obama during his trip to the United States despite the previously drawn schedule and may meet only with the low-ranking American officials. And this is why the Maronite patriarch of Lebanon has cancelled his trip to the US.

September 28th, 2011, 2:54 am

 

Syria no kandahar said:

Aboud Alwahabi
You keep calling every one who is against your terrorist gangs:Menhbak.You really have to look at this world with an open brain.let me give you an example :does every one who does not like Obama likes Binladen.your terrorist friends have hijacked this movement,you are mentally a hijacker because you have rarely spoken about subjects,all you talk about is using your language skills in immoral,low and impolite ways.you have been for thousands of times talking about (Besho)
,his sister and so forth…you and your Islamist terrorist friends are worst than Baathists,all you want is to be another Maliki or Chalabi or Tantawi..You claim to want good for Syria,yet any one who has any mental capacity can see that the path you are pointing to will have more Skulls than the ones we already have.Many Syrians(at least I hope)are smart enough to not let Syria go into that jumpy ride.
Next time you are of your computer sit outside and have a cup of tea and look at the world:is it all black or white…do you see green or orange or yellow…open your mind..the world in smart people mind is not :Menhbak or mabenhbak..it is like that in closed an stupid minds alone..I hope you stay away from those words because I hate to see you labeled like that.

September 28th, 2011, 3:01 am

 

Syrian Nationalist Party said:

“………….and he criticized moves by the United States and the European Union to impose sanctions, saying they would hurt the daily needs of ordinary Syrians…inst …”

It will just raise prices, create inflation and destitute the lower income class further. It will not bring them to the street against Assad, on the contrary, it will solidify the population behind him because Syrians are aware of what is really going on and are not fool like the virtual reality idiots and their backers. Don’t expect Syrians to contemplate trading living standard with Islamic horror or worse American one like that of Iraq. It aint going to happen.

There is a disconnect between the people of Syria and the outside, someone on the outside is misrepresenting the Syrian people aspiration and demand and using this to further own agenda by lying.

Russia will make a fatal mistake if it let up one iota on U.N. thugs and permit even passing of sanction threat resolution against Syria. If floored VETO is a Russian strategic must. An Islamic terrorist regime of sort in Syria is a serious strategic threat for Russia volatile Caucasus region. In less than 3 years Russia will be forced to intervene militarily to stop it and remove the Islamic Terrorists triggering a bigger International Conflict for Russia than this insignificant issue.

At any rate the plotter defeated fatally. There hardly exist any sign of opposition rising up in Syria and most activities are by Islamic Terrorist Gang of 4-6 cells only that are financed by foreigners wishing ill for Syria. This is now strictly a virtual revolution online with no ground support left. Assad wiped it out very effectively and efficiently, with a lot of tack and more butchery exposed by the terrorists anyway.

The vile language alone they used against Christians and Others is by itself a crime. Rather than continue in a failed miserably seditious conspiracy against the Syrian Nation, the dim witted losers needs to have some compassion (even if fake one) try to please President Assad and pay him and Syrians some reparation, say 20 billion or so in exchange for the release of the 16000 guppy Syrians that landed in his prisons based on the conspirators false promises and inapt plan.

The release of those prisoners should be priority one, not more sanctions. Whatever negotiation can be conducted with President Assad to release them in exchange for cash compensation and serious promises of non interference in Syrian affairs should be undertaken. That is what the handful so called Syrian oppositions should be pushing for now, they should have a bit of conscious for the trouble, sorrow and sadness, mothers grieve they caused by their greed and lust for power and money.

MANASEB that is all they are after. What a shame, awful people of exceptionally low moral quality. How could they even sleep, We at SNP are losing sleep over the suffering of these 16000 prisoners, knowing what condition and trauma they are facing daily. Doesn’t the United Nation wish to pass some resolution regarding them, make a deal. They are just forgotten, no one mentioning them at all.

September 28th, 2011, 3:09 am

 

Ya Mara Ghalba said:

Various relevant points about the Syrian economy that Ehsani didn’t mention can be taken from the data at the Syrian Central Bank at:
http://www.banquecentrale.gov.sy/reports/statistics.htm
http://www.banquecentrale.gov.sy/reports/financial-monetary-data-eg.htm
http://www.banquecentrale.gov.sy/reports/publications.htm
http://www.banquecentrale.gov.sy/reports/graphs/bop%20balances.jpg

Ehsani claims that Syria is under “pressure stemming from an imbalance in its foreign trade position”, but he doesn’t quote data to support it. The Syrian Central Bank data says he’s wrong:

(1) Throughout the decade 2000 – 2009 Syria had a positive balance of payments in foreign trade.
(2) Throughout the decade 2000 – 2009 both imports and exports grew at a fast growth rate, but imports grew at a faster rate. (Syria’s imports and exports per capita are still low in comparative international terms today).
(3) Syria had a negative balace of payments in year 2010 but the amount of the negativity was about the same as one year’s growth in either imports or exports. That is, it’s not a big amount.
Addendum: The surplus in balance of payments that Syria enjoyed longterm — for more than a decade — enabled the country’s Central Bank to accumulate foreign reserves.

In any economy, a large adverse shock event in one sector of the economy can cause the whole broad economy to go into a recession. When that happens, and the risks of inflation are low, the country’s Central Bank can print money and get the money injected into the whole economy through government spending. This money-created-by-fiat is financing actual economic activity, which directly and indirectly flows through to the whole private-sector economy, and offsets the contractionary effect of the adverse shock. In Syria’s case the collapse of the foreign tourist sector has stopped money from flowing to the people who work in and around the tourist sector, which stops their money in turn from flowing across the whole economy, which thereby has the power to induce contraction in nearly all sectors of the economy. It removes money from the whole economy. Ehsani reports that just yesterday the Syrian government announced that its expenditures in its 2012 budget are planned to be 59% greater than in 2011. Ehsani asks “How would the revenues be matched?” The better question is: Can the current condition of the Syrian economy absorb quantitive easing and “government borrowing” without getting inflationary? The lesson we’ve seen in the US and the UK in recent years is that, yes, in a recessionary climate the Central Bank really can print money without inducing inflation. And therefore should print money, since the society as a whole’ll be the richer for it. (If inflation raises its head then a real hard recession is called for and is meritorious to cure the currency of inflation.)

Ehsani says:

“The US$9.8 billion jump in government expenditures this year needs to be funded by increased tax collection in a business environment that will be extremely challenging. One of the examples of an obvious and gaping hole in the government’s ability to collect taxes comes from custom duties on imports. While the government imposes duties close to 50% on many products, the 2009 government revenue from this area indicates that the treasury was only able to collect US$ 0.56 billion or 4.3% of the total value of goods imported.”

The first of those three sentences is dead wrong: The regime won’t be so foolish as to seek to take away substantial money from the private sector and move that money into the government sector, because the government sector can “borrow” (i.e. print) money without inducing inflation in the current environment. I read the last two of the sentences as vague and muddled. I read them as aiming primarily to slur the regime and slur the Syrian Establishment, without aiming to genuinely explain anything.

Ehsani says, and he’s said this at least once before at SyriaComment,

“the Central Bank sits on a comfortable foreign exchange reserve position of nearly US$ 18 billion. In reality, this number is impossible to verify. The official government data and accounting is simply not transparent enough to confirm such claims.”

I trust the integrity of the Syrian Establishment. Ehsani apparently doesn’t. I trust that the head of the Central Bank and the other professionals who work for the Central Bank believe in The Theory of Reality. That is, I trust that they do not think that image & perception is more important than reality. They are not like the Syrian Dissidents. They do not make stuff up, I trust. I haven’t delved into the details of the official government accounts. I’m inclined to suppose that Ehsani is probably right that the accounts could benefit from being more detailed and more verifiable — transparency is a virtue. But Ehsani is almost surely mistaken and bigoted when he insinuates that the US$18 billion number could be untrue. Honest and intelligent and trained individuals in the regime are involved in monitoring that number down deep.

September 28th, 2011, 3:32 am

 

ann said:

Miqati Says Lebanese Banks Respect International Will

28 September 2011, 10:06

http://www.naharnet.com/stories/en/16015-miqati-says-lebanese-banks-respect-international-will

Prime Minister Najib Miqati stressed on Tuesday that the cabinet is keen on protecting the Lebanese banking sector from any harm.

He said at a press conference in New York that “we’re following all the required measures… The Lebanese banks can’t carry out any action that might provoke the international community.”

The PM revealed that he will call for a meeting with Central Bank governor (Riyad Salameh) and the Association of Lebanese Banks to confirm this issue.

Miqati stressed that “Central Bank governor and Secretary of State (Hillary) Clinton said that there are no objections to (the operations of) any Lebanese bank.”

Asked about the reasons behind tackling this issue, he said “there are Lebanese banks that are active in Syria, and some fear that they might be used to transfer money and carry out transactions that might affect the decisions made on Syria.”

Miqati noted that there is no dispute over “deposits made by Syrian individuals in Lebanese banks… No one discussed this issue with us.”

September 28th, 2011, 3:48 am

 

Aboud said:

“Whatever negotiation can be conducted with President Assad to release them in exchange for cash compensation and serious promises of non interference in Syrian affairs should be undertaken. ”

Sorry, maybe holding people for ransom worked well for your Lebanese Hizboll-shaytan, but we don’t negotiate with terrorists like that. If your X-Box president is so strapped for cash, let Athma sell some of her cloths.

Besho is going to the Hague. Nothing you can do can stop that. He doesn’t dare step a foot outside of Syria, and no matter how long he hides, he will be bought to justice for the thousands of lives he has taken. And you will be called as a witness, as you’ve admitted he illegally jailed 16,000 people. Good move that, thanks menhebak.

September 28th, 2011, 3:57 am

 

Ya Mara Ghalba said:

Thanks to LOUAI #322 concerning the bad situation currently in Homs city. Also GHUFRAN #218 is saying the same thing about Homs.
On the bright side, the security forces have had a good record in restoring order in all other cities that descended into anarchy. On the dark side, the security forces have gone into Homs several times now, and exited after apparently restoring order, and then disorder and anarchy returned again.

September 28th, 2011, 4:02 am

 

Aboud said:

We’ve always maintained that the shabiha and security forces arrest people at random, to demand ransom from their families. One of the benefits of having the SNPer here is that he outright admitted it.

The people arrested by the security scum are not criminals. They have done nothing wrong. But despicable menhebaks see them as a way to make money. Don’t have oil, get into the ransom and kidnapping business.

September 28th, 2011, 4:04 am

 
 

Mohamed Kanj said:

ABOUDIJAN – u need to relax and chill out. im afraid you are about to strap urself with some falafel rolls and baba ghanouj and blow urself up. I recommend u watch some syrian revolution comedy to make u smile 🙂

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=apuVPg-AvWw

And after watching the last video u can watch these videos to make u calm down and finally figure out ur revolution is going nowhere but downhill 🙂

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hL9wuQ7y7bs
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lbUDV3ULirc
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w8gJOjy7LJs

Did i just see u in the last video cheering for your president Dr Bashar Al Assad. Ah aboudijan that means ur a MENEHABAK now.

After your done calming down you can finally relax by watching these videos of how your Alkhanzera puppet was lost for questions when being given everything thrown out him by one of the most patriotic SYRIAN. Any by the way he is SUNNI like myself. Ummm maybe thats why the majority of sunnis in syria havent followed the violent murderous path of ur ancestors and relatives aboudijan

http://www.youtube.com/user/syriaoursoul3#p/u/2/U0VEVy7IKTo
http://www.youtube.com/user/syriaoursoul3#p/u/4/xFjoxU3HrFs

September 28th, 2011, 5:41 am

 

Mohamed Kanj said:

ABOUD – did you forgot to tell your mother that she isnt permitted to drive in Saudi Arabia. Maybe if she was driving in Syria under Dr Bashar Al Assad she would have been able to drive. Dont worry we will give her a permit to ride her camel in Homs

http://english.aljazeera.net/news/middleeast/2011/09/201192717284798867.html

September 28th, 2011, 6:04 am

 

Areal said:

256. sheila said:

I am not a fool.

The MB s are part of the Syrian society and they should be present at the table, however, Syria has many other participants that will weigh in too.

Every year I go to Syria and see the decline in everything.

Finally, I have no agendas or goals other than hoping for the best for my country.
“””””
REALITY
This a copy/paste of the tusual MB propaganda , denying the facts :
the 70’s and 80’s terrorist actions of the MB killing 1000s of innocent people like in Homs today ,
nobody ( except fools and MB ) in Syria wants the return of the MB to Syrian politics

September 28th, 2011, 6:33 am

 

Tara said:

It is so sad that people are not comfortable in their own skin. Kanj is not Sunni and John Khouri is not Christians. This is very obvious that one tends to skip their posts because it lacks credibility. Guys, nothing wrong of being Alawis. You can still defend the regime being Alawis. Claiming otherwise when it is so clear hurt your cause. I hope you realize that.

September 28th, 2011, 6:59 am

 

areal said:

374. Ya Mara Ghalba said:
“””
Ehsani says, and he’s said this at least once before at SyriaComment,

“the Central Bank sits on a comfortable foreign exchange reserve position of nearly US$ 18 billion. In reality, this number is impossible to verify. The official government data and accounting is simply not transparent enough to confirm such claims.”

I trust the integrity of the Syrian Establishment. Ehsani apparently doesn’t. I trust that the head of the Central Bank and the other professionals who work for the Central Bank believe in The Theory of Reality. That is, I trust that they do not think that image & perception is more important than reality. They are not like the Syrian Dissidents. They do not make stuff up, I trust. I haven’t delved into the details of the official government accounts. I’m inclined to suppose that Ehsani is probably right that the accounts could benefit from being more detailed and more verifiable — transparency is a virtue. But Ehsani is almost surely mistaken and bigoted when he insinuates that the US$18 billion number could be untrue. Honest and intelligent and trained individuals in the regime are involved in monitoring that number down deep.

REALITY
Don’t be too harsh on poor Ehsani.
As an American banker , he is aware of cooking numbers by American accountants and auditors in an all American transparency :
ENRON , MADOFF , LEHMAN Bros , WORLDCOM , GRECE , etc

September 28th, 2011, 7:23 am

 

syau said:

And you Tara are not female. So stop claiming you are, when it is so clear you are not, it will only hurt your cause. I hope you realize that.

What’s the weather like in Tel Aviv today?

September 28th, 2011, 7:25 am

 

OFF THE WALL said:

I have tried to stay clear of attacking “PERSIANs” or “Iranian”. The reason being is that Like TARA and a few others who are also Citizens of the United States, we have come to know many Iranians rather well and form lasting friendships that allowed us to know more about their culture.

A while ago SS posted a note about Iranian women, and I do agree with much of it. The mullas, Baseij and other reactionaries are nothing but a mirror image (albeit much more civilized) than Syrian Shabeeha and thugs. But the People of Iran are as ambivalent about Shia and Sunni divisions and about the dead people from 1400 years ago as Me and I would probably be safe in saying Sheila, Ehsani, Jad, and a few others.

Today a group of Iranian Doctors confirmed my good faith in our neighbors and friends. Here is the story

????? ??????? ?? ????? ?????? ????? ???????? ??? ?????? ?????!!!
?????? ADMIN – 2011/09/28
??? ??: ????? ?????

???? 200 ???? ?????? ??????? ??????? ???? ?????? ?????? ?????? ?? ??????????? ???????? ?????? ?? ??? ????.

????? ????? “?????” ????????? ????????? ???? ????? ??????? ???? ?????? ?????? ?????? ???? ????? ???? ???? ???? ???? ??? ????? ???? ????? ??? ???? ?? ???? ??? ??? ??????? ?? ???? ??? ????.

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

????? ??? ?? ??????:

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

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

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

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

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

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

The names of the 200 doctors are available on All4syria website.

September 28th, 2011, 7:27 am

 

Tara said:

Syau

Hi. Ok. If you say so.

September 28th, 2011, 7:28 am

 

Mohamed Kanj said:

TARA – does it really hurt ur vicious mind so much that i am a sunni. And being sunni doesnt come on my skin as u said. I am born with it and proud of it. It really must burn you with a passion that we, the majority of sunni’s in syria have not supported your extremist idealogy, that you turn to deciding who is sunni,allawite or christian on this blog. So therefore due you conclude that the mufti of syria is not sunni also? Do you conclude that 70% of the syrian parliament is not sunni also, due to the fact that they dont support your extremist agenda? Do you say that the majority of sunnis in the millions upon millions who went out in support of the reforms and in support of the government 2 months ago in every city of syria, are not sunni also??? Why is it that you have been brainwashed. I bet that you went to a madrissi in pakistan or saudi arabia. Why does it hurt you that sunni’s like myself will not kneel to the west and the puppets of the arab countries who support israel and everything it stands for? Why does it hurt you so much that sunni’s like myself stand beside the only ARAB leader who has ever stood by the resistance( Hizbollah ), who the west and its puppets in the middle east have tried to wipe it out. Is the mufti of the sunni’s in lebanon not a sunni also, just because he went and met shiite leaders in the south? Such hatred and evil in you. Women like urself should live in saudi arabia,pakistan and afghanistan and than you will appreciate what freedom you have in syria.

Watch and learn from the MUFTI OF SYRIA and than you will come to understand why the majority of SUNNI’S in syria are too smart for the foreign media and the west.

September 28th, 2011, 7:34 am

 

Akbar Palace said:

As I said before, these youngsters will tip the balance away from the blind US support for the rogue state they are connected with or live in.

Annie,

That’s what they said about “Peace Now” 30 years ago. Israel has so many “pro-peace”, liberal organizations, I can’t count them on the two hands I have. Israelis got burned by Arafat and Oslo alomst 20 years ago, so I doubt these organizations will ever be able to recover. Moreover, they are still Zionist organizations that promote the State of Israel, so in that sense, they will always be illegitimate to those that are intolerant.

Syrians are much more tolerant of your posts however irritating they can sometimes be. Try and have a dissenting voice heard at some zionist sites.

Annie,

I TRY not to start discussions about Israel. I find that discussion of Israel creeps in despite my best effort to shut up. However, some people see a Jew behind everything that happens in the world. And the sad thing is there’s medication for this type of ailment;)

Like I’ve said many times before, I’m here to promote Syrian democracy. End of story. A free ME is a WIN/WIN for everyone.

September 28th, 2011, 7:44 am

 

zoo said:

Analysis: Iraqi Shi’ites fear fallout of Syria turbulence
Reuters By Rania El Gamal | Reuters –

BAGHDAD (Reuters) – Iraqi Shi’ites, like their allies in Iran, fret that unrest in Syria could oust President Bashar al-Assad and bring to power hardline Sunnis eager to put their weight behind fellow-Sunnis in Iraq who have lost out since Saddam Hussein’s fall.

They fear the turmoil next door could spill into Iraq, reignite sectarian violence and intensify a proxy battle between Iran and Saudi Arabia, which sees itself as the bastion of Sunni Islam and has never come to terms with Shi’ite rule in Baghdad.

“If Syria falls, Iraq will work with Iran to influence events in Syria,” said a senior Iraqi Shi’ite politician, who asked not to be named.

“Change in Syria will cause major problems for Iraq. They (Sunnis) will incite the western (Sunni) part of Iraq.” {..}

http://news.yahoo.com/analysis-iraqi-shiites-fear-fallout-syria-turbulence-085508798.html

September 28th, 2011, 7:59 am

 

Areal said:

376. Aboud said:
“”””
Besho …. , he will be bought to justice
“”””
REALITY

bought :
Please stop buying people like the HOMSI garbage man for 4000 SP ; at least until you bring home your Ph.D in Indian English literature from a 3rd rate university.

Sorry , I can’t resist , it is too easy to be mean sometimes.

September 28th, 2011, 8:03 am

 

annie said:

.389 AKBAR
happy to hear you say I’m here to promote Syrian democracy. End of story.

How is a zionist American going to do anything about that ?

I choked on reading Habby Newyear; utter disrespect for the beautiful language. The tongue of the ? . May be they don’t pronounce “p” but neither can you say ??d.

Agree with you about “they are still Zionist organizations”
and as such I am intolerant of them. Only solution is One country for all with equal rights for all and end of zionism.

And please, don’t equate Zionist with Jew

September 28th, 2011, 8:17 am

 

Ali said:

“Tara” said
“You can still defend the regime being Alawis”

Thank you, thank you, thank you!!! That’s what we need! permission from a fake Syrian to support the government…because we were too scared to do that before. “Tara” you should seriously consider dying your hair black. It MIGHT do you some good.

September 28th, 2011, 8:20 am

 

norman said:

AL Arabia reported the killing of a nuclear scientist in Homs this morning,

I wonder if this the start of killing the educated people in Syria as it was the case in Iraq.

September 28th, 2011, 8:21 am

 

zoo said:

Obama reaching out to Muslim Brotherhood
in Syria; Pro-West opposition protests
September 26, 2011

WASHINGTON — The administration of President Barack Obama has been quietly consulting with the Islamic opposition in Syria.

Senior U.S. officials have been meeting with the Muslim Brotherhood as well as its lobbyists in the United States. They said the two sides have convened several times over the last three months to discuss the Brotherhood’s role after the ouster of President Bashar Assad.

“We ask the U.S. and international community to put an end to bloodshed and send Bashar Assad to the International Criminal Court,” Susan Misto, a board member of the Syrian American Council, said.
The Reform Party in Syria has protested the administration’s meetings with the Brotherhood. RPS, regarded as one of the most pro-Western elements in the Syrian opposition, said Washington was signaling its endorsement of the Brotherhood’s goal to make Syria into an Islamic state rather than a democracy that would foster its large minority community of Alawites, Christians and Kurds.

“This ill-advised policy of the U.S. State Department will have dire consequences, not only for the future of Syria, but also through an immediate increase in violence and the strengthening of the Assad base,” RPS said on Sept. 23.

On Sept. 24, the council, regarded as a lobbyist for the Brotherhood, held a meeting in Anaheim, Calif. to discuss a post-Assad Syria. The session was addressed by U.S. special envoy Frederic Hof, responsible for U.S. policy on Damascus.

“As Syrian-Americans we stand in solidarity with the peaceful protestors in Syria who are giving their lives daily in the pursuit of freedom and liberty,” Ms. Misto said.

This marked at least the second session between the State Department and the Brotherhood in as many months. The first meeting was headed by Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and excluded members of the secular Syrian opposition.

Hof was said to have met Najib Ghadban, a member of the Syrian National Council and a political science professor at the University of Arkansas. The meeting was endorsed by the Brotherhood-aligned Council on American-Islamic Relations.

http://www.worldtribune.com/worldtribune/WTARC/2011/me_syria1203_09_26.asp

September 28th, 2011, 8:34 am

 

DIGGING FOR GOLD IN BOSRA said:

@ areal said: and 374. Ya Mara Ghalba

Guys, you sound so ridiculous and gullible that I don’t even know where to begin.

“I trust the integrity of the Syrian establishment”. Why? They have only just recently admitted that figures for GDP growth have been made up (although no one believed them in the first place). Why would you continue to trust them?

“. I trust that the head of the Central Bank and the other professionals who work for the Central Bank believe in The Theory of Reality”

“The Theory of Reality”. I don’t think you realise how stupid you sound when you capitalise those words. You’re not alone though; there are plenty of other idiots on this forum who do similarly inane things.

“They are not like the Syrian Dissidents. They do not make stuff up” – see the first comment that I made.

“. But Ehsani is almost surely mistaken and bigoted when he insinuates that the US$18 billion number could be untrue.” Mistaken maybe, but bigoted?

It’s true, there have been many tales of greed and corruption in recent American history. However, the difference is that in the States you hear about these scandals and the perpetrators are punished. If the scandal involves a politician they will inevitably be voted out of power if they aren’t put in prison first, and that by the way extends to the President.

I’m going to make this really simple. Right now we are unable to vote for the President of Syria.
Were there free and fair elections there would undoubtedly be people such as yourself who would vote for Assad – I don’t deny that. You believe that he is a reformer and you think Syria is a better country for having him as President. Fine. However, there are a whole body of people who think the opposite. We think that he has not only failed to reform the economy, but that he has also been complicit in the spread of corruption. There’s more but I’ll spare you.

In the same way that you hold your view with conviction, we also hold ours. You believe that you are right, but so do we. The problem is that in Syria there is no political process through which to reconcile these competing visions. You guys have your man in power and you will do whatever it takes to keep him there. You are forcing your will upon us. This has been tolerated for a long time, but patience ran out 6 months ago. Given that there is no credible political process in which to make known our views the result will be civil war. In the same way that his militia target protestors, Assad himself has now become a legitimate target.

People have been arming themselves for a long time. Both sides know what is coming. We are heading for all out war in which everybody becomes a combatant. Get your tin hats on now guys. Man the best man win.

September 28th, 2011, 8:34 am

 

Aboud said:

Hey menhebaks, weren’t any of you invited to the Athadian wedding in Spain? I hear two Athad cousins are getting married. Yuuuuuuch, my God, Qurdaha is the red neck town of the Middle East. How long will it take you people to get into the 21st century.

All I can say, good thing Besho doesn’t have a daughter, he’d be marrying her off to one of his sons. Disgusting.

“Please stop buying people like the HOMSI garbage man for 4000 SP ”

No way dude, we don’t have enough money left over to buy Homsi garbage men for 4000 liras, not after we finished building mock cities in Qatar and importing crazy pills LOL!

And from the look of things, you people don’t have enough money left to pay your garbage men in Qurdaha. Why not kidnap a few people and hold them for ransom? No worries, maybe we will help you with the payroll after we shove a bus load of shabihas off the roads in Marmarita 🙂

September 28th, 2011, 8:48 am

 

Akbar Palace said:

Only solution is One country for all with equal rights for all and end of zionism.

Annie,

Your “only solution” is just your inability to think beyond your anti-zionism. A two-state solution is what the PA, the State of Israel, and the international community are seeking. You may not want a two state solution, but you’re just one lone observer.

Obviously me being an American Jew can’t help Syria very much, and equally, you don’t seem capable of helping the Arab-Israeli conflict.

And please, don’t equate Zionist with Jew

Why not? It’s done here all the time, and the vast majority of Jews are pro-Israel.

Annie,

You have the right to hate Israel. And by doing so, you (IMHO) hate Jews. I would say the same to a Jewish anti-Zionist.

September 28th, 2011, 8:52 am

 

Aboud said:

“I bet that you went to a madrissi in pakistan or saudi arabia”

Said the Persian who so wants to be a Sunni so badly he fantasies about it online. And it’s madrassa. Once more the Persians show their own ignorance of both Arabic and English.

So, for our next conspiracy, we will kidnap the Iranian president and inflict a horrible punishment on him…we will forcibly shave him. Muwahaahhahahah! What a scruffy little midget.

(heheheh, menhebaks will remember me and my insults looooong after this website is gone)

September 28th, 2011, 9:02 am

 

Aboud said:

“I wonder if this the start of killing the educated people in Syria as it was the case in Iraq.”

*facepalm* Not the infamous “Bandar Plan Conspiracy” again. Dude, for someone who claims to be a doctor, your analytical and critical thinking capabilities stink. Maybe you didn’t go to the right “madrissi”? Hehehehe

September 28th, 2011, 9:05 am

 

Areal said:

REALITY
Colonel, Charge d’Affaires at al-Baath University and 2 Citizens Killed by Armed Groups in Homs and Hama

Sep 28, 2011

HOMS/HAMA/DAMASCUS COUNTRYSIDE, (SANA) – Engineer Aws Abdel Karim Khalil, a nuclear engineering specialist and charge d’affaires at al-Baath University was martyred on Wednesday by the fire of an armed terrorist group in Homs governorate.

A source in the governorate told SANA correspondent that the martyr was targeted near Jisr Bab Amr and shot in the head, which caused his immediate death.

The authorities found the body of Citizen Abdel Rahman al-Maghrebi with a gunshot wound in the head thrown near al-Patraa Pharmacy in al-Baiyadeh neighborhood in Homs.

Citizen Abdel Rahman al-Mbaiyed from Bab Hood was transported to the hospital after he was shot dead in al-Adawiyeh neighborhood.

Law Enforcement Colonel Martyred in Hama

Law enforcement Colonel, Tayssir al-Oqla, was martyred on Tuesday after being shot by an armed terrorist group at al- Ta’awuniya Neighborhood in Hama.

An official source in Hama told SANA Correspondent that al-Oqla was performing his duty in preserving the security of the aforementioned neighborhood with a group of his colleagues when an armed terrorist group opened fire on them using machine guns.

Col. al-Oqla was shot in his head, and he was transferred to al-Hourani Hospital in Hama where he died affected by his injuries.

Forensic Doctor at Hama National Hospital, Mohsen al-Zubaidi, said “The body of martyr al-Oqla was transferred to the Hospital where the examination of the body showed that the death resulted from a brain hemorrhage and skull fracture resulted from a gunshot.

Large Amounts of Weapons and Explosive Devices Seized in Damascus Countryside

The authorities in Damascus Countryside seized amounts of weapons and explosive devices in Kanaker village.

The seized weapons included improvised high explosive devices, ammunition, chemical raw materials for making explosives, in addition to a large number of Molotov cocktails, catapults, computers and loudspeakers.
http://www.sana.sy/eng/337/2011/09/28/372103.htm

MY LITTLE NOTE
Sometimes , I doubt that the SANA Arabic to English translation is dead correct.
REWARD
1000 SP for the first one who understands my little note.

September 28th, 2011, 9:09 am

 

Aboud said:

“Col. al-Oqla was shot in his head”

Good, maybe that will ease the pressure on your payrolls, and you can import a car or two.

September 28th, 2011, 9:13 am

 

areal said:

393. norman said:

AL Arabia reported the killing of a nuclear scientist in Homs this morning,

I wonder if this the start of killing the educated people in Syria as it was the case in Iraq.

REALITY
It was the case in the 70’s and 80’s when the terrorist MB murdered educated people in Syria.

September 28th, 2011, 9:13 am

 

annie said:

397. AKBAR

ending this discussion
You have the right to hate Israel. And by doing so, you (IMHO) hate Jews. I would say the same to a Jewish anti-Zionist“.
See ? Poor Jews, they HAVE to be pro-Israeli; no freedom of choice here.
I deeply dislike Israel and I wish it had never existed but I have no hate.

September 28th, 2011, 9:16 am

 

Halabi said:

I love how Assad supporters waste time trying to prove that the government’s financial and economic data is reliable, when even the vice president says it’s manipulated. But then again, it’s only a matter of time until Sharaa meets the fate of Khaddam and is lumped in the conspiracy, despite decades of service to the criminal gang…

?????? ????? ????? ??? ??? ??????? ???? ?????? ?? ?? ??? ??????? ???????? ??? ???? ????? ??? ???? 6-7%? ????? ????? ??????? ???? ?? ??? ?????? %3.5
http://syria-news.com/readnews.php?sy_seq=134892

As for Enron, Madoff, etc., there is no doubt that there are bad actors in every country. The difference is that sometimes powerful people in the West face justice, while criminals like Khaddam and Rifaat Al Assad are allowed to get away with their billions and live a life of luxury in exile. Bashar had a decade to issue an Interpol arrest warrant to bring his uncle and former VP to justice rather than let them organize the armed, extremist, fake democratic movement against the utopian Assad regime.

I hope the next Syrian government will not make that mistake, and will hunt down Bashar, Maher, Rami and their fellow mobsters.

September 28th, 2011, 9:21 am

 

Akbar Palace said:

Deeply Disliking Annie

See ? Poor Jews, they HAVE to be pro-Israeli; no freedom of choice here.

Annie,

Wrong again. Jews don’t HAVE to be pro-Israeli; most Jews don’t have any strong opinion one way or the other. But most are tolerant of Israel and don’t get stomach aches when discussing Israel like anti-Zionists do. So yes, IMHO, a Jew that is anti-Zionist is anti-semitic. Not recognizing the right of Jews to govern themselves is anti-semitic. Anyway, in this case, it is a small number of people/Jews.

I deeply dislike Israel and I wish it had never existed but I have no hate.

Annie,

“Deeply disliking” something and wishing it “never existed” seems like splitting hairs to me when comparing to “hate”.

Hating anything takes time and energy, and it seems to me that too much effort is expended in the ME hating Israel rather than fixing problems at home.

Just for comparison, the vast majority of Israelis do not hate Palestinians and recognize their need to self-determination and eventually statehood. In this sense, Israelis are smart, because it takes too much energy to hate anyone. People have lives and businesses to attend to and hate can get in the way.

Everyone has “freedom of choice” except those in the ME living under Arab despots.

I deeply dislike Israel and I wish it had never existed but I have no hate.

September 28th, 2011, 9:31 am

 

sheila said:

To dear #307. Darryl,
You are right and on the money. I appreciate that you are looking at this issue as objectively as you can. It has become a custom to attack Islam for the sins of Muslims. Only people with intellectual depth can see very clearly the separation between the two. Religion is a reflection of the people who adhere to it at any specific point in time. People look back at the time of jizya and complain that it was unfair. They forget that this was the 7th century. The Islamic model was the best in the context of the era. Historically speaking, Islam had to be the best model. It took advantage of Judaism and Christianity and created a better model. The benefit of being the newest and latest. However, today we are in a different era. Things have changed (hopefully for the better). We can not take a model that worked in the 7th century very well, and use it verbatim today.
Looking at the Arab countries’ current situation, we get really angry at our state of affairs, but we tend to forget that we only became countries few decades ago. Some Arab countries gained their independence as late as the seventies. This is really nothing in the grand scheme of things.
You said: “, the majority of Muslims have never read the Qur’an and rely on the Sheikhs“. I would like to add that a few Sheikhs have never read all the Quran and a few could not understand it even if they did. Remember that it was only through a presidential decree by Alshishakli that it became a requirement to be appointed as a Sheikh, to have graduated from elementary school. Many Sheikhs in Syria before this decree were illiterate. My question is: what do you expect from these people?. Their goal is to keep their subjects even more ignorant so that they can control them.
Most Muslims today are uneducated, uncultured and uncivilized. Unfortunately, this holds true to all other religious groups living in those countries. I find Christian Syrians to be suffering from the same ailments. After all, it is not the religion that is at fault, it is those who interpret the religion with very limited tools of thought. (I am talking here about the masses. Of course both Muslim and Christian Syrians have intellectual elite).

September 28th, 2011, 9:35 am

 

areal said:

395. DIGGING FOR GOLD IN BOSRA said:

@ areal said: and 374. Ya Mara Ghalba

Guys, you sound so ridiculous and gullible that I don’t even know where to begin.

“I trust the integrity of the Syrian establishment”. Why? They have only just recently admitted that figures for GDP growth have been made up (although no one believed them in the first place). Why would you continue to trust them?

REALITY

The Syrian central bank is an establishment with accountants with the normally simple task to count US dollars banknotes and weight gold .

The Syrian government has to rely on the collection of ” reliable” economic data from the economic actors ( like production from the private companies ) by economists to compute a figure for the GDP:
a messy job prone to many errors even in the USA where economic monthly figures are usually corrected the next month.

May I hope you will be able to acknowledge the difference.

September 28th, 2011, 9:57 am

 

Amir in Tel Aviv said:

Annie,

I’m (Amir) a young Jew, and I get to decide what that means. I respect others to do the same, including the “Young Jewish and Proud”. I’m proud of them, because they wish for something better (in their eyes).

About what you said on Mizrahi Jews being nicer to Arabs. The opposite is true. The Israeli ‘Peace Now’ movement, is almost entirely white urban and Ashkenazi (European Jews). This is because Jews who came from Arabia, know what is Jewish life like, under Arab rule.

Did you know that during the times of the Ottomans, Jews had to wear pink colored cloths, to identify them? Read the Turkish Nobel prize laureate Orhan Pamuk’s ‘My Name is Red”. I’m reading it now.
.

September 28th, 2011, 10:05 am

 

Ghufran said:

is burning schools (Idleb) and assassinating doctors and teachers (Homs and Hama) part of the revolution to topple the regime?
I used to listen to skeptics who say that the Shabeehas are responsible for every criminal act since March but not anymore, it is easy now to see why Syria is in such a mess,too many idiots with guns,some are hired or supported by the government and some are not.Too many idiots who never finished high school but can still finish the life of a doctor or a scientist. When they can not hit a soldier or a security officer,they will hit civilians who are labeled as collaborators.
We as Syrians must answer a bigger question,not just what type of a regime we want,that question is: do we deserve to live as one nation in one country,or is it a war that will spare nobody and send the best of us outside the country or to the morgue?

September 28th, 2011, 10:05 am

 

Aboud said:

“The Syrian central bank is an establishment with accountants with the normally simple task to count US dollars banknotes and weight gold . ”

Yeah, and your VP admitted that economic statistics were faked. Try to *weigh* that and take it into consideration. There is a difference between a small margin of error and outright fraud. And do your Baathist peasants correct their statistics on a monthly basis? Hehe, more like once in a blue moon.

Athadstan, the only place in the world where the government admits it lied, and still the menhebaks plead and beg with us to believe them.

Funny thought occurred to me. The Persians here hate the Sunnis so much, and yet look how full of Iranians Qatar and the UAE are. Those countries provide a standard of living to the Iranians, and an investment climate, that they could not possibly dream of back in Iran. Iranian prostitutes also find an easier time of making a living in Dubai, catering to Gulf clients. The Ayatollahs really should loosen up, stop banning everything, and maybe some of the money would stay in Tehran and help with the high unemployment problem.

But at least some Persians have found gainful employment prostituting what feeble media skills they have in the service of Besho. Make sure he pays you by cash though, I hear his banks can’t honor any cheques 🙂

September 28th, 2011, 10:12 am

 

Mina said:

Aboud
“Athadstan, the only place in the world where the government admits it lied”
you probably missed the one where Berlusconi told the Italian police that a prostitute he used to have sex with and who was in custody was actually Mubarak granddaughter and that they should release her to avoid a diplomatic crisis.

Sorry you have never read the news before last March!! The ONLY governemnt that admits it lied…. ah ah ah! Best joke of the day.

September 28th, 2011, 10:20 am

 

Haytham Khoury said:

Phillip Salem is an oncologist. He works in Huston, TX.

?????? ?????????? ?? ????? – ???? ??????? ????? ????

– 2011/09/28??? ??: ?????? ????????
??????? ????? ???? – ????? ??????
????? ????? ????? ?????? ??? ??? ????? ????? ???
???? ???????? (?? ??????)

??? ????? ?? ?????. “???? ???? ???? ??? ???? ????? ???? ?????? ??????”? ????? ????? ???? ????? ?? ????? ??? ?? ???? ?? ????? ??? ????????? ?????. ??? ??????? ???? ?????? ????? ??? ???? ????? ?????? ????? ?????? ?? ????? ??? ??? ????? ?? ??? ??????? ?? ????? ??? ?????? ?? ?????. ????? ?? ???? ?? ?? ???????? ?? “???????” ??????? – ???????? ?? ????? ??????? ??????. ???? ?? ???? ??? ???????? ?????? ???? ???? ????? ?? ?????? ??? ???? ??????? ??????? ???? ?? ??? ??? ??? ?????????. ?? ??? ???? ????? ?? ????? ?????? ??????? ?? ????? ???? ????????? ?? ??? ???? ???? ????.
????? ?????? ??????? ?? ????? ???????? ?????? ?????? ?????. ???? ????? ????? ????? ??? ??????. ?? ????? ????? ?????? ?????? ???? ??????? ??? ???? ????? ???????. ????? ????? ????? ???? ??? ?????? ??????. ???? ???? ??? ??? ???? ????. ?? ?????? “????? ?????? ?????????” ???? ????? ??? ??? ?????????? ????? ??????? ?????? ?? ?????? ?? ?????? ????? ?? ???? ??????. ??? ????? ???????? ?????? ???? ????????? ??? ???? ???? ?? ???? ???????? ??? ??? ??????. ?? ???????? ???? ???? ??? ?? ?????? “????? ?????? ???????”. ??? ?? ???????? ???? ??? ?? ??????? ????? ?? ????? ??? ???? ?? ??????. ???? ???? ?????? ??????? ????? ???? ??? ????????
?????? ?????? ??????? ????? ??????. ??? ?????? ????? ????? ???? ???????? ?? ?????? ?? ?? ???? ?? ????? ??? ???? ??????? ????? ??? ???? ??? ????? ??? ????? ???? ????? ??? ??? ??? ???????? ?? ???? ??? ????? ??? ?? ??????. ??? ????? ??? ??????. ???? ???? ?? ?????? ?????? ?? ????? ?? ????? ?? ?????? ??? ????? ?????? ??????? ???????? ?? ?????? ??? ?? ?? ??? ??? ????? ??????? ?? ??? ?????. ??????? ?? ??????? ???? ????? ???? ????. ??? ?????? ?? ????????? ????????? ?? ????? ?? ????? ???????? ?? ??? ??? ??????? ??????? ?? ?? ??? ???? ???? ?? ?????. ????????? ????? ???????? ?? ???? ??? ??????. ?? ??? ????? ??? ??????? ??????? ???? ????? ???????. ???? ???? ??? ???? ?????? ?? ??? ????? ?? ??????? ?????? ???????. ???? ??? “????” ?????? ?????? ???????.
????? ????? ?????? ??????? ?? ????? ???????? ??????? ???? ??? ????????? ?????????. ??????? ?? ???? ?? ????? ????? ?? ????????? ?? ????? ??????? ???? ?????? ?? ???? ????? ?? ???? ???? ??? ???????? ???????? ??????. ????? ?? ???? ??? ??????? ?? ??? ????? ?????. ??? ????? ?????. ??? ???? ??? ????????? ?? ????? ?? ????? ???? ??????? ???? ????? ??????. ???? ???? ?????? ??? ??????? ??????? ?? ??? ?????. ???? ???? ???????? ????????. ?? ??????? ???? ??? ???????? ???????? ????? ??? ??? ????? ????? ?? ???? ?? ??????. ?? ??? ???? ??? ???????? ??????? ???????? ?? ??? ?????? ??? ???? ??? ?????? ???????? ??????? ??????? ????????. ?????? ????? ???????? ???????? ????? ??????? ?? ?? ????? ??? ?? ????? ???? ?? ?? ?????? ???. ??? ??? ?????? ????? ???? ?????? ??? ???? ????? ????? ??? ?? ????????? ?? ????? ?? ????? ??????? ???????? ??? ?????? ???? ????? ??? ??? ??? ??? ????? ????. ??? ??? ??????? ???? ???? ???? ???? ???? ???? ????? ???? ?? ???? ?????.
?? ?????? ??????? ????? ?? ???? “??? ????? ????????? ?? ??????? ???????”. ??? ???? ?? ??????? ?? ??? ?????? ?? ????? ???? ???????? ??? ???????? ??????????? ????? ??? ?? ????: ????? ????? ????????? ??? ?????? ?? ?? ????? ?? ??? ?????? ?? ?? ?????? ??? ???? ?????? ???? ?? ?? ?? ????? ?? ????????? ????? ?? ??? ????? ??? ???? ???????? ????? ????? ???? ?????? ??????? ???????. ??? ????? ???? ?????? ?? ??????? ??????? ??????? ?????? ??????????. ??????? ?? ??????? ???? ?? ????? ?? ????????? ?? ?? ??? ??? ???? ??? ?????. ??? ???? ???????? ???????? ???????. ?? ??? ??? ??? ????? ??? ???? ?????? ??????? ???? ???? ??? ????? ??????? ????? ???? ?????? ??????? ????? ?????????. ??? ??? ?? ???? ???? ?????? ?????? ?? ???? ???? ???????. ??? ??? ?? ????? ??? ??? ????? ?? ??? ??????? ????? ???? ??????? ??????.
???? ?? ???? ?? ???? ?????? ????? ?????? ?????? ?? ???? ??? ???? ????? ????? ?????? ??? ??????? ??? ?????? ????? ?? ??????. ????? ?? ????? ?? ??? ?????? ???? ???? ??? ????? ???????? ??? ?????? ???????. ?? ????? ???????? ?? ??? ?? ????? ????? ??????. ?????? ?????? ????? ??????? ??? ?????? ?? ????? ?? ?????? ????? ????? ??????. ??? ????? ?? ???? ????? ??????? ?????? ??? ??? ?? ???? ?? ?? ?????? ??? ?????? ??????? ???? ???? ??? ?????? ?? ??????? ????????. ???? ????? ????? ?????? ????????? ???? ?? ??? ????????? ????? ?????? ?????? ??? ??????. ??????? ???????? ???? ??????? ????? ?????? ?????? ??? ?? ??? ??? ?????? ???? ?????? ???????. ?? ??? ?????? ??? ?????? ?????. ????? ???? ??? ???? ????? ????? ?? ?? ??? ???? ??????? ?? ?????? ??????? ?? ???? ?? ????? ??? ?? ????? ?????? ??????. ???? ?? ????? ?? ?????? ???? ?????? ????? ?? ???? ??? ??????? ??? ??????? ??? ???? ?????? ????? ?????? ????????? ??? ??????. ???? ???? ????? ????????. ????? ????? ?? ??????? ?? ????? ??? ?????? ?????? ?????? ???????. ???? ??????? ?? ??????? ????????? ????????. ???? ??????? ?? ???? ???????. ??? ???? ????? ?????? ?????? ???? ?? ????? ????? ?????? ??? ?????? ??? ???? ??? ????? ?? ?????? ????. ?? ?????? ??????? ?????? ???? ???? ???????????? ???? ??????? ?????? ??????? ?? ?????? ????????? ??????. ???? ??? ????? ?? ?????? ???? ????? ??? ???? ????? ?????? ?????????? ?????????. ?????? ?????? ?????? ?????? ?????? ???????. ??? ??? ????. ?? ?? ?????? ??? ??????? ???? ??????. ?? ????? ?????? ?? ??? ????? ??????. ??????? ?? ???? ???? ??? ??? ??????? ?? ??? ???????? ???? ?? ??? ??????.
?? ??? ??????? ??? ?????. ??? ??? ????? ??? ?????? ?? ????. ??? ??? ????? ?? ????? ????? ??????. ??? ????. ??? ???? ???? ?? ??? ???? ?????? ?? ????? ??????? ??? ???? ???? ???? ?????? ?? ??? ????? ?????? ??????? ?? ?? ??????? ??? ?????? ??????. ?? ????? ???? ????? ?? ???????? ???????? ??? ???? ?????? ??????. ????????? ?? ????? ?? ??? ?? ??????. ????? ?? ?????? ????? ?? ??????. ??? ?? ???????? ?? ????? ??????? ?? ??? ??????? ?? ?????? ???????? ?? ?????? ??????? ?? ?????. “?? ?????? ?? ???? ?????? ?? ?????”. ??? ?????? ??????? ???????? ????? ?????? ??? ???? ?????? ????????. ??? ?? ?????? ???? ??? ??????? ?????? ??? ????? ?????????? ???????. ?? ??? ??? ???? ???? ?? ???. ?? ?????? ?? ??????? “?? ???? ?????”. ?? ???????? ????????? ?? ?????. ????? ????? ????? ????? ?? ??? ????? ???. ????????? ??? ?????? ?? ???? ?????. ??? ???? ?????? ?? ??????. ??? ???? ?? ???? ???? ??? ??????

September 28th, 2011, 10:22 am

 

sheila said:

Dear #405. Akbar Palace,
You said: “Not recognizing the right of Jews to govern themselves is anti-semitic”. I would like to say that we Arabs have a problem with the term anti-Semitic, when we ourselves are Semites. The second problem that we have with your statement is that we Arabs recognize the right of Jews to govern themselves and have no problem with that, however, we do have a problem with the right of the Jews in somebody else’s land. I know that you can come up with a million excuses to why Palestine is rightfully yours: from God gave it to us to we bought it. The truth really is that Zionists, who strangely enough are secular, decided to create a country on top of other people, the Palestinians. There is no denying that the Palestinians were robed their land and this is where we have a problem.
I have to tell you that you are right. Israel is an advanced nation. The Jews have accomplished a lot that the Arabs have failed to even get close to. That even living under a “Jewish state” is much better for many Arabs than living under the dictatorships that the Arabs suffer from. That there were many atrocities committed by both sides. This still does not change the core of the problem.
Toady, we have Israelis that were born in Israel that did not really have a choice in what happened. They are in a position to have the moral courage to admit that nobody has a divine or not so divine right in anybody else’s land, apologize for the injustice that was perpetrated on the Palestinian people and live in peace with their neighbors. As long as Israelis contend that they had the right to Palestine, there will never be true reconciliation with the Palestinians and the Arabs.
I want to remind you that the Muslims, Christians and Jews lived in the Middle east in peace for many centuries before the creation of Israel. It could happen again. Israel can have a tremendous positive impact on the region if the Israelis can only bring themselves to admit and apologize for what they did. This does not remove Israel from the map, but rather gives it a moral standing

September 28th, 2011, 10:31 am

 

Ehsani said:

Ya Mara Ghalba (#374):

First, thank you for taking the time to read my note in detail. Writing such articles takes a long time and it’s great to see that people take their time to read them in the detail that you clearly have done.

You did not need to refer to me as “bigoted”. I personally prefer that we stick to the issues. Areal in #384 tries his best to jump on that same bandwagon by questioning the integrity of my profession. Again, I will refrain from entering into low quality personal attacks and exchanges. Instead, I will focus on the issues that you raised:

It is good that you admit that you “have not delved into the details of the official government accounts”. Perhaps you should.

Let us talk about the all-important issue of the reserves. I have tried my best to go through the Central Bank balance sheet to add the foreign exchange reserves. I was not able to come up with $ 18 billion. I was only able to add up much less. My suspicion is that the $18 billion are not all in foreign currencies or gold. The government may include in the reserves number SYP assets with the Commercial Bank of Syria. To me, foreign reserves are none SYP assets. If I am wrong, please write to the Central Bank and let me know how I can arrive at the $ 18 Billion.

You have linked data from the Central Bank. Why don’t you add up the imports or look at the main indicators on the website? Imports are supposedly $13 billion. However, just yesterday the head of the Central bank claimed that the new ban will cover 25% of all imports and will save the government $6 billion.

http://www.syria-news.com/readnews.php?sy_seq=137832

But, how can the 25% saving of $6 billion be part of total imports of $13 billion (website figure)? Does this imply that imports are actually $24 billion? Indeed, in the same article he also claims that car imports are valued at $4.5 billion. But, industry sources confirm to me that Syria imports a maximum of 80,000 cars a year. This means that the value of each imported car into Syria is $56,250. This is substantially higher than the figure of the industry sources who claim that the average is close to $15,000. Local bankers confirm that the car imports value is closer to $1.5 billion than the $4.5 billion cited by the Governor.

You suggest that the Central Bank should print money by doing quantitative easing. First, there is no government bond market in Syria that the Central Bank can buy. Quantitative easing works after the Central Bank cuts its main policy rate to near zero first. When that does not generate enough borrowing and investments by the private sector, it can resort to the so-called quantitative easing which effectively expands bank reserves in the system even after short term rates reach the zero-bound. Do you know where short term rates are in Syria? They are near 9% and were “raised” which is tightening of monetary conditions in order to support the SYP. What your entire critique missed is the interaction between interest rate policy and the foreign exchange peg. In order to hold the SYP at 47, the Central Bank is forced to pay 9% on SYP deposits to entire depositors to keep their money in SYP accounts at the local banks. What you totally miss also is the level of interest rates that the Syrian government will have to pay to borrowers to execute what you suggest. The only level that they wanted to pay the last time they tried was 1-2%. At that rate, no private bank participated in a single bond auction. That experiment of starting a local bond market has been shelved since. The level of interest rate that private lenders were willing to accept to lend to the Syrian government was way too high for the government to accept. If inflation as you say is not a problem, the SYP 47 peg should be gone as I suggest. This will enable the Central Bank to lower rates and entice private borrowing which took place only at double digit rates. I say “took” because no local bank is lending money right now.

September 28th, 2011, 10:38 am

 

Akbar Palace said:

Bank Mizrakhi vs Bank Hapoalim

The Israeli ‘Peace Now’ movement, is almost entirely white urban and Ashkenazi (European Jews).

Amir in Tel-Aviv,

When I lived in Israel, we used to call them “Tzfonim”. They were the only ones who read “Haaretz”.;)

September 28th, 2011, 10:39 am

 

irritated said:

Abboud

#401. Aboud said:

“Col. al-Oqla was shot in his head”

Good, maybe that will ease the pressure on your payrolls, and you can import a car or two.#

Are you sick in the head or mentally retarded? You should be ashamed of yourself to write such stupidity and please, your english is lousy, so stop teaching the SC commenters how to write.
Your usage of ‘oooo’ and ‘dude’ show that you at most 12 years old or your brain has been seriously damaged.

You are rendering a famous service to the regime by your childishness, the stupidity of your comments and your pretention.

Continue, it is very helpful to have guys like you in the opposition.

September 28th, 2011, 10:52 am

 

Aboud said:

Ehsani #413

Wow, so that’s what an intelligent and articulate reply to obvious menhebak nonsense looks like.

*we are not worthy! we are not worth!*

“where Berlusconi told the Italian police that a prostitute he used to have sex”

*faceplams so hard his hand hurts*

Dude, are you seriously comparing the sexual escapades of the Italian prime minister, with the wholesale forging and fabrication of vital economic statistics? Heck, how do we know your VP’s new figures make any more sense than the forged ones?

You don’t know, and you can’t possibly know. Civilized countries have freedom of information acts, their figures and conclusions are transparent. When someone tries to pull off an obvious lie like the Nigerian Yellow Cake Iraq WMDs etc etc, it eventually comes out due to checks and balances.

The only checks and balances you people know are the checks you write the shabiha drug addled scum after they have balanced killing 20 people from Hama with 10 people from Damascus and 10 from Aleppo.

“Best joke of the day.”

Hehe, here’s a joke for you; Besho is so stupid that to raise money, he’ll sell his car to pay for gas. Muwahahahahaha 🙂

September 28th, 2011, 11:03 am

 

DIGGING FOR GOLD IN BOSRA said:

@ AREAL

You’re right, figures in the US are corrected from month to month, but never by 300 basis points as was the case in Syria. To anybody with any knowledge and understanding of these issues that is a shocking error to make – although I don’t believe it was a simple miscalculation.

You have way too much faith in the independence of the central bank. As with any institution in Syria its aims are subordinate to the security of the Assad regime. We aren’t talking about the Fed or the ECB here.

Also, you make the task faced by the Syrian Central Bank sound like it’s a case of adding up the numbers on your grocery receipt. It’s a tad more involved than that.

September 28th, 2011, 11:07 am

 

Akbar Palace said:

I would like to say that we Arabs have a problem with the term anti-Semitic, when we ourselves are Semites.

It’s english. Build a bridge…

The second problem that we have with your statement is that we Arabs recognize the right of Jews to govern themselves and have no problem with that, however, we do have a problem with the right of the Jews in somebody else’s land.

Build another bridge (#2). Israel is a UN member state recognized everywhere except in the minds of Athad, Nejad, and Nasrallah (The 3 Stooges).

I know that you can come up with a million excuses to why Palestine is rightfully yours: from God gave it to us to we bought it.

Annie,

Israel is not mine. It a state of 6 million Israelis where 75% are Jewish and 25% are not. Palestine is home to some 3 million Arabs with a border and status yet to be determined. No excuses necessary.

The truth really is that Zionists, who strangely enough are secular, decided to create a country on top of other people, the Palestinians.

Jews legally immigrated to Palestine and legally bought land and settled. Build a third bridge.

There is no denying that the Palestinians were robed their land and this is where we have a problem.

No, the problem is the Arab rejected partition and lost a war they started. Build a fourth bridge.

Thank you, however, for acknowledging the accomplishments of Israel and the Jewish people. Don’t you think it is time for Arabs to follow suit?

This still does not change the core of the problem.

The core of the problem is all these “bridges” the Arabs have to build. Interestingly, these bridges are not tangible but only concepts. Very little effort is needed except to change how one thinks.

Toady, we have Israelis that were born in Israel that did not really have a choice in what happened.

Profound comment Annie!

They are in a position to have the moral courage to admit that nobody has a divine or not so divine right in anybody else’s land, apologize for the injustice that was perpetrated on the Palestinian people and live in peace with their neighbors.

Lose the word “divine”. This smacks as some sort of jealousy. People have migrated all over the world. Indians passed through North America to South America. Muslim passed through North Africa to Spain and through South East Asia. Magyars passed through Turkey, Hungary, and Finland.

For many solid reasons, Jews moved into Palestine. Some were already there.

As long as Israelis contend that they had the right to Palestine, there will never be true reconciliation with the Palestinians and the Arabs.

Bridge Number 5. Israel is Real;) Make peace with it. It isn’t going anywhere, and only her border will be adjusted when and if negotiations with the Palestinians resume.

I want to remind you that the Muslims, Christians and Jews lived in the Middle east in peace for many centuries before the creation of Israel.

See Amir’s post above. This is good information. Thanks.

It could happen again. Israel can have a tremendous positive impact on the region if the Israelis can only bring themselves to admit and apologize for what they did.

If an apology is needed, I am sure this could be worked out as part of the negotiations. Minor issue.

This does not remove Israel from the map, but rather gives it a moral standing.

Thank you for your interest in the morality of Israelis. Are you going to discuss the morality of Arabs and Muslims too?

September 28th, 2011, 11:13 am

 

Syrian Nationalist Party said:

REMINDER: DON’T FORGET YOUR 16,000 PRISONERS. HAVE MERCY ON THEM. I KNOW IT IS HARD FOR MOSLEM TO DO SO, THAT IS CONTRARY TO ISLAM AND MOHAMMAD THE MESSENGER OF SIN, THE ALIEN REPTILIAN MOON GOD NATURE AS WELL. BUT PLEASE DO SOMETHING TO RELEASE THEM. MAKE A BARGAIN. DON’T REPEAT 80’S LIVING IN ANAHEIM AND VERMONT AND LEAVING BEHIND THOUSANDS TO ROT TILL DEATH IN BAATHIST CONGLOMORATE PRISONS.

September 28th, 2011, 11:15 am

 

Amir in Tel Aviv said:

Akbar,

It’s actually closer to 8 millions. It’s 7,797,000 Israelis.
http://www.glz.co.il/PrintNewsArticle.aspx?newsid=90912
.

September 28th, 2011, 11:19 am

 

DIGGING FOR GOLD IN BOSRA said:

Ehsani, you are wasting your time attempting to educate him/her.

If they think Syria has no inflation problem now, just let them wait a few months. Let’s see how willing the central bank is to defend this peg. The venerable Bank of England faced a similar economic issue with the ERM in the early 90s, interest rates jumped to 12% in an attempt to defend that peg. It didn’t work.

Syria may well have a lot of foreign reserves stashed away in order to defend this peg, but the market is far bigger than any one bank’s reserves, especially the Syrian central bank. My guess is that in the next few months the SYP will start trading at ever higher numbers on the black market (which is the real market by the way), the central bank will then be faced with the prospect of having to sell its hard currency to defend the peg. I don’t think they’ll do this. Overnight local people will find themselves unable to afford even the most basic foodstuffs. They certainly won’t be travelling to Turkey or Lebanon. Prices will then sky rocket internally.

As Ehsani pointed out, Syria lacks the normal monetary transmission mechanism that serves other countries well. There is no mortgage market and few people have any form of credit, so there is a complete disconnect between the average person and interest rates. I’m not even going to discuss bond auctions, bid to cover ratios and the Syrian yield curve –although thinking about it, if it had one it would probably look V-shaped.

September 28th, 2011, 11:23 am

 

annie said:

Why the number of protests is dwelling

http://www.amnesty.org/en/news-and-updates/arrests-and-death-threats-silence-syrian-activists-2011-09-27

When Syrian security forces came looking for Muhammad Al Hamwi on 23 September, they made a threat calculated to strike fear into any Syrian parent’s heart.

The man in charge told Muhammad’s parents: “I will crush the throat of your son with my foot. I will return him to you like Ghayath Mattar.”

These terrorists are lying that is for sure. The mukhabarat don’t talk like that. (sarcasm)

September 28th, 2011, 11:32 am

 

Akbar Palace said:

Let’s Get Nack to SYRIA Comment

Amir in Tel Aviv,

Right, thanks. No wonder why housing is so expensive!

CIA World Factbook says:

7,473,052 (July 2010 est.)

PS – Since it is Rosh Hashanna, could you please apologize to Annie for the creation of your illegal state that she “deeply dislikes”? It would help the Peace Process.

September 28th, 2011, 11:37 am

 

Aboud said:

#419 AND SNPER MUST USE CAPS BECAUSE HE CAN’T HEAR HIS OWN THOUGHTS FROM THE ACID TRIP HIS BRAIN HAS BEEN ON SINCE YESTERDAY!!!!!! HE ALSO CAN’T SPELL CONGLOMERATE! HE NEEDS TO GO TO A GOOD “MADRISSI”!

Hehehehe 🙂

Digging

“Also, you make the task faced by the Syrian Central Bank sound like it’s a case of adding up the numbers on your grocery receipt. It’s a tad more involved than that.”

But maybe that’s how they approach such complex economic matters. They are after all simple Qurdahan peasants. They can’t be expected to have much sophistication in these matters.

September 28th, 2011, 11:37 am

 

ann said:

Nuclear engineer assassinated in central Syria – 4 hours ago

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5jnOHsAhVxsnDJ9jEIZD61VPys3nw?docId=ec1618918d8744d5aa3c247c0ba32580

BEIRUT (AP) — A Syrian nuclear engineer was assassinated in a hail of bullets in central Syria Wednesday, the latest casualty in a string of murders this week of academics and scientists, Syria’s state-run news agency and activists said.

SANA said engineer and university professor Aws Khalil was shot in the head by an “armed terrorist group” operating in Homs, but activists accused the regime of going after academics in an attempt to terrorize the city’s rebellious population.

His killing came as fighting raged in the nearby town of Rastan for the second day between troops trying to enter the town and army deserters who have switched sides and joined the mass revolt against President Bashar Assad that began in mid-March.

Activists say there are hundreds of soldiers who have defected in Rastan and other areas on the outskirts of Homs. The Local Coordination Committees activist group and London-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said a defected lieutenant died in Wednesday’s clashes.

Khalil is the fourth Syrian academic to be assassinated in Homs since Sunday. The city, a hotbed of dissent against Assad’s autocratic regime, has witnessed some of the largest anti-government protests since the uprising against Syrian President Bashar Assad began six months ago.

In the past month, it has witnessed almost daily clashes between Syrian troops and army defectors. There also have been increasing reports of attacks on security forces and police patrols by some who have taken up arms to fight the military crackdown.

Mohammed Saleh, an opposition figure in Homs, said Khalil’s assassination Wednesday is part of a string of killings — all in the same manner — of Syrian academics. They include Hassan Eid, chief of chest surgery at the Homs hospital who had treated wounded Syrian protesters in the past months.

Also shot dead were professors Nael Dakhil, 54, and Mohammed Aqeel, 49, who was assassinated by bullets that struck his car in the Ghouta neighborhood of Homs.

The dead men came from different religious backgrounds — Shiite, Alawite and Christian — and it unclear whether the killings had any sectarian motives. None of those killed were Sunni, Saleh said.

The killings are reminiscent of assassinations in Iraq following the 2003 U.S. invasion of that toppled Saddam Hussein’s regime, when the country was hit by a wave of assassinations that claimed the lives of scores of physicians, professors and nuclear experts in what led to a brain drain from the country.

Syria, like Iraq, has a volatile sectarian divide, making civil unrest a frightening prospect. The Assad regime is dominated by the Alawite minority, an offshoot of Shiite Islam, but the country is overwhelmingly Sunni Muslim.

Saleh said it was not clear who was behind the killings, adding there were gunmen operating in Homs and that the situation was fluid.

Syria-based activist Mustafa Osso blamed the regime was for the assassinations. “They are trying to sow chaos, fear and terror in the hope that protesters will be cowed into retreat,” he said.

A statement by the Al Ghad coalition, an umbrella group of Syrian activists, said it was yet another attempt to crush the Syrian people’s peaceful revolution.

“The regime has failed until now to create sectarian strife in Homs and it’s trying again now to do so in a brutal way, disregarding the importance of scientific experts to Syrian society,” a statement said.

SANA, the state-run news agency, said Khalil, like the other three academics, was killed by armed terrorist groups which it blames for the unrest in Syria.

The New York-based Human Rights Watch group, meanwhile, called for an international investigation into the possible role by Syrian security agents in the recent decapitation of an 18-year-old Syrian woman.

Zainab al-Hosni from Homs was beheaded and mutilated early this month, and her body returned to her family. She is believed to be the first woman to die in Syrian custody since the uprising started.

Activists said she had been detained by security agents to pressure her activist brother to turn himself in.

“Syrian security forces either killed and mutilated Zainab al-Hosni or are turning a blind eye to gangs committing gruesome murders against anti-government activists and their families,” said Joe Stork, deputy Middle East director at Human Rights Watch.

September 28th, 2011, 11:45 am

 

majedkhaldoun said:

SNP
The total number of your party is only one, it is you only, there is no way that someone else other than you who thinks like you.if you say different, please prove it.

September 28th, 2011, 11:49 am

 
 

Revlon said:

336. Dear Mohamed Kanj,
You said:
@ 327 – well said MINA.
“We Syrians have the Palestinian issue embedded in our blood……”
“that is why you see 70% of the Sunni population and 99% of the other sects and religions in Syria stand by the current Syrian government”

I SAY:
The Syrians have risen against Asad-Makhloof clan tyranny and been sacrificing to regain their right to self determination in their own country.

They share with their Palestinian brethren the struggle against oppression and the seeking to restore their confiscated properties and resources and abridged basic human and civil rights.

I am not surprised that the Palestinian issue is in your blood as you claimed; You have been feeding on it ever since you and your Baathist and Minority led regime came to be. For that matter, please refer to Coz’s article in the NYT in March, where he described the Syrian regime as the Guarantor of Israel’s stability!

I WONDER!
Did 70% of Sunni and 99% of Christian Syrians (Never mind the 3alawi’s), support the Palestinian cause by brutally bombing Tal AlZa3tar during the civil war?

Did 70% of Sunni and 99% of Christian Syrians (Never mind the 3alawi’s) support the Palestinian cause by standing behind the brutal bombing of the refugee camps in Southern Lebanon by Nabih Berri’s Forces.

Did 70% of Sunni and 99% of Christian Syrians (Never mind the 3alawi’s) support the Palestinian cause by giving the blind eye to the inhumane economic conditions of Palestinian labour practiced by Ghazi Kan3an through their Proxy Lebanese Government?

I QUIZ:
Name a single Baathist Army soldier or officer who sacrificed his blood in defence of any Palestinian soul, or any Syrian citizen for that matter?

September 28th, 2011, 12:27 pm

 

atassi said:

Roundup: Foreign sanctions rebound on Syria as prices skyrocket
gongzhenxi
28 September 2011
Xinhua News Agency
XNEWS
English

DAMASCUS, Sept. 28 (Xinhua) — The recent EU sanctions over the Syrian government’s alleged crackdown on protesters during months of unrest have actually rebounded on the Syrian citizens by pushing up prices and making basic commodities out of reach.

The European Union agreed on Saturday to impose sanctions on six Syrian companies, including Syriatel and the largest private company, Cham Holding, to intensify pressure on President Bashar al-Assad, who has come under withering international criticisms for his government’s dealing with the months-long protests.

A day earlier, the EU also agreed to ban investment in Syria’s oil sector.

In a move aiming to help offset the impact of the EU sanctions, Syrian Minister of Economy and Trade Mohammad Nidal al-Shaar announced Friday the suspension of Syria’s import of cars and luxury goods to “save foreign exchange reserves.”

All the import of products subject to tariffs of 5 percent or more will be suspended, the minister said.

The decision covered a wide array of commodities.

Shaar said late Sunday that the decision, though temporary, is “sovereign and irreversible and will remain in force according to the changes in the current situation,” referring to the EU sanctions.

The measure, according to many Syrians, including the upper class of merchants, has further crippled the economy and forced all Syrians into belt-tightening.

Practically, there are no acute shortage of foods or basic household items so far and the capital Damascus is awash in big- ticket items such as cars and refrigerators. However, the prices of nearly all imported items, ranging from fancy chocolates to other nonessential goods, have soared by nearly 30 percent since Friday, making such items a luxury most Syrians cannot afford.

“It’s very strange. Most imported commodities have vanished all of a sudden and the prices of the remaining items doubled,” said Mohammad Saleh, a 35-year-old citizen.

“I can’t blame the government as it’s trying to preserve the country’s reserve of hard currency,” he said, “Greedy merchants are the sole people to be blamed.”

Some traders who don’t want to see the chance slip through their hands have renewed the prices of the basic items on the shelves of their shops.

Fawaz Ahmed, a car merchant, said the car prices would rise between 100,000 to 200,000 Syrian pounds (about 2,050 to 4,100 U.S. dollars).

“In fact, I didn’t increase the price but all other car dealers have done so… At the end, I will be obliged to cope with the new situation,” he said.

The nearly seven-month-long crisis in Syria has brought life to a standstill as revenue from tourism, workers’ remittances and foreign investment plunged sharply since then.

Many complained that their lives have become worse economically and the new ban on most imported items has further aggravated the situation.

Hamdi al-Abudllah, an economist, told Xinhua that the ban would put an “additional burden on the ordinary Syrians, as well as the merchants and the manufacturers, as the prices of some commodities would inevitably rise and would thus decrease the percentage of sales.”

Adib Mayala, the governor of Syria’s central bank, said recently that the decision to reduce imports would “enable Syria to save 6 billion dollars annually to face the sanctions imposed by both the EU and the U.S.”

Syrian Minister of Industry Adnan Slakho told Xinhua recently that the step is not final and some of its items could be reversed after the government studies its repercussions on the citizens.

“For instance, halting the imports of ready-made cloths has positive impact on manufacturers, but halting the import of fabrics would have negative one,” he said.

Mazen Hamour, member of a Damascus chamber of commerce, said the government should reconsider the measure “to prevent smuggling business across borders in search of raw materials.”

September 28th, 2011, 12:33 pm

 

Revlon said:

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

2011/09/28
http://www.sooryoon.net/?p=34023

????? ??? ????? ? ??? ?? ?????? ??:

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

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

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

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

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

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

September 28th, 2011, 12:37 pm

 

ann said:

Syria urges end to foreign intervention in its internal affairs

2011-09-27

http://news.xinhuanet.com/english2010/world/2011-09/27/c_131161259.htm

UNITED NATIONS, Sept. 26 (Xinhua) — Syria on Monday called for an end to foreign meddling in its internal affairs, saying that the Syrian people are “determined to reject all forms of foreign intervention.”

The statement came as Walid Al-Moualem, Syria’s minister for foreign affairs, addressed the general debate of the UN General Assembly’s 66th session, which entered its fifth day here on Monday.

“I assure you that our people are determined to reject all forms of foreign intervention in their internal affairs,” said Al- Moualem. “We shall continue pursue security and stability.”

He said within months Syria Al-Moualem will “proceed in implementing the comprehensive program of reform through national dialogue.”

“From this rostrum, I call on states which have partaken in the unjust campaign against Syria to reconsider their positions,” Al- Moualem said. “To them I say our people will foil your schemes.”

Syria has been wracked by six months of unrest which it blames on foreign conspiracy and armed thugs. A recent UN statement put the number of civilians killed during the past six months in Syria at 2,600.

Meanwhile, the Syrian foreign minister thanked all countries that “stood by our people’s side in this crisis, pre-empted any harm that could have befallen their interests and encouraged them to pursue their aspirations.”

September 28th, 2011, 12:46 pm

 

Aboud said:

Revlon, what kind of Arab doesn’t know a simple word like “madrassa”? A Peeeeeeeeeeeeeeeersiaaaaaaaaaaaaan!

These Persians. They’d give their right balls for a visa to Saudi Arabia to be able to wash cars for 750 riyals a month LOL!

September 28th, 2011, 12:55 pm

 

Mina said:

Aboud, you are not convincing anyone when you say that Western govs are perfect and that their lies make it to the media.
You did not even understand what I wrote about Berlusconi.
Sorry to say it again, but you are not in Syria and certainly not in Homs. Louai’s tone was the tone of someone who’s been recently there. My friends on the phone have the sad and broken voice of people seeing their country plunging into civil war the way Iraq or Lebanon did. Target assassinations are certainly the result of Western and Gulf interference and directed against Iran. The attack on Iran HAS started, and since there was a bilateral defense agreement, the ally has been targeted first, since Lebanon has been the playground too recently.
Your hysterical chuckle proves definitly that you’re not in Syria, because even with being fed up of the regime, no Syrian would react this way.

September 28th, 2011, 12:56 pm

 

SYR.EXPAT said:

Ladies and gentlemen,

It’s official. The president announced that the “painful incidents” that affected Syrian cities is over and that things are getting back to normal.

I hope we don’t hear more nonsense about mundaseen, defectors, and criminal gangs supported by foreign entities.

http://www.syria-news.com/readnews.php?sy_seq=137852

????? ????: ??????? ??????? ?????.. ?????? ??????? ?????? ????????? ??????
??????? ????????
????

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

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

???? ????? ???? ????? (????) ?? “?????? ???? ?????? ??????? ?? ?????? ??? ??????? ????? ??????? ???? ?????”? ?????? ?? “?? ???? ????? ?? ???????? ???????? ??? ?? ???? ?????? ??? ????? ?????? ???? ?????? ???? ????? ??? ???? ????????? ???????”.

????? ??? ????? ??? 15 ???? ?????? ???????? ????? ????? ???????? ??????? ?????? ?????? ??????, ?????? ?? ???? ???? ??????? ?? ???????? ?????????? ???? ?????, ???? ??????? ??????? ??? ????? ??????? ?????, ???? ???? ??????? ?????? ??????? ???????? “????? ?????? ??? ??????????”.

????? ????? ??????? ?? ????? ?????????? ??? ??? 2700 ???, ???? ???? ??????? ??????? ????? ?? ??? ??????? ??? ??? 1400 ??? ????? ?? ????? ??????.

September 28th, 2011, 1:01 pm

 

Revlon said:

Dearest Ehsani and Alex,
A belated thank you for taking pains in keeping Syriacomment blog alive.

Coverage of economic developments have been amply and brilliantly covered in your posts since!

I urge you to consider broadening the scope of your posts by including other emerging political, military, and human rights issues.

Cheers!

September 28th, 2011, 1:04 pm

 

Syrian Nationalist Party said:

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

So all those fabrications above is really to get more cash to buy high end property in Vermont and to relocate from a dump in Anaheim to white neighborhood (blonds-blue) in Newport Beach. You think Newport will tolerate Islamic filth? They will pass city ordinance within 24 hr of seeing hejab at the local Victoria Secret where most Peroxide blond fat/ugly Moslem wives shop.

September 28th, 2011, 1:06 pm

 

uzair8 said:

Recently Turkey has gone through some changes. The uncovering of an alleged coup and arrests of Officers, resignations of 4 top Generals, Turkeys high profile visits to Somalia, Libya and Egypt. Also its tough stance against Syria and Isreal.

I welcomed these changes and was hopeful Turkey was moving in the right direction (put to one side the recent comments on secularism in Egypt).

Tough talk against Isreal alongside a deteriorating relationship.

However I was wandering why the west and especially the US (including commentators) weren’t making a fuss about Turkey. Maybe they want Turkey to talk tough and gain popularity and hence become a role model for the region (arab, muslim, and ‘arab spring’ nations). A role model representing an acceptable form of government to the west.

Today I have come across a familiar voice concerned about Turkey:

Daniel Pipes

September 27, 2011 4:00 A.M.

Is Turkey Going Rogue?

Newly Islamist leadership threatens the entire Middle East.

In a Middle East wracked by coups d’état and civil insurrections, the Republic of Turkey credibly offers itself as a model, thanks to its impressive economic growth, democratic system, political control of the military, and secular order.

But, in reality, Turkey may be, along with Iran, the most dangerous state of the region. Count the reasons:

(Read more:)

http://www.nationalreview.com/articles/278398/turkey-going-rogue-daniel-pipes

September 28th, 2011, 1:09 pm

 

Syria no kandahar said:

????? ?????? ??????, ??????? ???????? ????? ??????,???? ????? ????????.????? ??????? ???????? ???? ???? ???? ?????? ???? ??? ?????? ????? ??????. ?? ???? ?????? ??????? ????? ????? ?? ?????? ???? ?????? ??????? ??????? ??????? ???????? ????? ???????? ????? ??????? ?? ???? ????? ????? ?????.
???? ???? ????? ???? ?? ????? ????? ???? ???? ???? ????? : ??? ????? ?? ????? ?????
????? ???? ?????? ?????
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?????? ?? ??????
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September 28th, 2011, 1:10 pm

 

OFF THE WALL said:

Dear EHSANI @ 414

That was outstanding, respectful, and the most professional rebuttal I have read on SC in a very long time. Thanks for the incredible efforts.

Dear DIGGING FOR GOLD IN BOSRA @ 422

I don’t think Ehsani is wasting his time. Some of us are learning a tremendous deal reading Ehsani’s main articles and posts, not to mention that they are written in ways that we can understand. Your posts are also very informative.

September 28th, 2011, 1:11 pm

 

ann said:

Syria’s leader forms election commission – Sep 28, 2011

http://english.ruvr.ru/2011/09/28/56897090.html

Syria’s leader Bashar Al-Assad has signed a decree on forming the Supreme Election Commission in the country comprising 10 members of the Court of Appeal. The date for the general elections will be announced later. They are due by late 2011 as a law in this respect was approved in July together with a draft law on political parties.

The country’s Minister of Information Adnan Mahmood said that the bills open a new stage of democratic development when people can choose their representatives .

September 28th, 2011, 1:14 pm

 

Ya Mara Ghalba said:

Ehsani says more about Syrian government finances in #414. Ehsani says:

I have tried my best to go through the Central Bank balance sheet to add the foreign exchange reserves. I was not able to come up with $ 18 billion.

Okay. The Syrian government has a responsibility to clear up this question. We need more transparency.
**************
Separately from that, I said earlier that the Central Bank can and should print money by doing “quantitative easing”. Ehsani in reply to me uses a narrow defintion for “quantitative easing”, and I’ll quit using the term because I was using it in a loose sense. What I meant to say is that the Central Bank can give the government a piece of paper that says “Here is a present of another SYP 500 billion. Spend it.” This can be done without inducing inflation. The extra SYP 500 billion in government expenditure stimulates the whole economy in the shorter term and compensates for the contractionary effect of the Events. Governments who control their own currency can do this during recessionary weather.

I have no argument against Ehsani’s proposition that the foreign exchange rate is too strong. A devaluation may be beneficial, as Ehsani has been saying. I thank Ehsani for his knowledge and comments.

September 28th, 2011, 1:30 pm

 

Mina said:

Moderators,
The stigmatization of Persians and/or Shias is becoming embarrassing on this forum. It is almost calling for genocide. No one is being insulted because he’s jew, christian, or sunni.
By the way, Shiism has been in Lebanon and Syria far before it was in Iran. In the 11th, when Syria was mainly shiite, Iran was rather Sunni (see the Samanids).
To think that “Sunnis” and of course “Arabs” have no Persian, Nubian, or Turkish ancestors is also completely ridiculous.

Aboud, if you are a Syrian in Syria, as you claim to be, how come you never mention TV shows from Syria and Lebanon and the ongoing discussions on the events ? Is it after reading your posts that the UK ambassador in Damascus thought satellite TVs were blocked in Syria?

September 28th, 2011, 1:32 pm

 

Syrian Nationalist Party said:

@SOMEONE OR SOMETHING

OOOOH First we are less than 20, now we are down to one. You are right it is only me. How did you get that, wow, you are as smart as American and Semites. It is too bad President Bashar Assad (MENHEBEK) refused to allow us to open office in Syria. I think know why, maybe he knew what we are up to next with all these filth buckets called Sunni Mosques. Especially this Islamic Bedouin genocidal maniac, your favorite, called Khaled Ibn Alwalid. I am already thinking this vile character burial over a Holy Syrian Site needs to be dealt with even before we put foot in Syria. Those 2 Cocks (phallic symbols or reptilian demon race) standing in the front are an intolerable site to look at in Homs. Let me tell you something, you Moslems pissed me personally off so much that any chance of you managing to get the whole dam world against Bashar Assad is now ZERO.

There are a lot of highly educated Syrians that think like me (and non Syrians) that read my newsletters and are comprehending what is going on, what is this is all about. Not everyone has his head pointed at Al FILTH AL ARABI news channels, CNN, FOX and for you in the gutter of a Mosque. If SNP needs popularity and numbers, it will take one video to have the whole Syria behinds us, and blow the filth that you represent out of Syria borders to Muscat.

Assad, would not allow SNP to open office in Syria because, if you notice, he, Syria and its media, did not attack neither Arabs nor Turks. He thinks we are a liability, but at one point, if you revolutionaries to progress, he will be overruled and no more Mr. nice guy with all this worthless nations of Banadik, Arab and Turkmen. Will deal with them then effectively, consider them physically gonner.

September 28th, 2011, 1:49 pm

 

Shabbi7 said:

Revlon, 429

I wanted to ignore your post because it was so stupid, but I just had to say this: `Izz Ad-Deen Al-Qassam.

After the Palestinians themselves, no country sacrificed for Palestine like Syria did (people, army, nation, and president). We’ve suffered decades of sanctions for our position on Palestine and the Arab Nation. Stop being so retarded. You can’t just cherry-pick events in the Lebanese civil war. The Palestinians were not very innocent at the beginning stages of the Lebanese civil war.

Moron!

September 28th, 2011, 2:04 pm

 

Revlon said:

The FSA is setting the record straight.
Its soldiers and officers are dying in defence of their fellow civilians, something the Baathist Asadist army has never done in 4 decades.

13 civilians and FSA fighters fell martyrs today.
AlFati7a upon their souls.
may God bless their family with solace and empower them with patients.

???? ????? ???? ?? ??? ?????? Youth Syria For Freedom

????? ??? ????? .. ????? ???? ???????
???? ????? ???: ?- ?????? ???? ????? / ??? – ??????/
?- ??? ?? ?? ???? /??? – ??????/
?- ??????? ???? ?????./??? – ??????/
?- ?????? ???? ????? / ??? – ??????/
?- ??? ?????? ????? / ??? – ??????/
?- ???? ????? /??? -?? ??????? /24????-??? ???????
?- ???? ????????? /??? -?? ???????/35 ????-??? ???????
?- ??? ????????? / ??? / ???? ???? /
?- ???? ???? / ??? – ?????? /
??- ????? ???? / ??? – ?????? /
11 – ??? / ??????? / ???? ??? ?????? ????? ..
12- ??? / ?????? / ???? ????
13- ??? / ?????? / ???? ?????

39 minutes ago

September 28th, 2011, 2:09 pm

 

Tars said:

Zoo

I asked a question yesterday and no one had an answer for it. May be you can help. It is a well known fact that Mubarak’s regime was responsible for covertly attacking Coptic churches in Egypt to blame it on the bogeyman, the MB. It is also known that Bashar al Assad regime was exporting ” terrorists” to Iraq to ignite the civil war. Why then some Christians were/ are against toppling the dictators both in Egypt and in Syria. Isn’t that counter- productive? Wouln’t the rule of law protect them rather than make them “collateral damage” at a dictator’ whim?

September 28th, 2011, 2:15 pm

 

Tara said:

Mohamad khanj

You are Sunni if you say so. I certainly do not know for sure. You just sounded like pretending to be a Sunni to convince people that ” the majority of Sunnis support the regime”. Regardless of your belief, You need to know that majority of Sunnis are against the regime. The Sunnis that support the regime are the one who benefited financially from it and there are many. It is my word against your word. How do we find out? By a NOVEL concept that is never practiced in Syria before. They call this novel concept ” free election”. Have menhbaks ever heard of it?

September 28th, 2011, 2:24 pm

 

Revlon said:

445. Dear Shabbi7:
You said:
“Revlon, 429
I wanted to ignore your post because it was so stupid, but I just had to say this: `Izz Ad-Deen Al-Qassam”

I SAY:
I am so glad you brought that name up!
The named was an Islamist Syrian, not a coward, hypocrite, corrupt Baathist.
He voluntarily fought for the Palestenian cause long before you or the Baath party came into being.

Do I need to tell you what would have become of him had he been borne in Syria in my time with Thug One or his Dad in charge?
http://middleeast.about.com/od/glossary/g/me080315.htm

I repeat the Quiz, this time with multiple choice answers for obviously needed simplification:

Q: Name a single Baathist Army soldier or officer who sacrificed his blood in defence of any Palestinian soul, or any Syrian citizen for that matter?
A:
1- I do not know
2- You do not know
3- No body knows
4- Who knows

September 28th, 2011, 2:31 pm

 

baran said:

SNP

Try Clozaril. It may work.

September 28th, 2011, 2:46 pm

 

Shabbi7 said:

Ravlon,

Look douche, there is nothing wrong with being an “Islamist”. The term carries negative connotations today because of Western media. When people like `Ar`our are called “Islamist” that is when I have a problem with it. It’s one thing to be a devout Muslim, but totally another to proclaim it “7alal” to kill, slaughter, chop, torture `Alawis, or any other people for that matter, in the name of Islam. This also applies to any “sheikh” who declares any group he wants as Muslims or non-Muslims. Of course, almost all those pieces of shit are now hiding in Europe or Saudi Arabia, still pretending to speak, in the name of God and Islam, against the “Alawite regime” in Syria.

If you don’t consider Qassam a Syrian citizen (which doesn’t seem like it, because you’re so stupid), then remember the post-independence Syrians that died in 1948 for Palestine. I just cannot comprehend how stupid you are with this “quiz”. There are so many Syrians who secretly went to Palestine to fight for the freedom of Palestine. All wars that Syria has had was against the Zionist entity, or some element belonging to the Zionist entity. Does that not qualify as also fighting for Palestine? In Syria, we grow up with a concept called the Arab Nation. If we ever forget to think of the Arab Nation as having a unified history, we will get stupid comments from stupid people like your comment from you.

September 28th, 2011, 2:51 pm

 

Mango said:

????? ???? :
????? ?? ?????? ??????? ?????? ?????. ???????? ?????? ?? ?????
???????? ?????? ??? ???????? ???????? ??? ?????? ?????? ?????? ?? ?? ????? ??? ??????? ??????? ?????? ????? ????? ??????? ???? ????? ?? ???? ????? ??????? ?????? ?? ???? ??? ??????? ??? ???? ??? ????? ?????? (????????? ???? ???? ???? ????? ?????? ????? ???? ????? ?? ??????).

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

????? ?? ?????? ???? ????? ???? ?? ??? ????? ???????? ?? ?????????? ????? ???????? ?? ?????? ?? ????? ????? ??? ????? ????? ???? ?????? ??? ?????. ??? ???? ????? ????? ???? ????? ????? ??? ????? ??? ???? ??? ????: ????? ?????????? ???? ????? ??? ????? ???? ?? ???? ????? ????? ??? ??????? ????????? ??????? ?????? ???? ??????? ?? ?? ?????? ????????? ??????? ???? ????? ?????. ????? ?????? ?? ????? ????????? ???? ??? ????? ?????? ????? ?????? ???????? ????? ?????? ?? ?????? ???? ??? ?? ???? ????? ???????? ?????? ?? ????? ??? ???? ??????.

September 28th, 2011, 2:52 pm

 

Syrian Nationalist Party said:

@MORON

Try ZERO, go for it, it may work.

September 28th, 2011, 2:53 pm

 

R said:

Khaled Ibn AlWaleed phalange of the FSA calls able civilians to enlist in its ranks to defend their neighbourhoods and loved ones.

???? ????? ???? ?? ??? ?????? Youth Syria For Freedom
?? ???? ?????? ?? ????? ????? ?? ??? ?? ????? ?????
… ?? ?? ?????? ??? ?????? ??????? ??? ??????
?? ????? ??? ???? ????? ????? ?????? ???? ???? ::

???? ????? ???? ??? ?????? ??????? ?????? ???????? ????? ????? ???? ??? ?????? , ??? ?????? ????????? ?? ???? ????? ????? , ????? ???? ??? ?????? ???? ??? ???? ??????? ??? ?????? ?? ????? ????? ??????
3 hours ago

September 28th, 2011, 2:59 pm

 

Mina said:

447, Tara
“the rule of law”? why don’t you try to experiment it on the size of a 200 person village, first, and guarantee equality of men and women in terms of choices, weddings, inheritance, access to jobs? just like the hippies in the seventies, the MB should first demonstrate they can agree on something that enable them to live even between themselves, to start with… Ever heard about Sudan?

September 28th, 2011, 3:00 pm

 

Revlon said:

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

by ????? ???? ??? ???????? on Wednesday, September 28, 2011.

???? ????? ???? ???? ?? ??? ?????? ????? ??? ??? :

???? : ?? ???? ?????? ?? ???? ?? ??? ??? ????? ??? ????, ??? ?????? ?????? ? ??? ?????? ?? ??? ??? ??????? ???? ???????? ? ??? ???? ??????? ?? ?????? ??????? ?????? ????????? ?? ????? ??? ?????? ?????? ?

?????? : ?? ???? ?????? ?? ???? ?? ??? ???? ????? ??? ???? ? ?? ???? ?? ????? ??? ? ??? ????? ?????? ??? ???? ?????? ?? ?? ????? ? ??????? ??? ????? ?? ?????? ??????? ?? ??? ????? ???????? ? ???????? ???? ?????? ?? ????? ? ?????? ??? ??????? ? ??? ????? ( ??? ??????? ??? ????? ???????? ) .

???? : ??? ??? ?????? ??? ?????? ?? ??? ?????????? ?????? ? ??? ???? ??? ?? ????? ????? ??? ??? ??????? ???? ??? ????????

?????? : ?????? ?? ??? ??????? ???? ???? ???? ???????? ??? ?? ??????? ????? ? ???? ??? ????? ??????? ???? ?????????? ???????? ?? ?? ????? ????? ? ??????? ????? ?? ??? ? ????? ???? ?????? ??????? ( ?? ???? ??? ??? ???? ???? ???? ? ??? ???? ?? ??? ????? ??? ????? : ??? ?? ???? ???? ) ?

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

???? : ?? ??? ??? ?????? ????? ??????? ?????? ? ??? ??????? ?????? ?????? ?? ???????? ????? ???? ????? ?? ????????? ?? ??? ?????? ? ??? ??? ???????? ??? ????? ??? ?????? ??????? ?? ????? ???????? ?? ????? ????? ??? ?????? ?? ???????? ?

?????? : ?? ??? ??? ?????? ????? ??????? ?????? ??? ???? ??????? ??? ??? ?????? ??? ????? ?? ?????? ? ???? ???? ????? ? ???? ??? ?????? ??????? ?????? ????? ????? ??? ?????? ?? ????? ? ????? ?? ??? ???????? ? ??? ?? ?????? ???? ????? ????? ? ?? ??? ????? ???? ?? ????? ?? ????? ? ??? ?????? ?? ??????? ???? ????? ?????? ???? ???????? ? ???? ????? ????? ?????? ??? ?????? ? ???? ??? ?? ?????? ?? ????? ??? ??????? ?? ????? ??? ?????? ?????? .

???? : ??? ??????? ?? ??? ?????? ?????? ??????? ?? ?????? ????????? ? ????????? ????? ? ??????? ????? ???? ?? ???? ?????? ??? ?????? ? ??? ???? ??? ?? ???? ?????? ??? ???? ????? ? ???? ??????? ????? ???? ?

?????? : ?????? ??? ?????? ?? ??? ?? ??????? ????? ???? ???? ??????? ? ????? ??? ???? ???? ????? : ( ??? ???? ???? ???? ?? ???? ?????? ?? ???? ??? ??????? ???? ) ??????:?? ??? ???? ??? ?

??????? ?? ???? ???????? ?? ??? ?????? ? ??? ????? ? ???????? ???? ????? ?? ?????? ??? ??? ?????? ? ??? ????? : ( ???? ????? ????????? ???? ?????? ????? ?? ???????? ) ??? ???? ?????? ?? ??? ??? ????? ?? ??????? .

????? ??? ???????
http://www.facebook.com/m.a.alsabouni

September 28th, 2011, 3:04 pm

 

majedkhaldoun said:

I want to see no fly zone all over Syria,but Israel must not do anything weanwhile,
FSA is our hope,more of Shabbiha must be eliminated,they are what the regime is depending on,this can be done thru deception,there are many things That can be done,rebels must be educated to do.

September 28th, 2011, 3:05 pm

 

Revlon said:

Shops and residence buildings on main street of Rastan city are on fire as a result of Thug One’s tank shelling today!

This is Thug One’s concept of calm in Syrian cities and towns on Wednesday!

The Syrian Revolution 2011 ?????? ??????? ?? ???? ?????
?????? ??????? ?? ????? ?????? ????? ??? ???? ??????? ???????? ???????
????? ???? ??????? ????????? ???? ?? ????? ??? ?????? ..

about a minute ago

September 28th, 2011, 3:10 pm

 

Akbar Palace said:

How to be Pro-Palestinian

All wars that Syria has had was against the Zionist entity, or some element belonging to the Zionist entity.

Syrian Math 101:

Fighting for Palestine = no human rights for Syrians

Human rights for Syrians = not helping for the Palestinians

Killing Protestors = helping the Palestinians

Syrians killing Syrians = helping the Palestinians

Putting Syrians before Palestinians = Zionism

OK, tomorrow we’ll learn American Social Studies:

http://media.hotair.com/wp/wp-content/cachefly/images/2009-06/ramirez-govt.jpg

September 28th, 2011, 3:10 pm

 

baran said:

SNP

Trust me. It works when Halodol does not. Discuss it among your party’s members. It may be the best thing that happens to you.

September 28th, 2011, 3:10 pm

 

Aboud said:

#434 Whatever. If you don’t know about the human capacity to get used to anything, you are indeed very sheltered. I’ve been in this atmosphere for seven months. One gets used to anything. It is human nature. Your friends sound like they want some money or sympathy, sounding all doom and gloom. Or (as I suspect) you have no idea what people who live for an extended time in a place of crisis sound like.

And suppose I did mention TV shows, you think they don’t have satellite dishes in Europe and the USA? I have no idea if they get Syrian or Arab TV shows there, but I always have my TV on one of the numerous news channels all the time.

I didn’t even get a TV at my new home until May. I was never big on TV shows….ah screw it, why do I bother. According to you people, you are supposed to be Syrians even though you don’t know the words “madrasa”, “Ramadan Kareem” and what the badal was. While I’m supposed to be in Tripoli, Washington, the UK and Tel Aviv all at the same time. Dude, believe what you want. I smuggle crazy pills and build fake cities in Qatar 🙂

September 28th, 2011, 3:12 pm

 

SYR.EXPAT said:

Soldiers take over people’s homes and play in the backyard. These are the soldiers that will return the Golan Heights.

September 28th, 2011, 3:16 pm

 

Tara said:

Mina

The Syrian revolution is a popular uprising calling for the topple of Bashar al Assad and the establishment of a democratic government where everybody is equally represented. It is not calling for the rule of MB. MB will have their reps too.

Your jump to discuss what a country ruled by MB would look like is a cheap propaganda. Majority of Syrians do not have MB mentality and not interested in literal Shariaa law. You can answer that way to Aldunya audience but not on SC.

You may try again.

September 28th, 2011, 3:23 pm

 

Syrian Nationalist Party said:

@VIRTUAL REVOLUTIONARIES:

Try my well designed new Board game, available at toy stores near you, AS SEEN ON TV. Syria Revolution 2011, hurry up. Save the UPS code on the box and present it to cashier next year when the new version is out, Syria Revolution 2012, you will get 10% discount on that. VALID FOR ONE MOSLEM HOUSEHOLD ALIVE ONLY. The 2012 version is much more complex to play. It has 32,000 prisoners that you need to roll dice to play, land on ALWALID PHALLANGE SQUARE and roll the dice again, the number you see, is the number of prisoners you can free, (of course remember, it is a game ) You do not actually free a real person.

Enjoy the game but CAUTION: NOT FOR CHILDREN UNDER 12 and DO NOT USE IF YOU ARE INTOXICATED BY HOLLY QURAN VERSES. DO NOT PLAY WHEN YOU ARE WATCHING CNN, AL JAZEERA, AL ARABI AL HAKIR, OR ARROUR ON TV. SERIOUS HARM CAN BE CAUSED BY IMPROPER PLAY.

September 28th, 2011, 3:27 pm

 

atassi said:

Syria must have a “No Shabbiha and Security forces” Zone.

It will be the Shabbiha Buster Zone “SBZ”

September 28th, 2011, 3:34 pm

 

Aboud said:

Great, first we had the president who withdrew from reality through his X-Box, and now we have generic menhebak #464 who spends his old age playing Risk. I’ve heard of taking shelter from one’s problems in games of leisure, but the menhebaks take it to a ridiculous degree.

Let me guess, no one ever conquers Persia in your games, because the holy Ayatollah zaps them all with his Sacred Laser Eyes, and the unshaven midget bores opposing armies to death with his 9/11 conspiracy theories and Holocaust denials.

September 28th, 2011, 3:42 pm

 

TRUE said:

“381. Mohamed Kanj said:

ABOUD – did you forgot to tell your mother that she isnt permitted to drive in Saudi Arabia. Maybe if she was driving in Syria under Dr Bashar Al Assad she would have been able to drive. Dont worry we will give her a permit to ride her camel in Homs”

How about I start by giving your mum a good ride in LA, I’ll teach her how to drive then she could go back to drive a fancy governmental car in Syria and yeah tell her not to forget to stick as much portraits as she could of Betho, Hathan 3adoallah and the Persian God.

Sunni my arse!!

September 28th, 2011, 3:45 pm

 

OFF THE WALL said:

Subheading ones paragraph with words like REALITY, THE TRUTH, THE FACTS, does not make the argument either.

By the record, odds are 50-50, at best.

September 28th, 2011, 3:50 pm

 

atassi said:

Christians in Syria fear the worst if Assad falls; In mosaic of minorities, many believe it takes a strongman to shield them

English
© 2011 The New York Times Company. All Rights Reserved.

Abu Elias sat beneath the towering stairs leading from the Convent of Our Lady of Saydnaya, a church high up in the mountains outside Damascus, where Christians have worshiped for 1,400 years.

‘‘We are all scared of what will come next,’’ he said, turning to a man seated beside him, Robert, an Iraqi refugee who escaped the sectarian strife in his homeland.

‘‘He fled Iraq and came here,’’ said Abu Elias, looking at his friend, who had arrived just a year earlier. ‘‘Soon, we might find ourselves doing the same.’’

Syria plunges deeper into unrest by the day. On Wednesday, government troops attacked the rebellious town of Rastan with tanks and machine guns for a second day, Reuters reported. With the chaos growing, Christians visiting Saydnaya on a recent Sunday said they feared that a change of power could usher in a tyranny of the Sunni Muslim majority, depriving them of the semblance of protection the ruling Assad family has provided for four decades.

The fate of minorities in a region more diverse than many recognize is among the most pressing questions facing an Arab world in turmoil. With its mosaic of Christians and Muslim sects, Syria has posed the question in its starkest terms: Does it take a strongman to protect the community from the more dangerous, more intolerant currents in society?

The plight of Christians in Syria has resonated among religious minorities across the Middle East, many of whom see themselves as facing a shared destiny. In Iraq, the number of Christians has dwindled to insignificance since the overthrow of Saddam Hussein, driven away by bloodshed and chauvinism. Christians in Egypt worry about the ascent of Islamists. Christians in Lebanon, representing the largest minority by proportion in the Arab world, worry about their own future, in a country where they emerged as the distinct losers of a 15-year civil war.

Syria’s Christian minority is sizable, about 10 percent of the population, though some here say the share is actually lower these days. Though their sentiments are by no means monolithic — Christians are represented in the opposition, and loyalty to the government is often driven more by fear than fervor — the group’s fear helps explain how President Bashar al-Assad has held on to segments of his constituency, in spite of a brutal crackdown aimed at crushing a popular uprising.

For many Syrian Christians, Mr. Assad remains predictable in a region where unpredictability has driven their brethren from war-racked places like Iraq and Lebanon, and where others have felt threatened in postrevolutionary Egypt.

They fear that in the event the president falls, they may be subjected to reprisals at the hands of a conservative Sunni leadership for what it sees as Christian support of the Assad family. They worry that the struggle to dislodge Mr. Assad could turn into a civil war, unleashing sectarian bloodshed in a country where minorities, ethnic and religious, have found a way to coexist for the most part.

The anxiety is so deep that many ignore the opposition’s counterpoint: The government has actually made those divisions worse as part of a strategy to ensure the rule of the Assad family, which itself springs from a Muslim minority, the Alawites.

‘‘I am intrigued by your calls for freedom and for overthrowing the regime,’’ wrote a Syrian Christian woman on her Facebook page, addressing Christian female protesters. ‘‘What does freedom mean? Every one of you does what she wants and is free to say what she wants. Do you think if the regime falls (God forbid) you will gain freedom? Then, each one of you will be locked in her house, lamenting those days.’’

This month, Lebanon’s Maronite Catholic patriarch urged Maronites, the largest community of Christians in the country, to offer Mr. Assad another chance and to give him enough time to carry out a long list of reforms that he has promised but never enacted.

The comments by the patriarch, Bishara Boutros al-Rai, prompted a heated debate in Lebanon, which lived under Syrian hegemony for 29 years. A prominent Syrian (and Christian) opposition figure offered a rebuttal from Damascus. But Patriarch Rai, who called Mr. Assad ‘‘a poor man who cannot work miracles,’’ defended his remarks, warning that his overthrow would threaten Christians across the Middle East.

‘‘We endured the rule of the Syrian regime. I have not forgotten that,’’ Patriarch Rai said. ‘‘We do not stand by the regime, but we fear the transition that could follow. We must defend the Christian community. We, too, must resist.’’

It is a remarkable insight into the power and persuasion of fear that the status quo in Syria these days remains preferable to many.

An activist in Damascus recalled over coffee at the upscale Audi Lounge how a Christian friend found himself hiding in the house of a conservative Muslim family in a town on the outskirts of Damascus. His friend had been marching in a demonstration, along with others. When security forces arrived at the scene, shooting randomly at people, they ran for cover, hiding in the nearest houses and buildings, he said.

When the tumult was over, his new host asked him what his name was. Scared, he thought for a moment about lying, but he told the truth. To his surprise, the host and his family and all those hiding in the house began cheering for him. He had joined their ranks.

But while the promise of the Arab revolts is a new order, shorn of repression and inequality, worries linger that Islamists, the single most organized force in the region, will gain greater influence.

‘‘Fear is spreading among us and anyone who is different,’’ said Abu Elias, as he greeted worshipers walking the hundreds of stone steps worn smooth over the centuries. ‘‘Today, we are here. Tomorrow, who knows where we will be?’’

Syria’s state-run news agency reported Wednesday that a nuclear engineer had been assassinated in a hail of bullets in the restive central city of Homs, The Associated Press reported from Beirut.

Aws Khalil, an engineer and university professor, is the fourth Syrian academic to be assassinated in Homs recently. The chief of chest surgery at the Homs hospital who had treated wounded Syrian protesters in the past months was also recently assassinated.

Homs has been a hub of anti-regime protests since the uprising against Bashar al-Assad, the Syrian president, began six months ago.

The state-run news agency, Sana, reported Mr. Khalil’s killing on Wednesday, blaming it on an ‘‘armed terrorist gang.’’

International Herald Tribune

September 28th, 2011, 3:51 pm

 

TRUE said:

To all Imad Mustafa’s string-puppets in America, how about you HUSH and SHUSH for good eh

According to a new poll, Syrians in the US find optimism for future, but LITTLE support for Athad.

71.1% – had positive views of the protesters
5.5% had negative views
88% think that the majority of the population shares the protestors’ concerns.
1.5% want the regime to remain power and make reforms — Those are the Menhebaks tsk tsk stk
81.7% want regime change

http://security.blogs.cnn.com/2011/09/27/syrian-poll-finds-optimism-for-future-but-little-support-for-assad/

September 28th, 2011, 3:54 pm

 

Syrian Nationalist Party said:

@MORON
Hey man thank you for the medical advice, my doctor said what you recommended will not work for me because it will simply get urinated within an hour and have serious side effect. He recommended for me and all SNP members a new drug on the market that was not approved by FDA yet, but CIA did approve it, it is called “FSA”. Not sure what it stands for but I called the Central Drug Agency that approved it and the Customer Service said he was not sure, he had an Opium day and could not recall for sure, but it could be Acronym for FART, SHIT and ACT.

My doctor said that this new “FSA” drug is made by highly advanced country in Asia called Afghanistan, it is managing director named DR. HOLY ARROUR. He warned me that it does have severe side effect as well. The only difference is that the side effect of “FSA” are highly effective for SNP members. That when “FSA” is not on virtual trial on weblogs, if it become real and active, Dr. B. Assad of U.K. will start recommend treatments recommended by SNP and he then may hire us to remove all the side effects of FSA from effected areas. We already have that treatment now, giant earth movers and mine sized Buldozers.

September 28th, 2011, 3:56 pm

 

Revlon said:

451. Dear Shabbi7:
You said:
“Revlon,
If you don’t consider Qassam a Syrian citizen (….), then remember the post-independence Syrians that died in 1948 for Palestine.

– I repeat, Al_Qassam was not one of the Baathists, he was their nemesis!

– Post-independence Syria witnessed long sporadic confrontations with the Israeli Army. One of my uncles died in one of them!
That was an example of fighting for the sake of Palestinians.
That was not Baathist, Asadist Syria that your nickname treasures!

“All wars that Syria has had were against the Zionist entity, or some element belonging to the Zionist entity. Does that not qualify as also fighting for Palestine?

OK Let’s see:
– 1967: Asad Army was caught with their pants down.
that war saved the lives of 0 palestenians.
It merely lead to the catastrophic loss of lives of thousands of stranded, poorly commanded and trained soldiers, and thousands of square kilometers of Syrian land.

– 1973: Asad Army attempted this time to clear his earlier booboo!
They were caught once again with their pants down, this time “swimming in Tabariya”, without Israeli permit.
Not a single palestinian life was saved.
Hundreds of soldiers lost their lives to poor planning and execution of the war, and cowardess of Asad Sr. and his top, corrupt, Baathist, “secular” commanders.

“I just cannot comprehend how stupid you are with this “quiz”. There are so many Syrians who secretly went to Palestine to fight for the freedom of Palestine”

– I challenge you again; Name one Baathist!
– Syrian citizens and many Palestinians who attempted military operations within Palestine, and managed to return to Syria disappeared in the vast darkness of the Baathist, Resistant, Asadist, prison systems.

September 28th, 2011, 4:03 pm

 

TRUE said:

@ 472. Revlon

Nicely put mate!

September 28th, 2011, 4:04 pm

 

Khalid Tlass said:

Just perused through the 2005 and 2006 SC archives. Landis was a menhebak !! His comments and views were (and are) disgusting.

Sa,e goes for Abu Ghassan a.k.a Ghufran. Hypocrite and double-agent, bloody baby killers, these ppl should never be allowed to have any say in Syria.

September 28th, 2011, 4:06 pm

 

Baran said:

SNP

The benefits outweight the risks in your case. It does have side effects in less than 10%. It is FDA approved but has black box warning so its use is restricted. Take your posts to the doctor with you. He will understand.

September 28th, 2011, 4:10 pm

 

amal said:

A reminder to al-qeda posters and their supports on this blog. There is no place in the world where you can hide when the FBI will come for you. They are probably knocking on your door right now.

If you think you are really anonymous? think again.

Think happy thoughts. Think GUANTANAMO BAY RESORT 😉

Here’s the brochure 😀

http://www.boston.com/bigpicture/2008/12/scenes_from_guantanamo_bay.html

Cheers boys and girls

September 28th, 2011, 4:12 pm

 

TRUE said:

For all those idiots who were claiming Betho the criminal was elevating the Syrian education system!!

Betho, on Wednesday, issued a legislative decree to transfer students from one year to another. “In exception of the executive regulations of law regulating the university if a student fails SIX papers at most of the different years of study in the quarterly average for the year 2010-2011”.

http://www.syria-news.com/readnews.php?sy_seq=137838

Six instead of four and next month will be eight!!! And you we keep wondering why the heck the world does not recognise Syrian degrees?!

To the hell you bloody peasants

September 28th, 2011, 4:12 pm

 

Revlon said:

470. Dear TRUE,
Thank you very much for the link to the Poll of Syrians living in Syria.

The results indicate that the “Silent majority” is clearly for a regime change!
Only 11% belive that reforms in the presence of the regime would work.

This survey deserves to be posted in full.

September 28th, 2011, 4:14 pm

 

amal said:

“MENHEBKES MATE” ;D

hehehehehehehehehehehe

September 28th, 2011, 4:18 pm

 

Aboud said:

#471 “Extremists blah blah conspiracies yada yada Ar’or yap yap yap where did I put my tin foil hat the moon landings were all faked Area-51 is hiding an alien spaceship extremists conspiracies crazy pills bandar plan etc etc”

September 28th, 2011, 4:20 pm

 

sheila said:

Dear Mina,
I seriously give up. You either have a problem with language, with comprehension or with both. I write something and you end up telling me that I am wrong by repeating my argument.

September 28th, 2011, 4:22 pm

 

TRUE said:

@ 474. Khalid Tlass
Abu Ghassan a.k.a Ghufran 🙂 heheheh very true

“5. Abughassan said:
I need a break and I should focus on my upcoming trip to Syria. I might pop up from time to time. I hope you guys moderate your posts . I am particularly disgusted by the loss of lives and the calls for more blood shed by many Syrians,some of whom are expats and some are educated.
?? ??? ???? ??? ???? ?????
September 20th, 2011, 12:06 am “

Ya Abu Ghassan (Ghufran) what’s the point of changing masks?

You’re not cumffy with your skin? Fair enough no problem, but for freakin’ sake! Stop lecturing us!!

PS: you’re doing the same exact spelling mistakes buddy lol

September 28th, 2011, 4:24 pm

 

Aboud said:

“There is no place in the world where you can hide when the FBI will come for you”

Once more, the irony could sink an aircraft carrier. Besho the war criminal should be very worried indeed. Just this year a couple of wanted Bosnian Serb war criminals were caught after years on the run. I doesn’t matter where he runs, and for how long, he is going to end up in the Hague or dead in a spider hole.

September 28th, 2011, 4:25 pm

 

amal said:

al-qeda bitting the saudi hand that feeds it 😉

US embassy in Saudi warns of ‘terror kidnap plot’ (AFP)

29 September 2011RIYADH — The US embassy in Riyadh on Wednesday warned American citizens of a plot by a “terrorist group” to kidnap Westerners in the Saudi capital.

In a statement on its website, the embassy advised “US citizens in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia that we have received information that a terrorist group in Saudi Arabia may be planning to abduct Westerners in Riyadh.”

“The US embassy in Riyadh reminds all US citizens to exercise prudence and enhanced security awareness at all times,” it added.

The warning advised people to keep their security and situational awareness levels high, and offered steps they could take to improve their security.

Saudi Arabia witnessed a wave of deadly attacks by Al-Qaeda between 2003 and 2006, which prompted a security force crackdown on the local branch of the jihadist network founded by the late Saudi-born Osama bin Laden.

Al-Qaeda remains very active in neighbouring Yemen, where the Saudi and Yemeni franchises of Al-Qaeda joined forces under the banner of Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula.

A suicide bomber from the group blew himself up in August 2009 in an abortive attempt on the life of the son of Interior Minister Saudi Interior Minister Prince Nayef bin Abdulaziz, Prince Mohammed, who leads the campaign against Islamist militants in the kingdom.

In late August, Prince Nayef said terrorism remains a threat for the Sunni Gulf kingdom and accused Shiite Iran of targeting it.

“We will continue to be a target for terrorists, who will continue attempting to attack us, supported by other parties,” Al-Eqtissadiya newspaper quoted him as saying.

“Evil surrounds us from all sides,” he said, citing unrest in neighbouring Iraq and Yemen, as well as “Iran and its targeting of the kingdom.” He did not elaborate.

On September 17, suspected member of an Al-Qaeda cell charged with planning attacks against two US military bases in Qatar went on trial in Riyadh.

The cell, dismantled five years ago, was “the most important Al-Qaeda” operation in Saudi Arabia, the attorney general said.

It had “planned attacks in Qatari territory against the Al-Udeid and As-Sailiyah US bases,” he added.

The As-Sailiyah air base and the Al-Udeid camp served as launching pads for the US military for an attack on Afghanistan in 2001 and on Iraq in 2003.

“The cell also had projects aimed at Kuwait,” the attorney general said. He said there was “coordination” between the group and Al-Qaeda cells in Iraq and Syria to “ensure logistical support for their operations.”

In late June, 86 Al-Qaeda suspects went on trial in a special Saudi security court in connection with deadly attacks carried out in the kingdom.

In April, a judicial source said a total of 5,080 terrorist suspects either faced trial or had already been tried before the special court which has come in for criticism from lawyers.

http://www.khaleejtimes.com/DisplayArticle08.asp?xfile=data/middleeast/2011/September/middleeast_September575.xml&section=middleeast

September 28th, 2011, 4:26 pm

 

TRUE said:

“Run, Betho. Run!”

September 28th, 2011, 4:27 pm

 

TRUE said:

@ 478. Revlon

Ta, point taken 🙂

Syrian poll finds optimism for future, but little support for Assad
By CNN Sr. State Department Producer Elise Labott

http://security.blogs.cnn.com/2011/09/27/syrian-poll-finds-optimism-for-future-but-little-support-for-assad/

Syrians have little confidence that President Bashar al-Assad’s regime can solve the country’s current problems, although they are optimistic about the future, a poll conducted by Pepperdine University shows.

The survey, which was conducted in conjunction with the Democracy Council of California, also found that eight out of 10 Syrians questioned want al-Assad’s regime to leave power and more than seven out of 10 are more hopeful that reforms will come, in light of the uprisings in other Middle Eastern and North African countries now known as the Arab Spring.

The Democracy Council is a nonpartisan, non-profit group that promotes democracy in emerging countries. The group receives funding from the U.S. government agency USAID, although the Syria poll was not commissioned by the government. CNN obtained a copy of the survey, which will be released Wednesday.

The poll was conducted in secret due to a Syrian government ban on opinion-gathering, officials from both organizations told CNN.

“The most surprising thing about these results is that they could be collected in the first place,” Angela Hawken, associate professor of Economics and Policy Analysis at Pepperdine’s School of Public Policy, told CNN.

The results are the product of face-to-face interviews in Arabic by trained data collectors with 551 Syrians over the age of 18. The poll was carried out between August 24 and September 2, Hawken said.

She explained that the tense security situation in Syria, coupled with the fact that the poll was done without the permission of the government, presented many logistical challenges for the field team collecting the data. For example, she said, the team had particular difficulty interviewing women, who were less willing than men to participate. Those women who did answer the questions were less critical of the government.

Those factors also likely skewed the results somewhat.

“Those who agreed to answer a poll conducted without government approval may be more likely to express anti-government sentiments than their neighbors who refused,” Hawken said, adding that it was hard to tell how representative the numbers were of overall public opinion in Syria.

“Still, we know a lot more now than we did before the survey,” she said. “And, equally important, we have shown that it is possible to collect public opinion data even in very repressive countries.”

Democracy Council President James Prince said the poll reflects “the deep-seated angst felt by most Syrians” about the regime and their hopes that the Arab Spring will result in better leadership in Syria.

“The Syrian people do not have confidence in the Assad regime. They no longer want to live in the Baath security state,” Prince told CNN. “As in other regional countries, the Syrians are fed up with the corruption, nepotism and lack of opportunity in Syria. The people are searching for alternatives to Assad.”

Despite their discontent with their government, Syrians remain optimistic, the survey found, with nine in 10 expecting the future to be better than the present.

Prince noted that the findings of the survey are consistent with polling in other countries involved in the Arab Spring, such as Tunisia and Egypt, with corruption and the lack of freedom and opportunity in people’s lives driving them to look for alternatives to their government. He points to the fact that 78.3% of the Syrians surveyed feel more hopeful about the prospect for reforms in their country in light of popular movements elsewhere in the Arab world.

Prince, a leading expert on Arab civil society, has been working on democracy promotion in the Middle East for more than 20 years.

He said the poll showed that the Syrian public “has very little confidence in the Assad regime and the government in general.”

A little more than 86% of the respondents judge al-Assad’s performance negatively, and 88.2% do not think the current government is capable of solving the country’s problems, Prince explained.

The results of the survey come as world pressure intensifies against the Syrian regime, with the imposition of more international sanctions and a renewed call by a United Nations body to bring in the International Criminal Court.

Unrest has plagued Syria for more than six months, as protesters demanding more freedom, democratic elections and an end to al-Assad’s regime have been met by brute force. The government has maintained a consistent narrative: It is going after armed terrorists, who are the ones causing the problems. But opposition activists say the regime is behind a systematic, sustained slaughter of protesters and innocent civilians.

The poll found most of the Syrians questioned – 71.1% – had positive views of the protesters, and only 5.5% had negative views. A whopping 88% think that the majority of the population shares the protestors’ concerns.

Two-thirds of the respondents agree that “democracy is preferable to any other form of government.” But the survey found that mere reforms by the Assad regime will not placate the Syrian people. Only 11.5% want the regime to remain power and make reforms, while 87.9% think that reforms will not satisfy the protestors and 81.7% want regime change.

September 28th, 2011, 4:30 pm

 

Humanist said:

Amal,
I think most Syrian criminals (including “al-qeda”) would be very happy if sent to “GUANTANAMO BAY RESORT” , instead of Assadist-Baathist prisons…

http://www.shrc.org/data/aspxng/TorturephotoGallery.aspx

(Bashar surely would…)

September 28th, 2011, 4:31 pm

 

Tara said:

True and khaled

I respect Abu Ghassan and I think he is genuine. He always wanted a regime change and the Baath party to go away. He is a moderate voice. Although I may disagree with him, I find him very reasonable.

September 28th, 2011, 4:34 pm

 

amal said:

Russia blames terrorists, outsiders for Syria crisis

By ARAB NEWS

Published: Sep 28, 2011 22:58 Updated: Sep 28, 2011 23:02

RIYADH: Following the failure of the attempt by EU countries at the UN Security Council to impose sanctions against Syria over the repression there on Tuesday, the Russian government has blamed much of the violence on what it called “terrorist organizations” and “armed extremists.”

In a press statement on developments in Syria issued Wednesday, the Russian Embassy in Riyadh claimed that extremists were being “encouraged” by foreign powers.

Asked who the foreign powers might be, a Russian embassy spokesman would not be specific.

The Russian statement was strongly supportive of the Assad government. It spoke of “friendly” Syria and claimed that Damascus had “undertaken some very important steps” toward major political and economic reforms. The problem lay with the opposition for refusing to participate in dialogue. Moscow, it said, “strongly urges the international community to influence the opposition to respond to the invitation of the authorities in Damascus for a dialogue on the urgent reforms.”

The opposition had to be drawn into the political process, the statement said.

The statement also called on the international community to use its influence with the opposition to reject those it referred to as “armed extremists.”

Their aim, it said, was to “provoke tensions with a view to reduplicate (sic) the Libyan scenario.”

http://arabnews.com/middleeast/article508531.ece

September 28th, 2011, 4:37 pm

 

amal said:

Syrian delegation thanks Lebanese clergyman for supporting al-Assad
Sep 28, 2011, 19:37 GMT

Beirut – The head of the Lebanese Christian Maronite community was praised Wednesday for his support of Syrian President Bahar al-Assad by a Sunni Muslim delegation loyal to the leader.

Patriarch Bechara Boutros al-Rai met with the delegation, which thanked him for his stance in supporting Syria’s stability.

The delegation, which was headed by Damascus’ Mufti Sheikh Adnan Afyouni, called Rai’s stance toward the Syrian regime a ‘balanced stance.’

Rai said earlier this month that Assad is ‘open-minded’ and should be given more chances ‘to implement the reforms.’

Syria has been gripped by an uprising since mid-March calling for democracy and reforms by the al-Assad regime. The Syrian government has confronted such calls with a brutal crackdown, which so far has killed an estimated 2,700 people.

The regime has blamed the turmoil in Syria on armed gangs financed by the west and some Arab countries.

http://www.monstersandcritics.com/news/middleeast/news/article_1665683.php/Syrian-delegation-thanks-Lebanese-clergyman-for-supporting-al-Assad

September 28th, 2011, 4:41 pm

 

sheila said:

Dear Annie,
Thank you for your concern, but I am not in Syria. I am in the US. I have been living here for many years, however, I usualy go to Syria every year and have a very big family there.

September 28th, 2011, 4:43 pm

 

amal said:

Russia submits new draft on Syria

Published: 28 September, 2011, 17:38
Edited: 28 September, 2011, 22:35

Russia has introduced a new draft resolution on Syria to the UN Security Council. It comes after Western states dropped their previous call for immediate sanctions against Syrian President Bashar Assad’s regime.
Stressing the resolution’s “firm wording”, the Russian ambassador to the UN, Vitaly Churkin, expressed the hope that it will “promote the political process in Syria and put an end to violence in the country.”

Churkin went on to condemn the resolution proposed earlier by a group of Western countries, including the UK, France, Portugal and Germany, and backed by the US, as another step aimed at changing the regime in the country:

“We believe that opinions expressed in certain capitals on whichever regime is legitimate and whichever isn’t, serves only to promote violence in Syria. It will bring dangerous and even tragic repercussions for the country.”

The resolution referred to by Churkin was already the second one proposed by Western states, with their amendment aimed at overcoming strong opposition from Russia and China and winning votes for a Security Council resolution.

Russia’s foreign minister, Sergey Lavrov, had refused to support the previous draft resolution on Syria, which had been proposed by the Western countries. “This is related, in particular, to the Libyan experience,” he told Rossiya 24 television on Tuesday.

India, South Africa, and Brazil were among countries opposing sanctions.

Though the calls for immediate sanctions against Syrian President Bashar Assad’s regime were dropped in the second draft, it still included a threat to “adopt targeted measures, including sanctions” in the future should Assad’s government fail to halt its military crackdown on civilians.

At the moment the crackdown continues, with the Syrian army backed by tanks and helicopters, storming the key rebel city of Rastan.

Western diplomats say they are planning a vote by the end of the week.

http://rt.com/news/syria-west-russia-sanctions-571/

September 28th, 2011, 4:49 pm

 

Khalid Tlass said:

LOL Gitmo is much more humane than the most innocuous Syrian prison, at least they folow some rules and are given a trial in court.

September 28th, 2011, 4:51 pm

 

TRUE said:

@ 488. Tara

I’m not his Lord to judge him, it’s totally his bloody business.

However, I have to question changing the masks and the adoption of a new extreme point of view under the new alias.

Btw I’ll question yourself and ABOUD if you guys do the same.

September 28th, 2011, 4:58 pm

 

Humanist said:

I just have a question to certain “fans”. I really don’t mean to be offensive, just curious to know:

-What is so special about Bashar?
I mean:
Some dictators had carisma (Hitler), some had handsome mustasches (Stalin, Saddam etc.), some work/worked for Allah (Khomeini, Khameini, Mullah Omar etc. etc.), some were pretty shrewd (Assad I)

But what is Bashars talent (NO charisma, minimal mustasch, doesn’t work for Allah – as far as I know, not anything as shrewd as his father…) ?

So what did he do to be considered the only “legitimate” ruler of Syria?

BTW: I’m sorry to dissapoint you: He wasn’t even his father first choice…

September 28th, 2011, 4:58 pm

 

TRUE said:

Jamal,

You’re getting better and better in copy/paste job

An excellent performance for a peasant.

Do you wanna me to talk to Hafiz Makhlouf to give you a leave for 24 hours?

September 28th, 2011, 5:01 pm

 

amal said:

War-happy David Cameron is a worthy successor to Tony Blair
Posted: 2011/09/28

The left-wing ‘Stop the War’ coalition in England says white supremacists David Cameron and Tony Blair (photo) are Brothers-in-War

By Lindsey German

Nothing encourages warmongers more than a spot of regime change.

That’s the only conclusion to be drawn from David Cameron’s speech to the United Nations this week. Cameron showed himself a worthy successor to Tony Blair by branding himself a true and militant defender of human rights, and of using war to achieve them — unlike those mealy mouthed heads of government who are more reluctant to unleash their bombers on towns and cities night after night.

‘You can sign every human rights declaration in the world,’ he declaimed, ‘ but if you stand by and watch people being slaughtered in their own country, when you could act, then what are those signatures really worth?’.

It barely seems to enter Cameron’s comprehension that standing by and watching people being slaughtered in their own country is something that the British and other western governments have been rather good at.

After all they defended the dictators Ben Ali and Mubarak in Tunisia and Egypt against the uprisings of their people in the Arab spring which Cameron wants to claim as his own.

They continue to defend the royal families of Bahrain and Saudi Arabia as they shoot, imprison, torture and repress their populations. They bend over backwards to support Israel, despite its lengthy crimes against the Palestinians, many of them condemned by the UN resolutions which Cameron now claims are not enough to enforce human rights.

He talked about the UN having a responsibility ‘to stand up against regimes that persecute their people’. But here the selectivity kicked in again with only Yemen and Syria being singled out for intervention. The drive to impose strong sanctions against Syria is continuing among the major powers. Sanctions are all too often a prelude to full scale intervention.

While this may be some way off in Syria, it is under serious consideration, dressed up as support for those opposing president Assad whose soldiers are shooting down demonstrators. While many will rightly condemn Assad, those who want democracy and pace in the Middle East should steer clear of another western intervention.

It will be about one thing only as it was in Libya: regime change to suit the west. Cameron talks about the Arab Spring being ‘a massive opportunity to spread peace, prosperity, democracy and vitally security, but only if we really seize it.’

He means quite simply that western governments and companies must seize the chance to spread their political and economic power in the region. Human rights, democracy and national sovereignty will all be subordinated to that. Cameron and the French president Nicolas Sarkozy represent the European powers most identified with intervention in the region and they want to use the Arab Spring to further their influence and power.

It is instructive to contrast Cameron’s gung ho stance on Syria with his very different attitude to the eminently reasonable demand of the Palestinians for their own state recognised by the UN. He favours their right to have one…but not yet. They aren’t supposed to stand up against regimes that persecute their people.

Instead they are supposed to sit down and negotiate with an Israeli government which encourages illegal settlements on |Palestinian land, builds an apartheid wall to contain the Palestinians, and treats them as second class citizens. And instead of standing idly by, doing nothing to help those suffering oppression, they are actively arming and funding Israel.

Mind you, this is a government which will sell arms to practically anyone — until they have to intervene to stop them killing their own people.

Tony Blair has now been exposed for pocketing tens of millions by exploiting his position as Middle East “peace envoy” as a cover for making billion dollar deals on behalf of the bank JP Morgan and other commercial interests.

Lindsey German will be at the Antiwar Mass Assembly in Trafalgar Square, London, on 8 October 2011.

http://mathaba.net/news/?x=628825

September 28th, 2011, 5:16 pm

 

amal said:

Iraqi Refugees: Still There
Displacement in Iraq, Iraq, Human Rights, United Nations, Middle East

Elizabeth Ferris, Co-Director, Brookings-LSE Project on Internal Displacement

A Global Agenda: Issues Before the United Nations (United Nations Association of the USA, 2011-2012)

Editor’s Note: The following chapter was originally published in the 2011-2012 edition of A Global Agenda: Issues Before the United Nations (United Nations Association of the USA).

Millions of Iraqis have fled their communities as a result of violence and insecurity in the eight years since the United States invaded Iraq. Together with most of those displaced by the Saddam Hussein regime, these Iraqis live in uncertain conditions throughout the Middle East.

The governments of the region have generally allowed them to remain but haven’t recognized them as refugees nor given them formal residency rights. Not yet persuaded that it’s safe to return to their country, they live in limbo. Some hope for resettlement to another country, some seek asylum in Europe.

But most are just waiting. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees provides some assistance to them and host governments, but agrees with the refugees that the time is not right to promote their large-scale return.

Patterns of displacement from Iraq are longstanding and complex. For years, hundreds of thousands of Iraqis fled Saddam Hussein’s government as victims of persecution and violence. Most sought refuge in nearby countries, particularly Iran and Turkey, while others traveled to Europe.

http://www.brookings.edu/articles/2011/09_human_rights_ferris.aspx

September 28th, 2011, 5:22 pm

 

Tara said:

Ann is on vacation and Amal is filling in. No worries. SC is covered 24/7.

September 28th, 2011, 5:26 pm

 

TRUE said:

24/7 service that’s how Hafiz Makhlouf makes peasants work

September 28th, 2011, 5:29 pm

 

Tara said:

True

Don’t answer if you don’t want to. I won’t be offended. What is your age group and your background?

September 28th, 2011, 5:33 pm

 

sheila said:

Dear #395. DIGGING FOR GOLD IN BOSRA,
Thank you for saying what many of us feel and as always very eloquently. There are some people that simply do not have the depth in their thought process and just don’t get it.

September 28th, 2011, 5:40 pm

 

TRUE said:

@ 501. Tara

If I tell ya I have to kill ya 🙂

Old enough to be part of toppling the regime.

What’s ur catch gal if I may ask?

September 28th, 2011, 5:42 pm

 

amal said:

Old enough to spell MENHEBKES MATE

hehehehehehehehehe 😀

September 28th, 2011, 5:45 pm

 

amal said:

Printing Euros 🙂

Euro-Zone Prepares to Print Trillions in Advance of Greece Debt Default

Wednesday, September 28th, 2011 | Filed under The Market Oracle It’s not just the financial and economic world that’s being turned upside down with fast changing events in motion that will impact for many years. Last week saw that maybe energy does not equal mass X the speed of light squared. Eeeek ! There goes Einstein’s theory of general relativity and the past 100 years of physics (if true) over the event horizon and into a black hole, though the theory has always had something major missing which is why there existed the fundamental disparity between quantum mechanics and general relativity that maybe we will get much closer towards understanding if E=MC2 is busted.

Similarly the Euro-zone has reached the edge of its own event horizon of disappearing into a financial and economic black hole, the response to which is likely to be rampant Euro-zone money printing to monetize PIIGS debts that takes place following the orderly bankruptcy of Greece due to the impossibility of an economically contracting country being able to service an ever expanding debt mountain, a vicious cycle of ever higher debt to GDP triggering ever greater economic austerity, resulting in an even higher debt to GDP ratio as the economy contracts and the tax take falls.

http://howestreet.com/2011/09/eurozone-prepares-print-trillions-advance-greece-debt-default/

September 28th, 2011, 5:50 pm

 

TRUE said:

@ Jamal

Did you clean the shoes of your “m3alemtak” Hafiz Makhlouf’s wife?

Qurd ya Jamal Qom 7o6 breQ elmatte 3a elnar aa bedak tQerqe3 matte ma3na

September 28th, 2011, 5:54 pm

 

Humanist said:

Just watched to BBC-documentary someone recommended.

Seeing tortured and killed children I just have one word for this regime: EVIL!

But I think those who still support the regime after seeing this must be EVEN MORE INHUMAN (if possible)!

Sorry “Shabbi7” and other fake “resistance supporters”: I still can’t understand how torturing and killing Syrians (even children F.G.S!) helps the palestinian cause…

September 28th, 2011, 6:02 pm

 

sheila said:

Dear #408. Amir in Tel Aviv,
You are absolutely right about the bad treatment of Jews in the Arab world, but please keep in mind that this only happened after the creation of the state of Israel in 1948 and the pouring of Palestinian refugees into the adjacent Arab countries. This is not an excuse, it is simply and explanation. Before that, Jews lived in Syria peacefully.
I would like to point out that many other groups suffered under the Ottomans, including the Christians, the Alawiis and the Shias. May I also remind you that even the Sunni Arabs suffered under the rule of the Ottomans. I hope you do not blame the Arabs for that era.
I want you to know that I am truly sorry that the Syrian Jews left. They were an important part of the fabric of our society that we lost.

September 28th, 2011, 6:21 pm

 

Ya Mara Ghalba said:

Comment #395 from Digging for Gold in Bosra:

I’m going to make this really simple. Right now we are unable to vote for the President of Syria. Were there free and fair elections there would undoubtedly be people such as yourself who would vote for Assad – I don’t deny that. You believe that he is a reformer and you think Syria is a better country for having him as President. Fine. However, there are a whole body of people who think the opposite. We think that he has not only failed to reform the economy, but that he has also been complicit in the spread of corruption. There’s more but I’ll spare you. In the same way that you hold your view with conviction, we also hold ours. You believe that you are right, but so do we. The problem is that in Syria there is no political process through which to reconcile these competing visions. You guys have your man in power and you will do whatever it takes to keep him there.

I confidently believe that the Assad party will beat the entire rest of the field in free and fair elections in Syria. Real free and fair elections are coming (with tribal and religious parties banned). The regime has said so. The regime and its supporters today judge the repeal of Article 8 to be a necessity. The repeal is going to happen “soon”. Sooner is better and soonest is best — I hope it’ll be announced formally at the beginning of the centralized National Dialog Conference that’s coming up in a few weeks. I confidently believe that the regime has nothing to fear from the test of the elections. But if the regime loses in the elections, then that’ll be that and that’ll be fair. The people of Syria shall be the deciders of the forward vision for their country. What Syria needs today is a lawful and civil process for discussing competing visions and handling political competition. Parliamentary elections will happen sometime in 2012. The Presidential election will happen a couple of years later. These elections will be for real — real political competition will be legal. The dissidents are going to have to compete against the Assad party in these elections. The dissidents are politically weak and inexperienced and largely unknown in Syria, and divided into a motley crowd that has no common programme of action. They would’ve liked to’ve overthrown the Assad regime unconstitutionally before any elections, so that they wouldn’t have to compete against the Assad party in the elections. But that didn’t work out for them. The people of Syria want a civilized process for modernizing their political institutions.

In short, there is a process. And we pro-regimers are going to emerge the winners from the process in all likelihood.

September 28th, 2011, 6:24 pm

 

sheila said:

Dear #419. Akbar Palace,
It was me Sheila, not Annie.
I think you need to talk to a few Palestinians to see the other side on how the state of Israel was created. I think this will help you understand where I am coming from.
The Jews did not immigrate to Palestine legally. It was under British rule at the time. It is true that some of the land was bought, but most of it was confiscated from the Palestinians who were literally expelled from their own land never to be allowed back again.
Israel is a reality that we have to deal with, but keep in mind that even if Israel managed to attract all the Jews of the world, it is still just a matter of time before the Israeli Arabs are more than the Jews. In a democratic state, the Jewishness of Israel is only a temporary status.
There are 5 million Palestinian refugees living all over the world who would like to go back to their mother land. Please try to talk to some of them to hear the other side.
In terms of morality, the Arabs and Muslims are still searching for the basics, but Israel is an advanced country. They are not equal. I have to expect more from Israel than its counterparts.

September 28th, 2011, 6:53 pm

 

zoo said:

‘Zero problems’ in Ankara is havoc for the neighbourhood

Michael Young
Sep 29, 2011

….In Syria, Turkey has broken with President Bashar Al Assad’s regime. That was to be expected. But Syria is tricky for the Turks. If the country collapses into civil war, this might not only push Syria’s Kurds, who have no affection for Ankara, to seek autonomy. It might also drive Arab Alawites in Turkey’s Hatay province to assist their Syrian brethren.

At the same time, Mr Erdogan cannot afford to do nothing. The prime minister heads a Sunni Islamist party, a substantial part of whose appeal is that it can build bridges to Arab Islamists. To allow Mr Al Assad to pursue his slaughter of peaceful protesters, many of whom happen to be Sunnis, represents a humanitarian and religious affront to the values Mr Erdogan claims to espouse. More cynically, as the uprising in Syria takes on an overtly sectarian colouring, thanks principally to the brutality of Alawite-dominated security services and military units, Ankara does not want to be on the losing side.

That Mr Erdogan has turned against Mr Al Assad is to his credit. Yet Turkey’s worsening ties with Syria have also heightened tension with Damascus’s ally Iran – which lately has also opposed Turkey’s decision to host a Nato early-warning radar system. Iran and Turkey are vying for regional influence, so they are destined to clash many more times. Not surprisingly, this rivalry has affected Lebanon, where Turkey has invested in predominantly poor Sunni areas. Earlier this year Mr Davutoglu helped Qatar mediate in the Lebanese political crisis. Their efforts were thwarted by Hizbollah and Syria.

As Turkey gets caught up in the Middle East’s contradictions, it can no longer seriously portray itself as being above the fray, on friendly terms with all. Words are cheap, and when Mr Erdogan hears praise he should be wary. No one will give Ankara a free ride in a region that cheerfully grinds down the self-assured.

http://www.thenational.ae/thenationalconversation/comment/zero-problems-in-ankara-is-havoc-for-the-neighbourhood?pageCount=0

September 28th, 2011, 7:25 pm

 

Tara said:

The clip showing the peasant thugs mocking Muslim’s prayer in a mosque in Rastan should be forwarded to Mr. Great Ayatollah in Iran to express an opinion. I logged on his web page. The “contact us” page is empty. I think Mr. Khamenei is shy and does not like to exchange emails with people.

http://english.khamenei.ir//index.php?option=com_contact&Itemid=22

September 28th, 2011, 7:35 pm

 

zoo said:

The zionist media war against Turkey has started.
American Jewish columnist Michael Rubin:
“Erdo?an is thuggish in personality and in policy. No diplomat or official should enable him. Apologizing to Erdo?an is like offering crack to an addict.”

Turkey Takes Thuggishness to a New Level
Michael Rubin | @mrubin1971 09.28.2011 – 9:18 AM

One of the most interesting but under-reported stories at the United Nations General Assembly this past week was the brawl which developed between Turkish security agents escorting Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdo?an and UN security officers. Colum Lynch at Foreign Policy has been all over the story, not only breaking it, but now he has supplied amateur video of the melee. Short synopsis: Erdo?an and his detail tried to force their way through a secured door and resorted to fisticuffs when they didn’t get their way. Two UN employees were injured, one of whom had to go to the hospital.

Interestingly, Turkey—a country where press freedom has tumbled under the leadership of Erdo?an—did not initially report the incident. A Turkish journalist, however, did say that United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon subsequently apologized to Erdo?an for the incident. This in turn infuriated UN security officials who appear to have done nothing wrong.

Erdo?an is thuggish in personality and in policy. No diplomat or official should enable him. Apologizing to Erdo?an is like offering crack to an addict. By Erdo?an’s own logic, rather than have UN officials genuflect, shouldn’t he apologize and pay compensation to the injured party? And shouldn’t the UN recognize that officers, when attacked, not only have the right to but should also defend themselves? Probably the only thing that hasn’t happened yet (but there’s still time) is for accompanying minister Egemen Ba??? or a member of his delegation to accuse the UN officers of having Jewish blood, as they did the Bulgarian foreign minister.

It’s time to stop tolerating this Turkish nonsense and, despite the steady stream of affirmation the Turkish press provides their leader, let Turks know Erdo?an’s antics are a permanent stain on their reputation.

http://www.commentarymagazine.com/2011/09/28/turkey-un-security-melee/

September 28th, 2011, 7:38 pm

 

Amir in Tel Aviv said:

Dear Sheila,

Jews, as a minority, like many other minorities, suffered. I didn’t bring the Ottoman thing, to smear the Arabs, or the Muslims in general. I wanted to explain why independent Jewish Israel is so important to Jews in Israel and abroad.

Jews in particular, suffered THE MOST from European Christians, and from secular Europeans (Nazis and Communists). Actually, the Muslims (before the period of the modern Zionism – and here I agree with you), were relatively quite hospitable towards the Jews. I don’t ignore it!
.

September 28th, 2011, 7:52 pm

 

Tara said:

Haytham Maleh today: no to the NATO, yes to UN international protection. No to arming the protestors, yes to defection and army defectors fighting and taking down the regime.

September 28th, 2011, 7:54 pm

 
 

Amir in Tel Aviv said:

Tara,

#512…How can you be sure that those thugs are Shi’i or Alawi ? Could be they’re secular from a Sunni background?
.

September 28th, 2011, 8:11 pm

 

mjabali said:

Tara:

I said before that you live in Kandahar. I certainly believe so.

The guys mocking prayer are wrong of course, although I truly believe in freedom of speech. Go mock their prayer, who is holding you back.

I believe they were VERY wrong in what they did because they did this to show the power they have over that mosque.

That is a vulgar display of power that should be condemned and not let go without pointing it out to the world to see. Not because they are mocking religion only, but, because they are aggressors and mocking other people beliefs at the same time, I do not like them or what they did. They are double wrong.

But, also there is no reason for you to call them peasants.

You have used this adjective before, which means that you still see the Syrians as land owners and peasants. They are all equal and any peasant in Syria and its country side is equal to any city dwellers, especially that most of the inhabitants of the big cities in Syria, are imported throughout the Mongol and Ottoman days. Many of them have no roots in Syria an of course they are going to consider anyone other than them as a peasant. Those were landowners because the occupier of Syria gave them powers here and there over the real Syrians who are reduced in this history to tax payers (Christians and Jews), or tax payers, serfs, laughing stock (city dwellers mock the way country people speak in Syria) and foot soldiers sometimes (like the Muslim minorities; Alawis, Druz, and Ismailis), who were raided, killed and displaced every year probably depending on the strength of the Ottomans. From those days, people still believe that some are peasants and others are landowners.

I think from the way you talk that you live well with a good job and education in a Western country, but did you leave Kandahar behind, I doubt that. There is a little Kandahar living well inside of you and you should get rid of it.

September 28th, 2011, 8:18 pm

 

ziadsoury said:

Is this what you call a salafi gang?
Is this what scares you Norman?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0IahnTrXo8I&feature=player_embedded

I never thought the people of Homs are so powerful.

These are the people that will lead Syria forward. I am more impressed than ever. I can not wait for the end of master bashar and his thugs.

September 28th, 2011, 8:20 pm

 

Tara said:

Amir

They could be anything. Most likely they are Alawis based on statistics. Secular sunni and secular shiaa would show respect in a mosque. People who do this no matter who they are, have “no roots”. That what we say in Arabic. Don’t know if there is equivalent expression in English. They only deserve contempt .

September 28th, 2011, 8:21 pm

 

ziadsoury said:

Tara,

Scumbags,
Low life,
Thugs,
Better describe these people.

September 28th, 2011, 8:32 pm

 

TRUE said:

How come Betho the criminal has accepted to be a string-puppet for the king of Wahhabism Abdullah?

Aduallah dragged him in his plane like you drag a donkey

hehehehehe resistance you told me eh 🙂

http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,2007875,00.html
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-10813301

September 28th, 2011, 8:37 pm

 

TRUE said:

So please remind me who was sending terrorists to Iraq to bomb both Shi’a and Christians innocent people? And who was Al-Qaeda Enabler in Iraq?

Mmmmmm yes Betho the criminal!

“Many international Al-Qaeda plots have Syrian links. The head of the Al-Qaeda-affiliated Groupe Islamique Combattant Marocain, which claimed responsibility for the suicide bombings in Casablanca in May 2003, trained in Syria”

“Abu Faraj al-Libi, a high-level Al-Qaeda operative, met with several of his colleagues in Syria to plan terrorist attacks on the U.S., Europe, and Australia, according to testimony at his hearing”

“Perhaps in exchange for free passage if not a safe haven in Syria, Al-Qaeda has launched attacks against states whose governments Assad distrusts, including Jordan, Lebanon, and the United States.”

Iraqi Freedom described how “fighters swarmed into Iraq aboard buses that Syrian border guards waved through open gates.”
“Damascus rebuffed Riyadh’s demands to shut a terrorist training camp in Syria, then hosting approximately 1,000 Saudi jihadis”

http://www.meforum.org/2406/damascus-supporting-terrorists
http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2004/apr/20/20040420-115628-7182r/

September 28th, 2011, 8:40 pm

 

Ghufran said:

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

September 28th, 2011, 8:50 pm

 

Tara said:

Dear Mjabali

Thank you for asking me the question.  It was asked before and I kinda ignored it in the past.  I will answer you now.

I am PAINFULLY conscious that I am using a very derogatory comment targeting Alawis.  A comment that would have infuriated me before the beginning of the revolution had I heard it from a non- Alawis to describe Alawis.  I have emphasized in the past that I am not sectarian and I truly was not.  I hope I still am not.  I have not mentally reached any absolute fact about god and religions in general.  I do NOT value people based on their beliefs.  There is no absolute fact in my mind other than the sanctity of the humans being,  Not a Sunni being, any being.

I however could not embody the teaching of Jesus Christ’s forgiveness watching those inflammatory footage.  I am no body other than your average gal.  I get angry,  very very angry.  My blood boils and I feel helpless.  The fact that most of the oppressors in Syria are Alawis make me say things to express my anger and of course I choose what I think to be the most derogatory.  I have asked myself many times recently if this originates from an unconscious contempt to the others based on their sects, ancestors or socials class.   All what I can tell you is I would still use the most derogatory comment i can think of had these thugs been rich Sunnis.        

September 28th, 2011, 8:51 pm

 

TRUE said:

Betho and his horns are excellent in labelling themselves as idiots

The ‘Fake’ Cities of Syria’s Unrest

“The construction of a fake city—let alone multiple fake cities—would be a major undertaking. The sheer scale of it makes even the suggestion almost laughable. It calls to mind the climax of the 1974 Mel Brooks film Blazing Saddles, in which a fake version of a town is created to fool a band of thugs intent on terrorizing the locals into leaving. Or the fake war created for TV in Wag the Dog. Or even the theory that the moon landing was filmed on a soundstage”

http://www.theatlanticcities.com/politics/2011/09/fake-cities-syrias-unrest/202/

September 28th, 2011, 8:57 pm

 

TRUE said:

more on The ‘Fake’ Cities of Syria’s Unrest

A State Department official told Josh Rogin of Foreign Policy magazine that the video was

“a weak, banal, laughable attempt by the Syrian thugs to have the international community focus on anything but the real story, which is the government’s continuing campaign of terror on its own people through torture, murder and illegal imprisonment.”

hehehehehe low IQ for sure

September 28th, 2011, 9:04 pm

 

TRUE said:

Syria slips towards civil war as sanctions bid fails

Thanks to Betho the criminal

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/syria-slips-towards-civil-war-as-sanctions-bid-fails-2362632.html

Fears are mounting that Syria may be on the verge of civil war as reports emerged yesterday that hundreds of army deserters were battling Bashar al-Assad’s forces in the first major confrontation against the regime.
With an intensification of violence looking increasingly likely, Britain and its EU allies have been forced to drop calls for immediate UN sanctions against Syria after major powers failed to agree upon a suitable course of action.
The UK, along with France, Germany and Portugal, circulated a heavily-diluted draft Security Council resolution condemning the Baathist regime in Damascus.
But calls for immediate sanctions were scrapped in the face of Russian and Chinese opposition. Delegates hoped that the weaker document, which demanded an “immediate end to all violence”, would eventually be approved by the two veto-wielding members.
One Syrian lobbyist, who was in New York yesterday pushing for firmer action, criticised the proposed resolution as “basically useless”. “In reality, it is very weak,” said Wissam Tarif, executive director of the Insan human rights organisation. “It doesn’t mention the International Criminal Court and it doesn’t mention an arms embargo.”
A series of European and US-sponsored sanctions against the Syrian regime are already in place, but no measures have yet been approved at the UN.
The developments in New York came as heavy fighting continued in the central Syrian town of Al-Rastan, an opposition stronghold which has become a bolthole for army deserters. Activists said that at least 1,000 former soldiers and armed citizens were now waging a battle against security forces, who were laying siege to the town backed up by tanks and helicopter gunships.
According to New York-based human rights organisation Avaaz, the Syrian regime was even deploying jets to bomb the town of 40,000 people, a claim that was repeated by at least two activist organisations monitoring the violence.
A third group said the jets had dropped poison gas, though it was impossible to verify either of the claims. Speaking to Avaaz, one witness said: “In Rastan they’re using military jets to shell their own people.”
Elsewhere in the town, there were reports of tanks shelling homes, helicopters strafing neighbourhoods with heavy machine guns, and electricity and water supplies being severed.
Nadim Houry, senior researcher for Human Rights Watch in Beirut, said he had heard reports of jets over Al-Rastan but had received no information about bombs being dropped. If the claim is true, it would mark a serious escalation of the violence. It will also heighten concerns that Syria is slipping into a Lebanese-style conflict that could seriously destabilise the region.
Radwan Ziadeh, a Syrian exile and prominent opposition voice, said the fighting in Al-Rastan highlighted the need for firmer international action.
“This is why we need a no-fly zone,” he said, adding that such a measure would provide a much-needed safe haven for defecting troops.
Britain’s minister for the Middle East, Alistair Burt, said: “If ever there was a stark reminder that the UN must take further action, this is it.”
Although Syria’s protest movement has been largely peaceful since unrest erupted in March, recently there have been numerous reports of mutinous troops cobbling themselves together into rebel groups. The area around Homs, the central Syrian city about 10 miles south of Al-Rastan, has seen the greatest number of desertions. Some of the bloodiest crackdowns on protesters have happened in the region. The battle in Al-Rastan is the first major confrontation between deserters and the regime, though the majority of troops still remain loyal to the army.
Even so, activists have told The Independent that some protesters, in the face of brutal state-sponsored violence, are now looking to arm themselves. “People are looking for contacts and finance,” said one, who asked not to be named. Yesterday’s continuing violence came as Human Rights Watch called for a UN investigation into the decapitation of an 18-year-old Syrian woman.
Zainab al-Hosni, from Homs, was tortured and beheaded before her body was returned to her family. A nuclear engineer was also shot dead in Homs yesterday, according to Syria’s state news agency. Officials blamed “armed terrorists”, but activists said the regime was targeting academics.

September 28th, 2011, 9:08 pm

 

Ghufran said:

Dear moderator,
Please free my post,it does not need moderation.
???? ???? ?? ???? ??? ???? ????? ????? ?? ??? ??????? ??????
?????? ???? ????? ?????? ?? ??? ???? ???? ??????? ???? ????? ?????
???? ?????? ?? ????? ???? ????? ?? ? ????? ?????? ?????? ???? ????? ?????? ????? ?? ???????
???? ????? ??? ??? ???? ???? ??????? ??? ?????? ?? ?????

September 28th, 2011, 9:08 pm

 

Ghufran said:

Dear true
??? ?? ????? ???? ????? ???? ??????
???? ?????? ?????? ? ???? ?????? ?? ????
???? ??? ???? ?????? ???? ???? ????? ????? ??????
Just kidding,thanks for the article

September 28th, 2011, 9:14 pm

 

Ghufran said:

I asked the moderator to free my comment,so he erased it completely !!
Tara,the term you used reflects a wide belief among Syrians in big cities that alawis came from the mountains with little education and then they ruled Syria for more than 40 years by force. Many alawis are still uneducated and poor but many more are as sophisticated as you and me,assuming that we can be called ‘sophisticated’.
You are free to use that ugly term to label 3 million Syrians but it hurts you more than it hurts them. Your comments remind me of a dear friend of mine from college,emotional but kind-hearted.

September 28th, 2011, 9:27 pm

 

sheila said:

Dear #509. Ya Mara Ghalba,
Please do not take this as an insult because this is not my intention:
Your post is delusional at best. Do you really think that Bashar is interested in any type of reform? Or that he gives a hoot about Syria?. He had 11 years to do something and did nothing. Syria has been on a downward spiral for many years. We are now competing with Sub-/Saharan Africa for the bottom of the barrel.
Do you really think Syrians are this stupid to elect him again in a free election?.

September 28th, 2011, 9:27 pm

 

Norman said:

Ziadsoury,

Nothing in Syria scares me not you or any of your comrades,

you forgot that i am a US citizen with the protection of the almighty US army, so try with your pathetic criminals.

September 28th, 2011, 9:29 pm

 

majedkhaldoun said:

Amir
The video showing people mocking a prayer,shows that they do not know how to pray, Shiite know how to pray,and so the sunni, so you can easily exclude those two groups.

September 28th, 2011, 9:31 pm

 

TRUE said:

529. Ghufran

“???? ?????? ?????? ? ???? ?????? ?? ????”

sho badak?

“???? ??? ???? ?????? ???? ???? ????? ????? ??????”

meen sa7eb? sho wazeefeh?

sho badak ya 3ami ma fhmet 3aleek shii?

September 28th, 2011, 9:32 pm

 

tarek said:

This is the collective punishment that they are planning for the Christians,

http://www.tayyar.org/Tayyar/News/PoliticalNews/ar-LB/syria-pb-900167631.htm

September 28th, 2011, 9:36 pm

 

zoo said:

“Turkey may look like a secular state on paper, but in terms of international law it is actually a Sunni Islamic state,” Izzettin Dogan, a leader of the country’s Alevi minority, charged at a joint press conference with leaders of several other minority faiths last week in Istanbul.

“The state collects taxes from all of us and spends billions on Sunni Islam alone, while millions of Alevis as well as Christians, Jews and other faiths don’t receive a penny,” Mr. Dogan said, referring to the $1.5 billion budget of the Religious Affairs Department. “What kind of secularism is that?”

Turkey’s Elephant in the Room: Religious Freedom

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/09/29/world/europe/turkeys-elephant-in-the-room-religious-freedom.html

September 28th, 2011, 9:41 pm

 

DIGGING FOR GOLD IN BOSRA said:

@ 509 YA MARA GHALBA

“. Real free and fair elections are coming (with tribal and religious parties banned). The regime has said so.”

That doesn’t instil me with confidence. You are absolutely right to point out that “sooner is better and soonest is best”, but that he has failed to already undertake these elections is a measure of just how little the President understands the gravity of the situation Syria now faces. You talk about repealing laws and initiating reform, but we have only ever heard vague promises of parliamentary elections – the elephant in the room has been ignored. To be taken seriously the President needs to declare free and universal elections for the position of President, and they need to take place now not “a couple of years later”. This is what the opposition is demanding.

That you believe a delay of two years would be acceptable to the opposition suggests on your part a deep disconnect with the political reality. Protestors are aware that their movement has garnered momentum. Any attempt to push the election date into the future will be seen as a delaying tactic aimed at dissipating this energy. I don’t believe that you, Assad or his supporters are so obtuse as to not understand protestors’ grievances. Instead we’re inclined to believe that you are not genuine in your calls for reform, and the longer you delay the more we are certain in our suspicions.

September 28th, 2011, 9:41 pm

 

TRUE said:

@ 532. Norman

“you forgot that i am a US citizen with the protection of the almighty US army”

As a respected US citizen,

Do you condemn Betho’s action of sending terrorists to Iraq to kill the US army soldiers?

Do you condemn Hasan Naserallha’s for the Beirut Barracks Bombing (October 23, 1983) when two truck bombs for Hizboallah struck the US army Navy base?

Do you condemn the attack of Betho’s thugs on US Ambassador Robert Ford in Damascus?

September 28th, 2011, 9:45 pm

 

ann said:

NYC protest goes unreported by media – September 28, 2011 7:06 PM

http://www.greenriverstar.com/articles/2011/09/28/opinion/editorials/doc4e83a75e641c1986183205.txt

Last December, a wave of protests swept across the Middle East, grabbing headlines around the world. Every newspaper, television and radio station followed the stories as Egypt, Syria, Tunisia and others fought against the inequalities in their governments

A little more than a week ago, a quiet and peaceful protest started near Wall Street in New York City. Those involved are protesting what they call the greed of Wall Street big wigs and the perceived control of America by the financial institutions whose buildings line that icon of wealth.

September 28th, 2011, 9:50 pm

 

Ghufran said:

I am sorry,true,the moderator erased my oldest post,he acted like an eraser.
I was referring to your conclusion that abughasan and me are the same person. I have known dr abughasan for more than 20 years.you can call me doctor but I am not an MD,I have a PhD,you can also call me abughassan2 or even 007 since khaled thinks that both abughasan and me are double agents and baby killers.I laughed until the level of humidity increased in my pants. Sorry for being silly,I am just going with the flow.

September 28th, 2011, 9:51 pm

 

mjabali said:

?????? Tara:

You won’t call them peasants if they were rich Sunnis as you claim. You would chose another adjective, but not peasants. That honor you would bestow on those from different class and sect of course.

You said that you asked yourself ” many times recently if this originates from an unconscious contempt to the others based on their sects, ancestors or socials class.”

To that I say yes, it is the way people are raised in Syria. They judge people according to what they do, how much money do they have and other materials indicators that are augmented with a religious scale. In Syria religion comes also to divide people. The ruling sect always behaved badly as history is telling us. The one thousand year of landowners and serfs did not die with the death of the old system and the emergence of these chaotic dictatorships that did little to make the people of Syria feel they are equal.

September 28th, 2011, 9:51 pm

 

TRUE said:

Those days where Alawis used to snap their fingers and expect Syrians to click their heels are gone for good

September 28th, 2011, 9:52 pm

 

Mohamed Kanj said:

@ 519 – ziadsoury – are these millions upon millions of syrians “shabiha” as you and your terrorist wahhabi friends claim? Id like to remind you that my two of my uncles and 90% of the security forces in the Aleppo region are sunni.It has nothing to do with sectarianism. Are all these millions of syrians minorities and none of them sunni like myself?

Do these images put a knife in your heart and scare you? Are these millions of syrians out supporting Bashar al Assad because they were forced to go out and feared for their lives. Id just like to remind you that these rallies were during school holidays, so you can exclude any children and college students in case you want to use the lame excuse the extremists use that they were forced to take time off classes.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cDOjTTA2V4M
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O1HZlGy7qvc
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0grSGto-jn8
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YSRRlhMqLKA

It must really infuriate you wahhabis and terrorists everytime you see these videos 🙂

September 28th, 2011, 9:54 pm

 

TRUE said:

Question of the day

Why Alawis don’t like to be called the peasants?

You know Sunnis are bourgeoisies while Alawis are peasants

September 28th, 2011, 10:02 pm

 

Tara said:

# 536

What was the difference between Alawi and Alevi. I missed that class.

September 28th, 2011, 10:04 pm

 

TRUE said:

According to the core theoretical foundations of the Ba’ath party

“peasants are the essence of the popular movement”

There you go Alwai “peasants” you should feel proud from now on lol

Hehehe say hi to Hafiz and his party 🙂

September 28th, 2011, 10:09 pm

 
 

TRUE said:

Peasants are all over the place even in the Ecuadorian revolution

“The Indigenous people are the poorest of the poor, the most humiliated of the humiliated; they are mostly peasants.”

http://www.revolutionarydemocracy.org/rdv6n2/ecuador.htm

Alawi peasants why don’t you flee with Betho to Ecuador?

September 28th, 2011, 10:17 pm

 

Ghufran said:

?? ?????? ?????? ??????
???? ????? ????? ??? ?? ?????
By the way,the geniuses at the government reversed their dumb decision about banning imports and gave a waiver to ag products. More products will be issued waivers
????? ????? ??????????? ?? ???????
Where is that link showing those pricks making fun of Islamic prayers?
True seculars do not behave that way

September 28th, 2011, 10:23 pm

 

Norman said:

It is clear that the people of the Mideast have no national association but religous one, does anybody think that the states should be demarcated following religous boundaries?.

September 28th, 2011, 10:38 pm

 

Brian Jones said:

@548 – TRUE – Here is your famous SUNNI bourgeoisies

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=czlyG1yD8uo
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mOO3XYmQSJg
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Ik5fj-fjx0&feature=related

very classy people dont you agree TRUE

September 28th, 2011, 10:39 pm

 

Tara said:

Ghufran

Thx for the link.

September 28th, 2011, 10:41 pm

 

majedkhaldoun said:

To call them peasants is a polite way

September 28th, 2011, 11:04 pm

 

Ghufran said:

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

September 28th, 2011, 11:25 pm

 

Haytham Khoury said:

Hey guys:

I had an article published in “???? ?????”
http://all4syria.info/web/archives/27775

September 28th, 2011, 11:35 pm

 

Ghufran said:

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

September 28th, 2011, 11:47 pm

 
 

Syrian Nationalist Party said:

@555. Ghufransaid:

I had hard time reading it, but after many attempts it was understood and found a noble person like you who got the
right idea. I learned new Arabic term now:

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

What would exactly this term equal in English. Something like Intelectually deprived?

September 29th, 2011, 12:32 am

 

annie said:

Wrapping up

War on Erdogan

438 uzair8 When you mentioned “Pipes” I switched off; but out of curiosity had a look and love this comment to the article : “Erdogan shares some of the same characteristics that Hitler did: they are both charismatic and they both engage in the occult.”

BTW thank you for “Annie good”; but that is very relative opinion of course.

513 ZOO: Looks like The zionist media war against Turkey has started.
Michael Rubin:
“Erdo?an is thuggish in personality and in policy. No diplomat or official should enable him. Apologizing to Erdo?an is like offering crack to an addict.”

495 Humanist : I used to like Bashar thinking that someone who had chosen to be a doctor could not be all that bad; but after all, Mengele was a doctor too. Bashar’s mask is off and we see Mr. Hyde.

514.Amir I have no time for discussions with zionists here. Read Ilan Pappe and a few others should you want to know what happened.

Aboud explaining how one copes with extreme situations makes a lot of sense. Plus, we don’t all react the same way.
In French we say : l’ironie est la politesse du désespoir. Could not find the equivalent in English.

You all have a good day.

September 29th, 2011, 12:59 am

 

louai said:

Darryl @ 354 said:

Your relatives in al wadi give you a very clear picture about alwadi ,i had the chance to visit some of the suni villages in Alwadi , like Al Husn and Almetras , those two towns went out demonstrating in the beginning but not any more, the reason they stopped as i was told is: the surrounding villages and towns boycotted them in almost everything, trading workforce and even transportations , i heard that their shaiks asked them to stop demonstrating and things went back to normal
I went also to Safita , safita a good example about what you said , its as calm as any other near by town with a great harmony between its inhabitants from all sects .

September 29th, 2011, 1:04 am

 

louai said:

????????? ?????? ??? ???????? ??? ????? “?????? ?????” ?????? ??????? ??? ???? ??????? ???????
????

?? ????????? ??????? ???? ????? ????????? ???????? ??? ??? ??? ??? ????? ?????? “???????” ????? ?????? ??????? ??? ??? ??? ???? ?? ????? ???? ??? ????? ?????? ????? ??? ??????? ??????? ??????? ??????.

???? ???? ??? ?????? ????? ?? ???? ?????????? “???? ????? ??????? ??? ??? ???? ??? ??? ?? ???? ?????? ???????? ??? ??? ???? ?? ?????? ?????? ???? ?????? ??????? ?????? ??? ?????? ??????? ??? ??????? ?? ???????”.

????? ??? ?????? ???? ?? ?????? ??? 1985 ????? ?? ?? ??? ?????? ???? ????? ?????? ??? ?? ?????? ???? ???? ???? ???? ??????? ???? ?????????.

????? ???? “???? ????? ?????? ?????? ??? ????? ???? ????? ????? ????? ?????? ???? ??? ???? ?????? ?? ???? ?????”? ????? “??? ??????? ?? ????? ??????? ????? ???? ?????? ???????? ??????? ?? ???? ?? ???? ??? ?????? ???????? ??? ???? ??????? ??? ?????? ?????? ????? ?????? ??????? ?????? ?? ??? ??? ??? ??? ??????? ???? ??????? ?????”.

????? ???? “??? ??? ???? ??? ?????? ??????? ?? ???? ????? ?????? ???? ????????? ???????? ??? ????? ?? ???????? ??? ???? ??????? ??? ?? ??? ???? ????? ?? ??????? ???? ??? ???????? ???? ?? ?????? ???? ?? ??? ??? ????? ??????? ????? ??? ???? ????? ?????? ?????? ??? ??????? ?????? ???? ?? ??? ?? ???? ?? ????? ???????? ?????? ?????? ????? ??????? ??? ??????? ??? ??????? ?? ??????? ???? ???? ????” .

????? ???? “?????? ??? ??????? ??? ?? ????? ????? ???? ?????? ??? ????? ?????? ????? ???? ????? ????? ?????? ?????? ?????? ?????? ?????? ????? ????? ??? ?????? ?? ??? ??? ?????”? ????? “????? ????? ???? ????? ????????? ?? ???? ???????? ?? ?????? ?????? ??? ??? ??????? ??? ?????? ????? ???? ?? ???? ????? ?????? ?????? ?? ???? ???? ??? ????? ??? ???? ?? ????? ???”.

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

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

????? ???? ?? “?????? ????????” ????? ???? ??? ???????? ????? ????? ???????? ??? ?????? ????? ??”???????”.

?? ???? ???? ??? ???? “???? ????? ????? ??? ????? ?????????? ??? ??? ?????? ????? ????? ?????? ???? ???? ???? ??? ?????? ?????? ??? ?? ?? ?? ?? ????? ???? ???? ?? ????? ???????? ?? ?????? ???? ???????? ???? ????? ?????? ???????? ????? ???????”.

???? ???? “???? ???? ?? ??? ???? ? ????? ? ????? ?????? ?????? ?????? ????? ????? ????? ???? ????? ?????? ??? ???? ????? ??? ?????? ???? ???????? ?????? ?? ??? ??? ??? ?????? ????? ??? ??? ????? ???????? ?? ???? ?????”? ????? ??? “??? ?????? ??? ???? ???? ?? ????? ????? ????? ???? ???? ??? ?? ??? ??????? ?????? ???? ??? ??? ???? ???? ????? ??? ????? ????? ??? ??? ??? ???? ?????? ?????? ?? ?? ??? ??? ????? ?????? ????? ???? ??????? ????? ??? ????? ??????”.

????? “???? ???? ???? ??????? ?? ??? ?????? ??? ??? ?? ????? ????? ???? ?? ????????? ???? ????? ?????? ???? 500 ???? ???? ???? ???? ???? ?????? ????? ????? ???? 7 ??? ??????? ?????? ????? ????? ?????? ???? ??? ????????? ?????? ???? ?????????? ?????? ????? ?????”? ????? “??? ???? ????? ?? ????? ????? ?? ?? ???? ????? ??? ?????????? ???? ?? ??? ?? ?? ??? ???? ????? ??? ?????????? ?? ????? ??????? ???? 1000 ???? ?????”.

????? ??? “??? ????? ???? ?? ?????? ????? ??? ?????????? ????? ????? ???? ??? ????? ????? ??? ????? ???????? ???? ???? ?? ????? ??? ?????? ?????? ??? ???? ?????? ???? ?? ?? ????? ????? ?????? ????? ??? ???????? ???? 1000 ???? ???? ?? ?? ???”.

????? ???? ?? “????? ??? ??? ??? ??? ???? ?? ???? ??? ??????? ?????? ???? ????????? ????????? ??? ????? ????????? ???? ????? ??? ???? ???????? ?????? ?? ????? ??????? ??? ??? ??? ????? ??????? ???? ?? ????? ??????? ??? ??????? ??? ?? ????? ??????? ????? ??? ????? ??????? ??? ???? ??????? ???????? ?? ?????? ?????” .

????? ???” ?? ????? ?????? ??????? ??? ????? ????????? ????? ??? ????? ??? ???? ???????? ?????? ???? ????? ??? ????? ????” .

??? ????????? ?????? ??????? ???? ?????? ??????? ???????? ???????? ?????? ?? ??????? ????? ???? ?????? ??? “??????? ??????? ?????” ???? ??”??????? ??????? ?????? ????????? ??? ????????? ???? ????? ??????? ???????? ?????????”? ???? ???? ??????? ???? ???? ??? ??????????.

????? ????? ??? ????? ???? ??????? ??????? ????? ???????? ?????? ??????? ?????? ?????? ??????? ?????? ????? ???? ??????? ?? ???????? ??????????? ????? ??????? ??????? ?????? ??”?????? ?????”, ???? ???? ??????? ??????? ???????? “????? ?????? ??? ??????????.

???? ????? ?????? ???? ????? ???????? ??? ???? 2700 ???? ??? ????? ??? ?????? ????????? ?? ????? ???? ??????? ???? ????? ??????? ??????? ???? ????? “???????? ????????? ???????” ????? ?? 1400 ???? ???? ????? ????? ?? ?????????.

?????????

http://www.syria-news.com/readnews.php?sy_seq=137875

September 29th, 2011, 1:15 am

 

Aboud said:

Persian #543, Sunni wannabe who can’t spell madrassa, when was the last time your Besho managed to pay people to come out and demonstrate for him? What’s the matter, he run out of money?

How come the funerals for the shabiha drug addicts are so poorly attended? Dude, when a freedom loving Syrian’s funeral takes place, thousands and tens of thousands come out. But your X-Box loser can’t tear himself away from his games to go attend one? LOL! Pathetic Persians.

Mhajali, kindly cease your whining about the word peasants. Yeah, these people are peasants. Their political thinking hasn’t advanced past the “tanks tanks tanks” stage. They ask the world to believe in the most idiotic conspiracy theories. They have proven themselves to be ignorant on and inept on all military, political, and economic matters. They couldn’t run a Qurdaha brothel, much less a country. When their idea of loyalty is letting out drug smugglers and car thieves to kill people, then even the word peasant flatters them. Qqqqquuuuuurd wallaqqqqq, hag et qqqaaaqqqiiiiiiif. “WHERE’S MY FRENCH TAAAAAAAAAAAANKS!”

You bear a striking similarity to the reality challenged Un-Real. You both share the same retarded obsession with the mundane. You both think your very honor and that of your forefathers depends on you answering every single post and proving you know more than you actually do. You both think that a person who would never allow free and fair elections and access for the free press, would still win %99.9999 of the vote. Yeah, peasant thinking in every meaning of the word.

September 29th, 2011, 1:15 am

 

Aboud said:

Just because Rami Kharouf has managed to loot billions, doesn’t make him any less of a peasant, especially considering his disastrous NY Times interview. You can take the Qurdahan out of the crap, but you can never take the crap out of the Qurdahan.

September 29th, 2011, 1:20 am

 

Aboud said:

Al Akhbar, Shiite clerics who are crooks

http://www.al-akhbar.com/node/22171

Shocking. Dreadful. Dear me, where is the accountability. Tsk tsk, truly reprehensible.

September 29th, 2011, 1:29 am

 

Aboud said:

Only peasants would send in tanks into urban areas, *without infantry support*. That’s if they were really fighting armed gangs.

Only peasants would deploy troops at checkpoints, and then leave them so ill-supplied they have to beg people for food and water.

Only peasants would use schools as a mass prison camp.

September 29th, 2011, 2:01 am

 

John Khouri said:

@565 – ABOUDIJAN , only peasants do this to their women and females dont you agree? This is your version of the new syria under your revolution

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xxjaelZNqf0

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E3Za1GcHwKI&feature=related

Would you enjoy your mother and sister getting the same kind of treatment under your version of a democratic syria

September 29th, 2011, 2:27 am

 

mjabali said:

Arboud:

You calling me a monkey and you making fun of the way the Alawis speak tells a lot about your troubled and unstable character.

Talk is cheap and cursing at people from behind your computer is nothing admirable.

You are nothing but a mountain of hatred, as we all could tell.

As I told you before you do NOT fit to live in the 21st C. This is obvious from everything you post.

Your disregard to other people’s opinion makes you from the stone age. Oh, wait, an Islamist Nazi lover like you should behave like that and disdain others. So this is expected from you, do you think you are able to produce respect to others, I doubt that.

You making fun and degrading the way the Alawis speak is a stark example of how unfit you are for this day and age.

Funny mr. History Buff how you keep talking about WWII after your lies, fabrications, and hallucinations (like that when you said that the American and the Brits learned from the German when they executed D Day) were exposed over and over. You are boring me mr. debate master. Your are running dry. No ideas, very boring and expected, but for sure oppressive and disrespectful.

When I point out how a woman like Tara who is working in the West pretending that she is civilized, watch Iranian films and claim that she has friends from all walks of life and religions calling someone a peasant is unacceptable, that does not mean I am standing for the honors of my forefathers and clan.

WE are calling for human rights in these times especially with what we are witnessing now in Syria and to stop practices of disregard and disrespect is a PRIORITY.

Syrians has to learn to respect each other.

September 29th, 2011, 3:38 am

 

Revlon said:

Dear mjabali,
“WE are calling for human rights in these times especially with what we are witnessing now in Syria and to stop practices of disregard and disrespect is a PRIORITY.
Syrians has to learn to respect each other”

I second your call.

In that spirit, may I also suggest that you use a non-polarising nickname.
It would would help the cause that you preach.
Peace.

September 29th, 2011, 4:20 am

 

R said:

Dearest Aboud and mjabali, this a timely bit of news from Revlon; the complete nickname failed to load properly.

A letter signed by 200 members of the Iranian medical Society to Jr protesting his complacency in the brutal killing of his own people
????? ??????? ?? ????? ?????? ????? ???????? ??? ?????? ?????!!!

2011/09/28
http://all4syria.info/web/archives/29821

???? 200 ???? ?????? ??????? ??????? ???? ?????? ?????? ?????? ?? ??????????? ???????? ?????? ?? ??? ????.
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Adel Haba
http://www.adelhaba.web.officelive.com

September 29th, 2011, 4:31 am

 

Syria no kandahar said:

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September 29th, 2011, 4:57 am

 

uzair8 said:

2 Stories related to Syria on Al Arabiya English site.

Defected brigade says it has killed 80 members of Assad’s forces
Thursday, 29 September 2011

http://english.alarabiya.net/articles/2011/09/29/169224.html

Syria: Too weak to expel the envoys
By Tariq Alhomayed

Thursday, 29 September 2011

http://english.alarabiya.net/views/2011/09/29/169231.html

September 29th, 2011, 5:52 am

 

Aboud said:

Only peasants would have such a disrespect for the arts and an artist like Ali Ferzat that they would break his fingers for his art.

Only peasants would arrest a professor of medicine in Aleppo, Ahmed Al-Zubi, for treating gunshot wounds. Frankly I’m disappointed other academics the world over are silent on such behavior. Morale cowardice.

Only peasants would hold a music festival to mark the head peasant’s illegal ascension to power, in a time when the country is supposedly overrun with armed gangs and soldiers are supposedly losing their lives.

So menhebaks, why don’t we see any pro-Besho demonstrations in Hama, Deir al Zour, Latakia, Dar’a? What’s the matter, you guys run out of money to hire supporters? LOL! 🙂

September 29th, 2011, 5:54 am

 

Mina said:

463 Tara
I suggest you go to Syria more often and meet people in Homs and ride buses. “The MB will have reps”, when? do you think the people leading the protests from their mosques and Saudi channels are able to organize anything leading to an election? Just read the Egyptian newspapers these days if you want to get a clear idea. If the youth leftish activists have been involved at the start, because they wanted to do the same as in Egypt and to live their full hour of glory on Facebook, don’t worry, they have been fooled.
Most Syrian expats don’t know anything about Syria except the address of the 4 seasons hotel in Damascus, won’t you agree?

September 29th, 2011, 5:55 am

 

majedkhaldoun said:

Mjabali
You talk about Human rights,yet you defend your idol Bashar,if you are honest in what you say,you should join us in condemning Bashar crimes and evil actions,condemn him and those of Alawite that support him like yourself,the truth that you have no respect for human life and you never respect people who are sunni,because of your deep hate,,and you ought to condemn the torturing of children and then killing them by your kind of people,you ought to denounce what your Alawite are doing , kidnaping women and torturing them and send them to their families with pieces of their bodies cut,and slitting their neck, you must be ashamed of yourself defending those people that you belong to, shame on you, you do not deserve respect defending such criminals,go back to your drinking,and dont teach us about human rights when you and your people do not practicing them, and violate them several times everyday.

September 29th, 2011, 5:56 am

 

Aboud said:

Revlon, thank you. Forgive me, but it is undeniable that the menhebaks here are mostly Iranians. Landis himself said on NPR that Iranians were helping the regime in its online propaganda efforts. Why would he say that, unless he had checked some of the IP addresses of the posters here.

September 29th, 2011, 5:58 am

 

Mohamed Kanj said:

ABOUDIJAN, REVLON, TARA, AND OTHER ISLAMIC EXTREMISTS. WHAT IS YOUR OPINION ON THIS IMAMS SPEECH? DOES THIS IMAM WHO REPRESENTS THE SYRIAN REVOLUTION ACCEPT OTHER RELIGIONS AND FREEDOMS?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vxm9TTEJO9w

This is what the salafi’s preach in their mosques. They want us to live in another Saudi Arabia and Afghanistan

September 29th, 2011, 5:59 am

 

Mina said:

To Revlon, celebrating every killing of a policeman:
http://www.lemonde.fr/asie-pacifique/article/2011/09/29/a-bahrein-le-regime-condamne-un-opposant-a-mort_1579676_3216.html

This is how things go with “law” applied by the best US allies.

September 29th, 2011, 6:00 am

 

Aboud said:

Majed

“You talk about Human rights,yet you defend your idol Bashar,”

Mjahali wants respect for opinions only insofar as his own opinions are concerned. He wants respect to be a one way street. When was the last time he condemned the disgraceful Sunni bashing and antisemitism coming from his cohorts? Disgraceful.

September 29th, 2011, 6:01 am

 

Mina said:

574
Aboud, you are so funny. Any Iranian who could speak such a good English as the people posting here would already be in exile somewhere. You guys all share something (except Sheila): you share a teenager vision of the world. Start to read history, there is a whole world out there…

September 29th, 2011, 6:02 am

 

Aboud said:

#575 USE MORE CAPS, WE CAN’T HEAR YOU OVER YOUR TIN FOIL HAT QUUUUUURRRUUUD WALLAQ LAISH MANAK BIL “MADRISSA” YA FARSI!

Extremists conspiracies Robert Ford extremists global agenda crazy pills OH MY GOD MY CAPLOCK IS BROKEN!

September 29th, 2011, 6:06 am

 

Aboud said:

“Any Iranian who could speak such a good English as the people posting here”

AHAHAHAHAHAH! Good English? You people have atrocious English. Hence all the repeated whines from Persians who’s feelings get hurt when I correct their horrendous spelling.

Generic farsi #575, I can only imagine your parents’ disappointment in how you’ve turned out. Your mother carried you in her womb for nine months, bought you up, raised you, and in the end the only job you could get is regime trumpet. And you have to deny your Persian heritage while you do so.

Poor Um Kanj, what did she do to deserve it. Her life wasted in a good for nothing son, who will end up in the courts over charges of incitement, to serve as an example to the other trumpets. Um Generic Farsi #575 will spend her last days, lamenting her jail-bird son, as he becomes a play thing for the perverted gratification of the shabihas

September 29th, 2011, 6:10 am

 

majedkhaldoun said:

Bashar told Mr. Hoss (lebanese ex Prime minister)that things are over and everything is quiet now, how could he say that?is he not in touch of reality? he is certainly not telling the truth,bashar is lying,as usual,no one should believe him .

September 29th, 2011, 6:11 am

 

ann said:

Sanctions on Syria useless – expert – Sep 29, 2011 14:22

Interview with Silvia Colombo, research fellow at the Italian Institute of Foreign Affairs in Rome.

http://english.ruvr.ru/2011/09/29/56927617.html

If really there has been some pressure on Lebanon to target Syria with the sanctions, this could be a very dangerous game. Lebanon is not in the position, does not have sufficient means to be put at the forefront of the confrontation with Syria. Due to historical reasons and also what we have seen in the recent Lebanese crisis, Lebanon is still very dependent, very fragile and very sensitive to what is going on in Syria, especially now, because we have a government in Lebanon which is partly controls and also has components from Hezbollah which is a strong ally of President al-Assad. Recently there have been many declarations, very bold and dangerous declarations, on the part of the Hezbollah; Hezbollah’s leader Hasan Nasrallah is saying that they will defend and they will support the Assad regime to the bitter end. So, I do not think that giving the situation in Lebanon now and the kind of turmoil that the country has been going through over the last years, not to say decades, after the civil war, I do not think that Lebanon is a proper country which could play the leading role in terms of countries surrounding Syria, in putting for Assad these sanctions and standing against the Syrian regime. I do not think it has the strength, it has the diplomatic capacity and that the situation could reverberate in a very negative way on the internal strife in Lebanon which we know is between Shiah and Sunnis which is very acute, which sometimes give rise to eruption of violence and, of course, the international community should try to protect Lebanon from Syria, not let it get more and more involved in the situation in Syria – for example, with the sanctions, and so on, and so forth.

I have been speaking with a Syrian researcher and reporter recently, he was outside the country and he added very interesting comments about the real effect of the sanctions. So, from what I heard from him and what I know, also knowing a bit the composition of the regime and the social fragmentation of the country, he also confirmed the fact that these sanctions which have been imposed by the UN and the United States are not really targeting the regime, are not really doing the right role in curbing the regime, reducing its power ? its power of control, economic power, and so on, and so forth.

There is just a little part of the sanctions which actually target businessmen and people related to the regime because we know that the political economy of the al-Assad regime has been fundamentally sustaining the kind of apparatus and the authoritarian state, but these businessmen have been targeted and they cannot travel, they have their bank accounts frozen, and so on, and so forth. This is a problem for them, but this does not reverberate on the regime, meaning the Alawis, the supporters of the al-Assad family and in particular the security forces which we know there are a lot who still support the regime, we have not heard about many people abandoning the regime, we have not heard about many defections. So, we could claim that there is still a huge support on the part of the military, the security apparatus and these people; some of them have been targeted but they do not care about the sanctions, because they do not travel, do not go abroad, these people sometimes do not even have assets on which these sanctions have been imposed.

So, basically, in terms of the situation on the ground in Syria, these sanctions have not changed the equilibrium and this is something al-Assad knows perfectly because there have been some sanctions imposed on Syria even before these latest rounds and I think that the regime is not so in danger as we may think it is. There are many reports saying that the al-Assad regime still can count on up to 500,000 security forces which it could mobilize as soon as possible, very quickly ? they are very highly trained, they have weapons, so they could continue this fighting for quite some time to go. So, the al-Assad regime according to us, according to some of these talks I had from people who are living in Syria is not in danger, is not really on the brink of collapse. We could see that also the opposition has started some kind of bargaining – it is very hidden, but there has been some kind of opening on the part of some segments of the opposition in favor of this stance, in the promises of the al-Assad regime and we could see this acknowledgment that the strategists so far have not really believed and actually expected the results.

So, about the sanctions, I mean, of course, I think that the EU and the US should not pull them down, but in a sense they should be aware of the fact that these are not means to put an end to the conflict in Syria. Also we should be reminded that we are completely separated, this is something completely different from the conflict in Libya. So, also the strategy should be different and the foreign involvement, engagement with the conflict in Syria should be completely different.

I think that putting pressure on some of Syria’s neighbors could be means, for example, in terms of the Gulf states, and particularly Saudi Arabia and Qatar which are the two more prominent actors in this sense because they have a very important regional role, but there have been some positions against the al-Assad regime from these Gulf states, from the Arab League. Only the cumulative effect of all these efforts could really give a strong message to the regime in Syria, because otherwise it will continue as nothing has happened. We do not see why it should change and keep talking about doing some reforms. There has been this opening also from some segments in the opposition. So, probably, this has even emboldened the regime to carry on in its fight against what is described as foreign led violence revolt.

Of course, the situation is that of the dramatic conflict; we know that approximately with more than 3,000 casualties so far it is something at which we should look very carefully because after Libya we may have to decide what to do with Syria if the situation continues like this. There is always a possibility that apart from an engagement between the opposition and the regime we could even envisage different scenarios in which demobilization grows stronger, also because there is more disaffection within the military apparatus, but this needs time to take place.

Now, al-Assad is still able to control the regime, he is still able to control various segments of the Syrian population – for example, the role of the Christians who are really frightened and most of them leaving the country, but nevertheless, they stand beside their president and this is a very important source of strength for the regime of al-Assad.

September 29th, 2011, 6:32 am

 

Aboud said:

Majed, remember when the Iraqi government said that there were no Americans in Baghdad? Remember Saif Ghadafi’s bombastic crap while Tripoli was being liberated? People like Besho the Peathant have found that it takes a lie as big as the problems they face to blanket them in a cocoon of reality-proof shelter. You can tell how much pressure Besho is under from the size of the lies he says.

Like the article Uzair linked, Besho is too weak to even expel the Western ambassadors, or recall his own.

September 29th, 2011, 6:35 am

 

ann said:

International Media Allegations at Syria – 29/09/2011

BEIRUT- Allegations of some media channels that the Syrian authorities have not allowed them access to the Syrian territories are untrue because there are many international media offices in the country and they could cover events objectively if they wanted, said former Lebanese Information Minister Michel Samaha.

Many Damascus-based international media offices do not want to cover events in Syria objectively and investigate reality; rather they prefer to rely on fabricated news and clips sent by armed groups or black chambers outside Syria’s borders, the Minister pointed out in an interview with the Lebanese OTV Channel.

“The Syrian people are aware of the U.S.-Israeli scheme and the New Middle East Project that aim at dividing the countries of the region into non-viable small states according to sectarian and ethnic bases to serve the Israeli enemy,” Samaha added.

The pretext of the so-called opposition that the demonstrations taking place are ‘peaceful’ is unmasked after the opposition has transformed them into armed groups who have become professional in killing, assassinating, kidnapping, terrorizing civilians and committing acts of banditry.

September 29th, 2011, 6:43 am

 

Mina said:

Aboud,
On “madrasa”, the word exists in Farsi and even in Urdu.
You are the living proof of the failure of the education system under your beloved regime. But don’t be too optimistic: Egypt has the same problem in the last 40 years (and one could say, the UK, France, Italy, etc.)

September 29th, 2011, 6:47 am

 

ann said:

Assad supporters throw stones at U.S. envoy in Damascus

Thu Sep 29, 2011 6:44am

Supporters of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad threw stones and tomatoes at U.S. ambassador Robert Ford and other U.S. diplomats who were visiting an opposition figure in Damascus on Thursday, a witness and diplomatic sources said.

http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/09/29/us-syria-usa-ambassador-idUSTRE78S1I120110929

“Two embassy cars were damaged. The U.S. delegation is still there and the crowd is surrounding the building,” said the witness.

“They are chanting ‘Abu Hafez (father of Hafez)’,” the witness said, a nickname for Assad.

The witness said the diplomats were visiting Hassan Abdelazim, a centrist politician who has been demanding an end to a crackdown on a six month pro-democracy uprising as a condition for any talks with Assad.

In Washington, State Department officials were not immediately available to comment.

It was the second attack on U.S. diplomats since the pro-democracy uprising erupted in Syria in March. In July, following a visit by Ford to the city of Hama, scene of large demonstrations for political freedoms, Assad supporters attacked the U.S. embassy compound in Damascus.

Ford has infuriated Syria’s rulers by cultivating links with the grassroots protest movement.

Ford was cheered by protesters when he went in July to the city of Hama, which was later stormed by tanks. He also visited a town that has witnessed regular protests in the southern province of Deraa, ignoring a new ban on Western diplomats traveling outside Damascus and its outskirts.

The United States, seeking to convince Assad to scale back an alliance with Iran and backing for militant groups, moved to improve relations with Assad when President Barack Obama took office, sending Ford to Damascus in January to fill a diplomatic vacuum since Washington pulled out its ambassador in 2005.

September 29th, 2011, 6:50 am

 

Syria no kandahar said:

So since Arboud is the only person here who is from Syria (in addition to kaled Tlass -the throat slasher and Alawi larynxes collector) and since Arboud has lost all his chances of being respected and being treated like a mature man by all of us the Persians,let us answer this question about ARBOUD THE WAHABI SYRIAN HERO:
where do you think Arboud is originally from:
-is he from ????? Syria
-is he ??? ?????? with very premature delivery and permanent brain damage
-is he from nawar ??? ??????
-was he a result of Saudi ???? ???? and got his citizenship ????????

If you know the answer please feel free to answer.
PS:only Persians can answer.Syrian ????? can’t answer.

September 29th, 2011, 6:53 am

 

majedkhaldoun said:

When I use the term Alawite,I do not refer to all Alawite,many of them are good citizen of Syria, I refer to The Alawite that support Assad, they are hard core Alawite,better refer to them as Assaisns,because that is what they are,they come from the assasins that used to live in that mountain,and were used to drinks alcohol and abused drugs and when the are somber they are sent to assasinate Sunni,one day they converted to Alawite, but they continue to hate Sunni, we should refer to them as Assasins,they are the people who support Assad and defend him ,they spew sectarian sedition and always attack sunni.

September 29th, 2011, 7:08 am

 

ann said: