Lebanon
The European Union is scheduled to hold a working session on the growing crisis in Lebanon on Monday in Brussels. Washington is consulting with the international community for a solution to put an end to Syria's domination over Lebanon.
U.S. and European officials also charged that Syria continues to maintain presence in Lebanon through intelligence agents, who were supposed to be removed by the end of April, according to U.N Resolution 1559.These an-Nahar headlines paint the grissly picture of Lebanese-Syrian relations over the last few weeks.
The White House blamed Damascus explicitly for blocking the three attempts by Lebanese Prime Minister Fouad Siniora to form a cabinet of Ministers. Lahoud vetoed all three, despite the support of the majority of Parliament for the last iteration.
The EU is joining the US in putting pressure on Syria. The Daily Star reportsEU foreign ministers called on Syria to improve relations with neighboring Lebanon and Iraq. It also warned Damascus to cut support to groups that oppose stability in the region in order to ensure future EU aid and trade.But it looks like the government crisis in Lebanon may be coming to an end. Siniora and President Lahoud promise an announcement this afternoon.
The ministers said: "A positive Syrian contribution to regional stability would contribute to deepening the EU-Syria relationship."
The EU has stalled the full implementation of a billion dollar cooperation agreement that offers Syria aid and better trade access because of its refusal to live up to EU demands to fight terrorism and cooperate in fostering peace in the Middle East.
Commenting on the Lebanese-Syrian border crisis, EU ministers urged Syria to "support the legitimate and sovereign new government of Lebanon allowing for smooth circulation of goods between the two countries."
Sana news agency is now reporting that the border is open, but we will have to see what that means.Al-Dabbusiyah, 17 July: Syrian and Lebanese ordinary people and drivers stressed that they crossed Al-Dabbusiyah border point with the sisterly Lebanon to and from Lebanon, adding that the Syrian authorities provide them with all possible facilities and deal in a flexible way with all arriving and departing passengers.Economic stranglehold
SANA staff reporters who visited the Al-Dabbusiyah area several times said there was an ordinary crossing traffic on both sides, and all the personnel there were working very hard to alleviate traffic jams on the borders with Lebanon, particularly the trucks coming from Lebanon.
Director of the Syrian Customs in the area Abd-al-Hadi Darwish said the main reason for the jam is the bridge used for the two-way border crossing is narrow and was originally built under the French mandate on Syrian and Lebanon.
He added that there are ongoing preparations on the Syrian side of Al-Dabbusiyah to expand and modernize this crossing point.
Syria has prevented Lebanese goods from passing through the Lebanese-Syrian border, where Beirut averaged 300 export shipments per day prior to Syria's withdrawal, over the past two weeks the number has dropped to a staggering zero. Jones said Syria is now trying to "undermine the Lebanese economy by blocking Lebanese exports so that millions of dollars of produce rots" at the Lebanese-Syrian border.
Damascus blames the delays on increased checks to prevent weapons and explosives being smuggled into Syria. Many Lebanese however believe Syria is being revengeful, after enduring a humbling withdrawal as a result of the Valentines Day assassination, which targeted and killed Rafik Hariri.
The economic crisis is threatening 50,000 jobs in Lebanon, and is estimated to be costing $300,000 a day in lost business.
"This is an obvious attempt to create an economic stranglehold on the most vulnerable sector of Lebanon's economy -- farmers and small merchants," a State Department official said. "Syria has historically been the gate through which Lebanese produce and products go to the rest of the region. Syria is now pulling out every dirty trick from its importation guide to have maximum dilatory effect."
Syria Frees 9 Lebanese Fishermen Detained over the Past 3 Days
Syria Demands Compensation to Families of 35 Workers Killed in Lebanon
Egypt, Arab League Pressure Assad to Stop Trade War Against Lebanon
Shootout Flares on Syria's Border Between Lebanese Police, Smugglers
Lahoud, Seniora in 'Irremediable Discord' as Lebanon Teeters on Brink of Abyss.
184 Comments:
Sooner or later Lebanese will realize that they have to go back to Syria and reconsider all the anti-Syrian electorial solgans. I doubt that EU pressure will do anything in this regards, at the end of the day its Syrian land and Syrian borders
I am Lebanese and I am appaled at the utter BS coming from the Hariri-Joumblatt camp. First, they bought the elections in the North after getting lucky in Baabda-Aley (Hezbollah should have ditched them). Now, after accusing their adversaries of almost any crime on earth, they want people to come and serve their interests? This is a bluff. Let us have real national elections, and let us see if these thugs can keep claiming that they are the majority.
lebanon has 2 neighbors, not 1. if the terrorist state continues the blockade, it doesn't take a genius to figure out in what direction the internal political pressure in lebanon will soon be pushing.
Go ya habibi to the other neighbor, wal alb da3eelak
Go ya habibi to the other neighbor, wal alb da3eelak
Editorial by Abed AlRahman Alrashid, Middle East newapaper http://www.asharqalawsat.com/leader.asp?section=3&article=312860&issue=9730
I totally agree with him
Kingcrane,
Your comments are irrelevant. Are there bilateral laws and agreements between Lebanon and Syria or not?
Do those mean anything? (I think they don't). Same thing with the "law" inside Syria. In totalitarian regimes the law is meaningless.
What do you mean "real" elections? I am not crazy about these guys, or about the lousy election law. However, elections were held, and until next electiosn they are the majority (and like you I may not like it).
Syria wants to blockade Lebanon?
Anyone remember when Farook Shara had a heart attack? They rushed him from Damascus to Beirut for treatment. So if the Lebanese retaliate by closing the borders, the Syrian leaders will start dying one by one.
President Bashar Al Assad knows what he is doing. He is doing great, keeping the whole world incompetent leaders at sea and gasping for solutions. Keep'em drowned Bashar. All we care about, is Syrian people Human Rights and the economic / military developments of Syria. Something the Dollar /Pussy whipped drowning bastards of the world don't giva a damm about.
To: anon @ 11.11
In your wildest Zionist dreams. From what we know in 2009. It looks like Israel will be the one looking for few yards wide to inland pass.
The so called Lebanese "opposition", which is an oxymoron if you've ever heard one, are trying to play political hard ball. They have the upper hand for now since America and France are supporting them. And if the blockade by Syria is suppose to be a retaliatory action then it’s a childish and weak attempt, better luck next time guys.
But what’s more dangerous than childish acts is Harriri and Jumblat's idiotic power trip they are enjoying. Did they not learn anything from the civil war? America, France, Israel, Italy and the Palestinians tried to tame and control Lebanon but all failed while Syria succeeded. Why? Because America, France and others can talk all they want and as long as they want. But Syria will ALWAYS be Lebanon’s closest neighbor. So the current Lebanese officials better keep that in mind. History and time have a tendency to turn the tables.
Syria has been dealt a blow by the west and the lebanese added insult to injury. But they should prove to be the better "man" tend to their wounds and get ready to get back into this fight.
Josh,
What do you think the Syrian people think about these new Syrian measures against Lebanon?
Reading the posts online by Syrians (in this website and many others) it seems to me that FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER the Syrian people are with taking measures against Lebanon. The Syrian public as I understand were AGAINST their government's handling of Lebanon during the last 29 years, but surprisingly it seems now that they support even harsher measures against Lebanon by their government.
I think the Lebanese demonstrators, politicians and journalists went too far lashing out insulting Syria and the Syrian people (even murdering some and physically attacking them) for the last 5 months with no reaction at all from the Syrian government (or even the Syrian public). It seems that the Syrian people are deeply hurt by the continuous "racist" insults THEY received (not their government) in the last 5 months by the Lebanese that they are now seeking retaliation.
I read posts by angry Syrians requesting their government to not just close the borders with Lebanon but also to stop providing the smaller neighbour with cheap Syrian electricity, gas and oil (as per the 2 countries' "special economic cooperation agreements") and to treat Lebanon as any other country. Some also are requesting cancelling the almost 10-years-old Syrian water agreements with Lebanon signed by late Hafez Al-Assad in which he personally intervened in the long-lasting negotiations and gave Lebanon more than half in many occasions.
Correct me if I'm wrong Josh, but I think this time the Syrian government is not pulling "dirty tricks" because it wants to pressure Lebanon (it could have done this just after it pulled out in April!), but it is trying to let the steam out of the boiling Syrian street by enforcing these minor economic measures to release the public Syrian anger.
We should not forget that US economic sanctions against Syria were pushed by popular Lebanese figures (such as Aoun who lobbied in the US congress for it) and that many other popular politicians are pulling the same trick with Europe, requesting that it does not ratify the EU agreement with Syria until the latter delivers the rest of the 1559 requirement (whatever that is!). These politicians include the younger Hariri and Jounblat. These Lebanese figures have public support and the Lebanese people publicly supported these measures against Syria (this is what the Lebanese papers are saying anyhow).
SO.. for me it seems that it is "fair game" by Syria to use the same economic weapons used by the US, Europe and even the Lebanese against it to achieve its political interests. Just as these countries are using this weapon against Syria to achieve their political interests in the region. Am I right?
It would be very interesting to hear your view on this Josh! And even better.. if you could survey some public Syrian point of view on this.
THe border control is one childish move by Syrian authorities leaving more room for criticism. ENOUGH! Please don't try to use the Carrot and stic that Americans use on us.. because both the carrot and the stick will end up in our asses. I won't work this time since Syria is the ugly duckling..actually the ugly polar bear in this case..because our problems do not end with only one neighbour.
Syria is under full scale attack for:
1- Lebanese Assasinations, and still meddling in politics-even though I'm gladthe new gov't was just formed
2- Supporting Opposition and resistance in Iraq and Palestine
and then the usual pressure, human rights, political freedom and being evil.
Solution?
1- Open up borders, we need money flow as much as the lebanese, the carrot and stick is not gonna work, we need the cash, and lets show good faith so we can work with the winy ass Lebanese. Now we are out, they can't blame Syria for every Lebanese problem. Opening borders also means more tourism, if only 10% of Lebanese tourists come to Syria, that's about 250,000 Rich ass Saudis in our town, our prostitution industry will prosper, means the whole country will prosper. We need High quality Prostitues!
2- Let the those political prisoners out! The Ambassador promised in his speech in Georgetown Univ. that they will all be out in 4 months! that was 5 months ago. We all know by now that most Political dissidents don't want an overthrow-like Ghadry. We all want reform..It is a good national dialogue, and Government to people exchange, opposition in Syria doesn't hurt, it encourages reform.
3- Hold a Joint Border Security Conference in Damascus, sponsored by Syria, and showcase the whole world those news stories that the whole world ignored-sand dunes, extra patrols, more people captures, and how the U.S. has more border patrol on its New Mexico Border than In all of Iraq Borders. Nobody watched the above, but if Iran, Saudi, and Turkey (no Kuwait, because nobody cares about Kuwait) Officialy send delegations and participate in this Conference, I am pretty sure syria will have more reporters than flies. This will have a huge impact. Bush is getting more credible when he says Syria is sending insurgents, and then every other day they say a Syrian was caught, and a terrorist confessed to be trained in Syria..SHUT UP, more than 60% of all insurgents are either from Saudi Arabia, or came from there.
3- Speed up naming Non-Bathists as ministers, now that the naggy-ass Lebanese are done with naming government, good time for Syria to announce new reforms, and name new cabinet, and Advisory board...and so on, will get media attention
4- Allow me to be Minister of Information- Or Presidential Palace Spokesperson, I will do a Media war of Attrition, I will appear more on American TV networks than the Monkey-Lipped Bush says Evil Doers, and spread freedome together
Those are major things to do...many more, especially on Corruption, a safe way to end it. Nothing sends a message to the world tthat Syria really wants to be a reformed country than sincerly fights corruption.
Fadi,
I agree that from now on Syria should treat Lebanon just like any other neighbout, therefor cancelling all "Special Treaties" on oil, gas, electricity.
But the border situation is uncalled for, and is giving Lebanese/World more reasons to hate us. Now I don't care about the Lebanese (Unless they want to get back to Greater Syria), they can all turn into homos and Prostitutes for all I care..but I do care about the rest of the World.
We SHOULD care about Lebanon, for sooo many reason. But mainly because it’s the only "friendly" neighbor we have, I consider Jordan and Israel as enemies, Iraq and Turkey as a question mark.
Second, from a strategic point of view, Lebanon is the only neighbor that can tag along with us in any Israeli peace deal. When Syria controlled Lebanon we did the negotiations for them but now they will have their own representatives and as insignificant as Lebanon might be in the region, it’s much better to consider them an asset than a liability.
Thirdly, we are practically the same people with the same culture, food, accent, habits etc. And brothers, with all their differences, need to stick together. Also, please spare us the bull shit about greater Syria. Lebanon will continue to be an independent country and our best hope is to be its primary ally.
Last and certainly not least, they know how to party like its no tomorrow and that is something we've got to learn from them and quick. This tacky conservativeness in Syria can be cute sometimes, but mostly it’s hideously dull. I had the pleasure of going to university in Beirut and that city holds a special place in my heart second only to Damascus. We screwed them and they screwed us, its time for us to kiss for a change.
Lebanon? World Governments are collapsing, mankind are vanishing off this planet, who cares about these insignificant disturbances, who giva a damm, I don’t giva a shit. All I care about are the Syrian people human rights, freedom and development of the country to supersede that of Jewish and Arab Bedouins. GO FOR IT BASHAR, IF IT PLEASES YOU EXCELLENCEY ASS. JUST DO WHAT SSPRS ASKING OF YOU PLEASE.
Tarek,
I now know why the all bash at you. It is because of you said, "they screwed us", now we-The Syrians- Screwed the Lebanese, I agree, but they Screwed Us, I dunno what you meant by that. Where you with a bunch of your gay Syrians sitting, and a bunch of Lebanese guys screwed you? Brotherly Love?
Those fuckers have blind hate for us now. They are all my friends, and I have many close friends, but I know, deep inside they hate us.
OUr winning card of peace negotiation was Lebanon, now they are out..Watch it tomorrow as the peace process will be:
"Syria Lebanon, take Shebaa Farms, and decide who it is for"
"Oh yea, about Golan Heights, keep on dreaming."
The trade is gonna happen between Syria/Lebanon. Within a couple of years, we will get along better than ever. But YOU TELLING ME THAT WE SHOULD SELL THEM NATURAL RESOURCES AND OTHER STUFF BECAUSE THEY SCREWED YOU IN YOUR AUB DORM, I say, GO $#@@#$@#$ from the market, lube it up with KY Gel, and #$%#$%#$$#%##% your #@$@#$@#$#, then share it with your comrads in Lebanon.
Are you telling me we didn’t make mistakes in Lebanon? I am not denying that many Lebanese hate Syrians, to me there are two major reasons; an inherent racism to anyone different from the typical Lebanese (main reason for civil war). And Syrian mistakes in Lebanon which even our President admitted in his speech to the parliament. I am certain if the roles were switched we would have seen humiliation and oppression like no other from the Lebanese. But we cannot deny that we also fu%$ed up.
Another point is the fact that Lebanon is not more of a democracy than Syria. They have been ruled by the same people for 80 years. If you can change the mentality of their fu%$ed up leaders the people will follow.
Look!
I didn't say hide behind the Masnaa Point and shoot every Lebanese in the head. I said treat Lebanon like any other country.
We did screw up in Lebanon, but at the same time, we were getting screwed ourselves. They should know that too.
All I am saying, is treat them formally..no more discount gas, no more discount electricity.
Let's face it; Syria has been backward compared to Lebanon for ages now. Even when I was little, and before the retarded Baathists took power in Syria, whenever I travelled to Lebanon, I always felt a different air and nature the minute we left Syria and crossed into Lebanon. Every thing seemed out of this world for me. Leaving behind the dust, the agressivness of the Syrians, their rough language, and the ugly clothings of the Syrian army and policemen. Lebanon is unlike any other Arab country. Lebanon was cut out of Paradise itself as described by prophets and holy books. The Lebanese people seemed always smoothers, more cultivated and at ease with modern life. I loved Lebanon and the Lebanese people. I still love Lebanon, of course. Lebanon is unlike any other fxxing Arab country. It is a piece of heaven.
So, no wonder that Lebanese later on developped an alergy to every thing that they saw as Syrian, that can not accept progress and evolution. Lebanese employed hundreds of thousands of Syrian workers, and for a country that small and poor of natural resources, compared to Syria, is there any wonder Lebanese feel supperior to Syrians and some of them get pomped so much that they start to look down at Syrians? I could not understand how the differences between Syria and Lebanon came about. Syrians love to put their garbage exactly at their door mats, or even when they are neat, to just put it at the neighbour's door. How come Lebanese villages always shined with their beauty far enough, while Syrians and Syrian villages always seemed ugly and unclean? Why is there such a difference?
Then, coming to the ages while the dictator of Syria goverend, I have no doubt that it was the Syrian regime that incited the Lebanese civil war, and it was the Assad regime that divided Lebanese and played politics inside the Lebanese unity to control Lebanon, and to destroy the Syrian opposition in Lebanon that used to have their own sanctuary there. It also wanted to destroy the PLO, and so, it destroyed Lebanon, and then played the role of its saviour with the help of Kissinger and Israel. Now, the Syrians say that they were saving Lebanon, and so many believe them, and repeat after them this ugly lie. The Assad regime's position for which it was hired in the region was from the start to destroy Syria and Lebanon, and nothing else. I say nothing else. That is its sole purpose of existence beside the enrichment of its members.
Mohammed (Alawi).
Muhammad,
First, I really don't know if your name is Muhammad or Charbil, and if your Alawi, or Yazidi. Postiong your religion doesn't prove your point better.
Now, if you like smooth stuff, and accent and what police wear, that means you have big gay tendencies.
You don't know what the difference is? It is the backwardness of our regime that made us reach this stage. The Lebanese are Syrian, not too long ago. Every Lebanese's Great Grandfather is Syrian by Documents and Passports, and if not, he is the son of an Ottoman, French, or someone connected to the above.
The country flourished because Lebanon was a sanctuary to all kinds of different religions that were supressed by Ottomans. Maronites, Shiites, Druzem Atheists and others fled to Mount Lebanon and decided to start a new life. Automatically comparing it to their old life, they worked for the best of the best.
And to your knowledge, Syria is still more beutiful than Lebanon, but I can still see what you like more in Lebanon.
Up until the Baathists, Syria was the most secular nation in the Arab world, early Syrian movies show you convertible cars driven by women wearing skirts shorter than the Haifa Wahbe. But oppresion, restriction, bad economy, all leed to increase in backwardedness, and retardation.
You say we don't accept change? we had more Presidents between independence and Assad than you have toes (assuming you are normal)
And we do accept changes, but after a while, people couldn't over power the Baathists because they planned it right. and from then on..the Gap between Lebanon and Syria grew at a faster rate. The whole syrian mentality is about Palestine, Western plans to take over the west and all that..education just changed the Syrian state of mind.
But for people that fled the country, we are more successful than anybody else. All Syrians abroad are more successful than anybody else, All Doctors, business owners, lawyers and pimps.
Look at Syrian Communities in Australia, Central Africa, South America, lot and lot better than anybody else, especially the lebanese. One thing that pisses me off, is that a lot of Syrians say they are Lebanese, I know many like that, Like Syrian father, lebanese mother they say Lebanese..
Anonymous:
At least give yourself a fucking name so people can point their replies to you. You proved my point in your post. As a retarded Syrian, you could not accept with civility what I was saying, so you resorted to insults and shaming some one you have no idea what he is like. In turn your language deserved my insults to you which you will get plenty of if you keep insulting people who disagree with your point of view.
I said Alawi so your ilks understand that not every Alawi is a Baathist, and that not every Sunni is not. We are individuals and we all have our individualties. I saw posts in this blog before that wanted nothing less than describing all Alawis as Assadists and murderers while many, including my self despise Assad and hate him and his Bathy regime much more than any of you, for we have refused rewards and high position and preferred poverty and unemployment to being nominated to a ministry or a clergy position to elevate Assad to be nearly God or God himself as Al Bouti and Khadam and Tlas and so many many others did. So now this fucking regime is "my regime" according to your fucking post?
My answer to you is fuck you. You are retarded and will always be inferior to any human standard. I did not start the insults, you started it, and it is up to you to change and argue logically and with facts. Syria under this regime or under all previous regimes always was retarded vis a vis Lebanon. Lebanon, no matter what you say about it consitutes a point at which you feel inferior and that is why you look for excuses. Assad (my regime) has been destroying Lebanon not building it, and every thing he did was to destory it, Lebanon is still even with its long civil war a lot nicer than your fucking/my fucking country. Imagine what would it have looked like if Assad was not destroying it for that long? You would have looked much iferior and felt exactly that. So, be thankful, as a retarded Syrian that you had Assad to bring down the differences between Syria and Lebanon, otherwise, the gap could have been much wider.
It is logic.
Mohammed ( The Christian).
Yeah you both make good and bad points, interesting posts anyway.
Here is the deal:
The Dandashi's were living in North Lebanon and Tel-Kalakh region of Syria, when the French drew the boarders they cut us in half. Figuere this one out will ya.
Here we go:
Lebanese Presiden Emile Lahoud, a close ally of Damascus, has approved the composition of the new cabinet after three weeks of wrangling by PM Fuad Siniora, with the support of Saad al-Hariri.
The new cabinet includes 15 Hariri supporters and five members of the pro-Syrian Shi'ite alliance. Three other ministers are close to Lahoud and a fourth is an independent. No member of Michel Aoun's Christian block is in the government.
Hezbollah politician Mohammad Fneich has been named minister of Energy and Water Resources.
The ball is in Washington's court, which has promised punishment should a cabinet position go to Hezbollah.
Good for the pragmatic Siniora, who first caters to national interests.
Whew, this comment area is really rough and tumble, not to mention hostile. However, once you strip away the insults and invective, the opinions are a worthwhile read.
Heh, maybe this area is like that restaurant in Rome where if you don't insult the waiter, he won't take your order! Course the rule thre is that you have to be clever and indirect. An effyew is forbidden but colorful and wounding characterizations are fair game!
Fadi,
I really like what you said. It reminded me of the "toz 'ala loubnane" quote by a taxi driver to Josh a few months back.
Dear Mohammed (the Alawi/ Christian/ Sunni/ Sabean/ Zoroastrian/ Mason/ Harry Potter worshiper.. who cares!),
I haven't read such an appalling racist and fascist comment since I finished reading the last piece of the chauvinistic bigotry-filled rhetoric written by jebran tuainy in annahar newspaper.
My friend, If you think that lebanon is "cut out of Paradise itself as described by prophets and holy books" (this is news to me BTW.. which prophet was it? The one that was jailed in Idleb few weeks ago?) AND Given that you are at least 40 years old -"Even when I was little, and before the retarded Baathists took power in Syria" (Mohammed the Alawi)- THEN I don't know why you did not leave this awful inferior place called Syria and go save your "smooth" and "cultivated" ANGELS living in this piece of civilized heaven called lebanon during its subhuman sectarian carnivore feast that the lebanese now gently call the "civil war"?
You know what.. you don't have to answer, as with your racist and sectarian pervasive mind I guess that you lived most of your life in Lebanon and not Syria.
One more thing my friend, if you consider yourself living in a "backward" and "dusty" place among "rough", "aggressive" and out-fashioned people, then maybe this is exactly where you come from.. I recommend moving out of your parents' house.
I also can recommend a very good shrink that specialize in childhood disorders… I'm sure that he'll be more than capable of understanding and dealing with the big tumour of RACISM and SECTARIANISM you're suffering from.. this guy is extremely good in these areas.. he's Lebanese.
To Fadi 12.50,
You say that Syria could increase pressure on Lebanon by canceling the agreement on hydraulic ressources.
This 'agreement' is not compatible with the international law concerning water sharing (percentage are decided according to where the source of the water is and the length of the river in the different territories). In the 50's, Syria proposed to Chamoun to share the water 60-40 in Lebanon's favour but Chamoun refused because international law allowed us to get more. After it brotherly occupied Lebanon, Damascus 'negotiated' an agreement that gives 60% of the common water to Syria. But all the water in Lebanon comes from Lebanese mountains, not from Syria meaning that you cannot cut it. The water flows from Lebanon to Syria and not the inverse.
As for using the Israeli border, it's hard to implement this right now, because it would mean signing a new peace treaty in the middle of the intifada (not plausible). But there's no reason why this should not be implemented on the medium term. Someone said on Tony Badran's blog that it would undermine Lebanon's arab identity (I am not sure what that means). But Egypt and Jordan are already doing business with Israel. We won't tolerate double standards from the arab world anymore. If other brothers do it, we certainly can.
to the Tarek who said:
"But what’s more dangerous than childish acts is Harriri and Jumblat's idiotic power trip they are enjoying. Did they not learn anything from the civil war? America, France, Israel, Italy and the Palestinians tried to tame and control Lebanon but all failed while Syria succeeded. Why? "
I If they learned something from the war it's to keep Syria out of Lebanese afairs
II In 1984, the international forces left with Lebanon with no glory after syrian sponsored groups blew a couple of buildings. The west shamefully bowed in front of syrian terrorism. But sine 9-11, there's a policy from western country to support fragile states in the arab world. USSR is dead, Syria is weak and there's no way it's going back to Lebanon.
Read less Michel Aflak if you want to understand how the outside world really works.
What did the Lebanese hope for after all those insults traded at Syria with the help of the West and for no good reason? Roses? The Lebanese have been very opportunistic in using the West to pressure Syria, but the truth is, at the end of the day, size does matter, irrespective of who is more advanced or who is more "sophisticated" than the other.... As the saying goes, "don't play with stones if your house is made of glass". The border issue is only ONE of the MANY options Syria has to ensure that Lebanon does not flatter itself too much...
To Mohammed (Alawi).
We definetely need to put the alawis in the future Lebanese federation (except the baathis and the Lion Family of course). After all, allawis also have the right to self determination.
Minorities should help each other in this region.
To Vox Populi:
Regarding your last post above; I never ever looked at my self as a member of a minority in any place I found myself in. I only described myself on this site as Alawi to be able to respond to blanket posts generalizing about every body, and making the fight against this dictorship regime is Syria as a pure sectarian fight. Some if not a large part of people who oppose the Assad regime, oppose it, unfortunately from a sectarian point of view only, or at least this is how they sound when they attack the regime.
I do not wish nor ever want to promote minority views. I never wish nor want to call for minority special status. It is the American system that I wish for Syria and Lebanon, and a system where the individual will have rights and freedom to florish and advance himself and his country, and humanity as a whole. I am against minority special powers or special status. That was the direction that Syria at least was going forward with, prior to the Assad plot that he really started in 1967 and accomplished in 1970. He was the one to turn Syria back into a dark history that really Syria never knew before in its darkest times. Syria was an example of integration for the world. A Syrian prime minister of Christian faith in a country with a large percentage of Muslims was able to have that position after the independence from France. A Kurdish General took power in 1949 in a coup d'etat. Up until today, no one hated him becuase he was Kurd. Shukri Kuwatli was Syria's president twice. He is of Turkish origin. No one was hating him because he was such. Many Druz generals became Chiefs of Stafs, or Army leaders, and no one ever mentioned that. Yes, concerning Alawis, that was a bit difficult, but when they had the chance to have high positions, the ones that followed Assad screwed up big time, and made it much worse for Syria's future. Syria is no more as it used to be because of the games, sectarians in many instances the regime played to solidify its power, and the regime took Syria away from its pioneering position as the country of equals and of secularism. Alawis will be paying a big price for the selfish goals of the few families, and unfortunately, ignorance among Alawis conquered reason.
So, my friend, I want Syria and Lebanon to become the way they were destined to become at first, prior to the corrupt regime of Assad. I want a US like system in Syria and Lebanon.
A Republican System of Government is the only way to govern a country like Syria nd Lebanon. What are you describing as an American system is in fact Syrian. That is how Syria was ruled before the Moslem invasion on a senate basis with a representative government.
Mohammed,
First of all, your reason/excuse for posting your religion is as fickle as the pathetic arguments you're making.
Second, whether you're really Syrian, or Lebanese, it is this type of mentality that earns you disrespect for your glaring ignorance and shallow analysis. A mere scratch of the surface can, without much effort, prove the fallacy of your theories.
Lebanon is a marketing gimmick. Sure, Lebanon today is slightly (and cosmetically) ahead due to a more open economic and political system. But, even a minimum of analysis will prove that it's not due to some inherent racial reason as you imply. Many of the most successful Lebanese (including the wealthiest of the Maronites are recent Syrian immigrants from Aleppo and elsewhere). They succeeded because they were afforded an opportunity in a freer system than the one they left. It's as simple as that.
When you compare Syrians and Lebanese on an equal footing, in the same environment - such as in immigrant communities, you will find them comparable, and you will find that the differences between them almost pale. And, if there is an edge of one over the other, it's in favor of the Syrians. I invite you to travel to Brazil, Argentina and Mexico, in addition to the United States and Canada. I lived in 3 of those countries (Canada, US & Brazil) and can attest firsthand to what I'm saying.
Now, let me remind you that these "refined" Lebanese that you're enthralled with are the ones that butchered each other's civilians at border crossings because of their sects. It's these tasteful Lebanese that demonstrated during 16 years of war the ugliest of human traits that cost them almost 200,000 people. I don't mean to say that this couldn't happen in Syria; indeed, it can. All I'm trying to say is we're all cut of the same stone; we're all inherently the same. We suffer the same afflictions. Whatever differences between us are attributed only to the difference in our systems. Even today, there are few differences, other than the cosmetic, shallow ones between all of us Levantines. And, what we don't need is some dumb-ass with an inferiority complex to open his manhole and contribute.
I recognize that much like an asshole, you have an opinion, and feel an urge to share it. Well, you did. Now, why don't you shrink back to whatever hellhole you came out of and leave the heavier discussion and analysis for those better equipped for them. You'd be doing yourself, us Syrians and....yes, your beloved Lebanese a big favor: With allies like you, who needs enemies!
Rami
Mr. Asshole Rami:
Yours and your friend's reply (if indeed you are not both the same asshole) shows exactly what type of creatures Syrians and Lebanese have been dealing with since 1970, I mean since your fucking bastard Assad came to power. It is such a dictatorial mentality that we have faced and that we shall surely defeat and render you back to your holes where you had come from, as your friend Saddam went back to that hole.
I did not start the insult or the use of bad language, but obviously any opinion that is not in line with your fucking brain needs to be attacked with insults and bad language, in turn, you get back the insults as you truly deserve.
Explain to your self Mr. dirty retarded Syrian (I mean you as dirty Syrian not the Syrians) how can you explain what I had described as Syrians putting the garbage in front of their door steps or their neighbours' or in the streets, while Lebanon had gotten rid of that habbit long long long ago, much earlier than the Assad regimes age? It is not genes, it is culture, and Lebanon was blessed to have more Christians than Muslims and that helped. That is the only difference between the two people, but there is also one difference, and that is that truly Lebanon is a piece of heaven, and even the old testament spoke about its beauty.
Your regime is about to end, mr. shit Ramy. Hopefully, I will be sending you to the hell hole you were talking about. I have already hired the people to get your ass fucked along with your president, the Girafe like, bashar assad.
Could it be that mohammed is jewish since he knows the old testatment? But he makes sense in many of his points.
This post has been removed by the author.
I remember back in the 80's when 3000+ members of SSPRS predesessor were arguing just like that. Idle fighting, worthless arguments. That is why the Agha always said to me, keep it simple, keep it small. keep it seperated in groups. Learn from Amen / Marduk ways let the party be the capstone of the pyramid. Amen knows how to deal with the human race, he had 45,000 years of experience.
We need to keep the regime's expertise in toruture and prisons to deal with people like Rami when power changes hands.
Habib
Mohammed (quote)
"I do not wish nor ever want to promote minority views. I never wish nor want to call for minority special status. It is the American system that I wish for Syria and Lebanon, and a system where the individual will have rights and freedom to flourish and advance himself and his country, and humanity as a whole."
I completely understand your point of view. Who doesn't want freedom for everybody? But the reason I am promoting the right for minority to control their own fate is because I feel that the ideologies that are the most important in the Muslim group (which is islamist) prevent liberty and democracy. So I want to pull myself out of this group, to save my future and my culture. When a Christian Arab looks at the Arab world today, what does he see? He sees how the Muslim Brotherhood treat Copts in Egypt (whatever they say on tolerance, it’s not true). He sees Moqtada el Sadr wanting to put a veil on Christian women and encouraging bombing alcohol-selling shop. He sees Iraki Christians in Lebanon waiting to get a visa for the USA. 70 years ago, Iraki Christians who had to flee settled in Lebanon. Now they don’t want to that: they are afraid that the conflict will catch them in Lebanon.
Now of course if somebody have a magic wand and can erase these totalitarian ideologies there won't be a lot of difference between a Maronite and a syrian Sunni. But we cannot call ourselves a nation when wackos want to impose prehistoric charia law on me.
I believe that islamization of society is a long-term trend, not just a temporary fashion. The trend is accelerating since 9-11. The long term result of this will be something like a Taliban state. Islamism generates poverty and lack of understanding of the world which generates Islamism. This is why the Islamic world is going backward according to me. Even if there's a lot of secularized Muslims (especially Lebanese Muslims) what I see around me make me believe moderates are losing the war of minds. It's sad but it's true.
In the 50’s, religion wasn't a major important issue and this is why there was a strong ties between religious communities. But this is not the case anymore. I own nothing to the Arab world. It should be the opposite. I don’t have to prove anything to the Arab world. If this civilisation wants something from me, it will have to prove. I don’t know what’s going to happen but I know this: my children will not live in talibanistan. Either Muslims put Islam out of the public sphere, either we put ourselves out of reach of Islam.
Excuse me (Syrian Republican Party), I am new to this, and do not understand the terms and names you have used in your above post. Please explain, and tell what is the Syrian Republican Party. Thanks
Habib
Mohammed said:
" It is not genes, it is culture, and Lebanon was blessed to have more Christians than Muslims and that helped"
The ONE AND ONLY reason why Christians were superior to Muslims in Syrian and especially Lebanese society had nothing to do with their religion. The French and the catholic church in particular insured that Christians will be well educated in the Levant region. While Muslims and other minorities were left to tend for themselves. Even during the late days of the Ottoman occupation, special treatments to Christians were allowed due to pressure from the Vatican. So being Christian is not inertly better. Christians had a clear advantage over their Sunni counterparts, while the Shi3a were left to rot in poverty and ignorance.
Don’t get me wrong, I think Lebanon is truly blessed with its Christian population; it gives it a unique identity. But we should stop defining people by their religion, Christians, Alwaites, Shi3a it really does not matter. The "Sophisticated" Lebanese killed each other over these minor differences.
To Vox Populli,
So in your opinion bombing soldiers is considered terrorism, while Americans taking sides and helping bombing parties to a conflict they came to stop (under the name of peacekeepers if I may add) is fine? And what does Michel Aflak have to do with anything? I am not a bathist. But it’s an absolute fact that Syrian and Lebanese affairs will be forever entangled, if your pro-american ass likes it or not.
On your blog you try to sound fair and open-minded to some fools who are suggesting partition in Lebanon by stating:
“Too much ties exist with Lebanese muslims and they need us as much as we need them. I am also aware of the fact that not all of them are religious wackos.
Concerning the 80's period, a lot of things changed and it's not sure that muslim populations would reject some decentralisation (Jumblatt would be certainly OK for it, whatever he says in public). After all, they look for more conservative policies that they cannot implement in the current system.”
OH REALLY??? So Lebanon only has one kind of wackos? Your religious and political predisposition will not allow you to make unbiased analysis so please spare me. It’s this disgusting, and what seems to be inherent, “I am better than everyone else” Lebanese mentality that put Lebanon in the shits. You can blame the Palestinians, Syrians, Israeli’s, Muslims whoever you want at the end of the day it’s ALL Lebanese that have problems. And “they need us as much as we need them” proves my point you are still thinking in the mentality of sides instead of stating the plain and simple truth that we are all the same. Yes even dirty Muslim Syrians are practically the same as you Lovely Maronite Lebanese. Oh I’m sure that last comment makes you burn with rage.
After reading most of you comments i could not help but reply to the bullshit that I read.
As a Lebanese Christian, who has been under Syrian occupation for 30 years. I would like to start out by saying that Syria was an active participant in the war from the first day they entered Lebanon. after eliminating any one who stood against them over the years they gained full control of Lebanon with the blessing of the US and with the help of their Lebanese dogs (Jumblat, Berri, Harriri, and many more). It was really nice in the early 90s arriving to Beirut airport and seeing hafez al assaad pic in front of me and Syrian mukhabarat checking my papers or being stopped at a syrian check point and being insulted. Since 91 in addition to all the killing under your hands, Lebanon became a gold mine to your leaders and workers. Syria had a hand in every major industry in Lebanon (fuel, telecom, electricity, casino...)with the help of their Lebanese dogs, and stole billions of dollars over the years. Then we have your illegal undocumented workers numbering between 800k to 1Million who send every last penny made back to Syria, the solution since you all are so ungrateful to us is to kick all Syrians out of Lebanon and employ the Palestinians instead, who at least appreciate Lebanon and will keep the money in Lebanon. As for your so called economic agreements between our two countries, for your info it was a one way deal, you take and we give, so it’s a very good idea to cancel all these agreements and treat each other like independent countries do. How do you expect us to react to all the abuse you have done to my people and country, ins7ab musharrif my ass. Next step to get rid of the DOGS.
To the last Anon
Its funny you did not name any Christian leaders as Syria's so called "dogs", of course there were many and you know it but probably as a typical Lebanese fanatic (whether Christian or Muslim) you all tend to blame everyone else.
Syria DID abuse its powers in Lebanon, but it also quelled the war and no one can deny that.
More importantly in regard to your ignorant comment about the economic situation I would like to say the following; Do you know that there are approx. 100,000 Lebanese working in Syria in mostly managerial positions? And that they make and bring back as much money as these 1 million Syrian workers? I don't hear anyone complaining about that, and why should they? Its economic trade in its purest form. Where Syria imports specialized skills its lacks and Lebanon import hand labor it lacks.
These brainwashed dogmas that’s been infecting the Lebanese mindset must end. The only one-way street was only political. Economically it was more give and take that you would like to believe.
Gentlemen,
If you postulate that Syrians and Lebanese must be at odds, or that some Syrian and some Lebanese must be at odds all the time, then all the hostility appears justified.
Most Lebanese dislike Syria and Syrians, except those from their own sect, of course. Sure, people from minorities love people from other minorities, unless the majority sect is not a factor, and the quabbles shift to problems between the minorities. Your posts illustrate that we are far from being ready for secular governments.
On the subject of Syrian versus Lebanese authorities, I agree with Fadi's post. And, when people like Joumblatt and Hariri profitted blatantly from Syria's presence yet became (postumously for Hariri) the heroes of the "opposition" one has to ponder about the maturity of their most extremist supporters (Tueini and others).
in response to the last post.
yallah to make you happy, christian dogs include; hobeika, hrawi, lahoud, murr, herden, pakradoumi and the list go on and on but at least they are still loyal dogs unlike the others who are the biggest Hypocrites the so called "opposition" jumblat and co.
TO Kingrane:
You said: "Your posts illustrate that we are far from being ready for secular governments.">
What a better slogan for regimes such as the regime of the family Assad and their ilks love to hear.
Will we ever be "READY" for secular democratic governments? How long must the Assad family stay in popwer before it prepares the people of Syria for example for "Secular" and "democratic" system? 40 years was not enough? Will we see Hafez Assad the 2nd?
When people like you repeat this slogan, we know right away that they belong to the same gang that is controlling the system and that wants to world to believe that they are the only possibility for Syria. Unfortunately, this system you are advocating exists in every single Arab country, and they all were designed and imposed by foreign forces. The foreign forces found with a little of difficulties at first, those who would dio any thing to be on top, and to become the billionaires they are, and to be able to pass a whole country to their sons.
Syria must be liberated.
Mohammed (the Christian).
Mohuammad you dumb ass mother fucker!
Muhammad The Allawi, from your first post, I decided not to read anything you post again, but I guess all your posts are the same uneducated arguments that sound like farts in the sauna.
You illiterate son of a bitch, how dare you disrespect your country and say your inferior! I think your face is inferior, you prove Darwin is right you mumbling piece of wet shit!
Lebanese are Syrians who took the opportunity..and you claim you are Syrian, I think you are lebanese, and your mama works ina "Full Service" Massage Place, and your dad is fagget from Idleb who gave up little kids to hook up with Natasha, your mama, because he liked the cash. You are a Disgrace you illiterate mother fucker. All the maronites "people of the book" as you call them or whatever you said, are 7omsies from my home town you monkey ball sucking son of bitch.
Sorry other respectable viewers, but few people piss me off like that..good job
piece of shit!
To both Lebanese and Syrian passport holders. Yes, to the passport holders, because this is what you are... you only hold a passport with a nice logo, but who do you really think you are?
You make zero decisions in this part of the world. Decisions on the Syrian part of the border has been made by the Baath party for the past 34 years, and in Lebanon by a handful of feudal families for 85 years.
All of you bloggers and other insignificant "Lebanese" and "Syrians" represent shit to both your countries; so shove your hatred and ignorance and try not to be so damn pathetic when addressing each others.
Ibrahim take that dildo out of your ass
It's already in your mouth sweetie, stop gaggling... MWAH
I feel bad for Josh, having to deal with idiots like that.
Please don't post unless you have a comment on politics, a civilized one.
M.K. refer to my post @ 9.44
Thanks
That is what the Baath party and the so called "Eternal leader", Hafez fucking Assad has done to Syria and Lebanon. He destroyed everything including the faculty to think among many Syrians among whom you see few here who defend him with their soul and blood as their slogans say. They will not only defend Assad, but any of his huge pictures or statues with their blood. They decided to come and insult me for telling the world what kind of people they are. Why can't they answer issues instead of shooting their insults that turn straight back at them?
Syria and Lebanon should be liberated fromm the influence of this criminal regime. It was Assad and his dirty retarded regime that incited and fed the civil war in Lebanon, and we all know the drug trafficking that the Assad-Khadam-Kannan_Ghazli families got involved with because of teh situation in Lebanon, and how many billions upon billions of dollars they have pocketed from it.
http://www.welfarestate.com/panam103/
http://www.deepblacklies.co.uk/lockerbie-the_syrian_connection.htm
Mohammed (The Kurd).
to Tarek,
I
You are perfectly right. Christians have a higher level of wealth because of the schools that were opened by foreigners (but mostly by their own churches) in the XIXth century. These schools were always opened to all communitites (a lot muslims families did not send their children because they were afraid of prosyletism). Nobody forbade other communities to scholarize their children or open their own schools. It has nothing to do with France favorising maronites in the 20 year-mandate. May I remind you that we had an ottoman mandate for 400 years with a full range of discriminatory/religious laws and that did not prevent a christian high-class from appearing. All is in education and I am glad you acknowledge this fact.
II
And the 1984 bombings were not just attacking american soldiers (bad american! bad!). It was attacking an international force mandated by the UN to keep peace in Lebanon. This force was established to keep Syria as well as Israel (who besieged just Beyrouth a few months earlier) as occupying Beirut. It was also the biggest terrorist attack ever until 9-11. It is terrorism.
And even if there's wacko christian militia leaders, the main difference is that they were trying to protect democracy, not promoting syrian occupation and an islamic state such as Hezbollah. The war was imosed on Lebanon's christian community and not the opposite.
Make no mistake about it.
Muhammad (The idiot),
The Issue, Muhammad (the Retard) is you inferior sack of shit say Syrians are inferior.
Don't give me that Liberating crap. We all want a better Syria and a better government. You on the other side, need a kick in the balls, and deportation to a Lebanese gay night club
Mohammed turning into the Black Sheep of the Syrian bloggers on this board. This is what you get for speaking your mind.
I feel bad for Josh and for both Syria and Lebanon. I am sure this blog is read by very serious political analysts, policy makers and the like.
The image they are getting about us must not be very flattering. I suspect they might be thinking that if the commentors represent the population (or even worse the highly educated part who can afford a computer and knows how to use it) then the Assad regime might be a much better choice than democracy.
I think Josh should either ban those commentators or ban the one who calls her self CondiBlondi (and BringThemOn but fortunately he never made it through the login process)
Reply to: "At 10:22 AM, O.D.M (One Disobedient Motherfucker) said... ":
Typical name and language of an Assdist.
Mohammed (The Assyrian).
How about Moh'd the Phoenician? LOL ;)
Re: At 10:56 AM, Nafdik:
Don't be so shy. It seems your internet discussion boards experience is recent. This goes on in almsot every board, in civilized countries such as the US and Britian, and also in the uncivilized ones such as Syria-assad.
So, do not worry too much.
An Internet advisor.
Leave the man alone. I disagree with most of his posts, but atleast he is not trashing the comment section. Like Rodney King once wisely said "Cant we all just get a long" ;)
I think Muhammad (the Fagget)m Tarik, and the Idiot Internet Advisor should all and get a threesome going on.
I think that if George Bush reads this blog, he will never remove Bashar the short-sighted ophtalmologist from power
hahaha, you think that Bashar is shortsighted? You are wrong. These corrupt guys know what they are doing, and they will continue to do what they are doing as long as some people like you propagate their lies.
It is the Assadist loyals here who are trashing the board, and making it look as if Syrians and Lebanese do not understand democracy and decency. Read Syria's consitution of 1920, and see what Syria was and how the successive coups that took place in it (starting with the famous one pushed by teh CIA in 1949, and the latest which was also pushed by the CIA in 1970 and still in power, how these coups and the empowerment of the egocentric savages of the Assad family (father, son and teh holy spirit) have done to Syria and Syrians.
Bush knows very well that what you see in this site or others have the Baathi elements using deragotory language, to discredit other Syrians.
The time for them to stay in power is coming to an end. Bush is the first US president to recognize the past wrongs the CIA did in bringing these Arab dictators to power in the first place.
What is needed is more uncoverings of the retarded regime's supporters tricks.
Ahmad (The phoenician).
Hi y'all!
I sure do like you Syrias, y'all have a sense hoomer, like them mexicans..hehehe, but hispanically speaking those folks do some serious work in this great nation.
According to my recollection, I said before that I want the bells of freedom to ring, I want the good to overpower the evil, and by God, the evil-doers shall not survive the American values.
god bless America, and nobody else!
I do not think that the CIA is at the origin of every government change in the region like a lot of people in this blog.
Any open supporter of Bush's foreign policy is so retarded a retaliatory answer is not necessary. You have humiliated your self sufficiently
Heck, this is awsome!
My wife Asmaa was looking at this board, and got heated up (became horney) of the sexual words used here. I told her that this is guys language and does not apply to women, she stared at me with disbelief. May be she did not believe me.
Keep the good work guys. I am having so much excitement.
Sincerely yours,
Bashar H. Assad So many titles to list).
Mr. Tarek:
Be honest with your self. You know it in your heart that most ordinary Syrians love the USA, and love to even visit the USA.
You know it in your heart that if an American, and especially an American visits Syria, that Syrian people would love to show him or her their love and are generous when receiving them at home. You know very well, that when the US liberated Iraq, most Syrians were awaiting Syria's turn.
Yes, I am an open supporter of an American intervention to help the Syrian people get rid of the pre historic regime and its art of massacring and imprisonning and torturing people.
Mohammed (the Internationalist)
Because you’re average Syrian does not know the real America. They believe what they see in the movies. Its a great place to visit but i would never live there (well maybe Miami ;). And don't you dare tell me American is a democracy ‘cause i might just vomit. The US is a great country, and has the sweetest people. But their governments foreign policy towards the Middle East is one sided and anti Arabic which like it or not includes you.
Syrians would love to show a European, Japanese or anyone from any culture their country because they are proud of it (unlike ur monkey ass). American intervention is being acted upon to support ONLY America's strategic interest in the region.
If they were in Iraq for the benefit of the Iraqi people i would have been the first to support it. But the sad truth is they are after the region’s dominance. So fuck American intervention and anyone who supports it.
And stop whining and start helping your country and government cause like it or not it will remain so for mid-term at the very least. I am not telling you to change your ideals, but you can find a way to constructively criticize it and help the Syrian society at the same time.
All bunch of talkers and no action.
So what is your plan to bring better systems to Syria and Lebanon? Waiting for Bush! waiting till Assad changes his mind! withing till France no longer needs to sell Airbusses! don't waste your time waiting, none will come through. Start put a real plan of action and discuss it here. It is good to be concerned and an activist, put this energy into planning and strategy. It couldn't be all of ya on someone payroll to show up in here daily full time.
Why Lebanese posts on this comment most of the time. None of you are Syrians, well, maybe one or two, """IF
grow up...if you love the lebanese and Lebanon then go live there. If you want to be Christian then convert, if you want to be Moslem then convert, if you want to be an internationalist then stop inciting the stupidity of others. This is what Lebanon deserves for their courtship of the International media...all's fair in love and war. This is Syria - like it or not...and the Baathists are in power and are likely to remain there for several more years. The question is how to best prepare for the future and that is only through a stronger more diverse economy and a strong educational system.
Current Plan:
1-Make sure that there is dialogue, like this one.
2-Someone with internet abilities who often visits all Syrian blogs, and discussion groups email newsletters..etc should initiate a website (available)
3- Spread the website by word of mouth, and chain emails. and letting all blogs, newsletters, discussion groups..every Syrian that have seen a computer must now.
4- Website should include a polling service, a service to sign petitions, asking Syrians what they want federacy, republic, secular, islamist, orthodox...etc nation
4- Everybody should agree with majority, Come up with a name for a party
5- initiate news section in website
6- First news Story:
Press Release: Homs. January 1, 2006 The [insert party], with all of its [ insert member number] announces ultimatum to current Syrian Regime. Either [insert wants and needs] or face general civil disobedience from Syrians, and special regime-undermining civil opposition from [insert party name] Party.
7- After we get some buzz , Pitch the realease to 500 News outlets in the United States and Europe, I have excel sheet with 500 news desk editors. Let only 10 of them write about it, and 5 post it. I guarentee Elaph and All4 Syria.
the world would stand by civilians looking for freedom. And if we can get 500 party members people to take it to the streets for one objective, to be jailed by mukhabarat, watch your average Syrian follow suite. thousands would take it to the streets. Especially in a country where unemployment soaring around 30%, people would take it to the streets without knowing why..even if it was a gay pride march.
I will then inform the core 500 members of my disruptive techniques, since I am the one and only Disobedient Motherfucker you'll ever meet, this regime shall either change, or incorporate our ideals
Bathies gather their forces on this blog site to respond to one person, not an item at a time, but by throwing insults, blanket talks, and empty advices they should be the ones to listen to them, and no one else. Also they come in numbers that do not reflect the true percentage of their real number in the Syrian society.
As for the good advice of the Syrian Republican Party: Is this party a joke or what is it? Get your web page up soon so we can judge the content. Since you are a party, and I am just an individual, I am waiting to see your "Plan" that you are asking others to put forward. I called for my plan, and it is being realized behind the scene in ways you will be hearing about soon. The days of the Assad family in power are about to end, and God's willing their money they accumulated in foreign banks, stolen from Syria will be returned, or at least their descendants will never see.
Yes, long live the United States of America, the real force behind the evolution of mankind, both in technological achievements and the spiritual ones. The USA will help the Syrian people and I am so sure of that.
God bless president George W. Bush.
Mohammed (The Justice dept).
to Mohamad, fuck you and fuck G Bush. fucking bastards like you keep the baathist in power..it just takes to compare them with mother fuckers like you
Let's reason. This is to the newest anon: "At 3:28 PM, Anonymous said">
1- How did people like me keep the regime in power? Don't you know that the regime has been in power since 1970 working openly and secretly with the US and Israel while accusing any Syrians who says anything that they are agents for Israel and the US?
2- Tell me what have you and your friends been doing for the last 35 years to kick this regime from power?
3- Has the regime stayed in power all of these years "B e c a u s e " people like me called for American support? What a lie!
4- Change your language and talk poiltely and with civility and let's see who is right. The regime is staying in power precisely because AMERICA thinks that the Opposition fragments are more anti USA than the regime itself, so America helps the regime and protects it against the oppositions. One example of that was the massacres of Hamah and Tadmur, for the Western Media led by the USA was completly silent about what happened, and did not even bring such news for years and years to their media outlets.
I say, it is people like You who keep this regime going because they fall into its trap of accepting the Patriotic Certificates It distributes at will to so called oppositions, and you are willing to abide by what the regime gives you.
Think before you start your insults again. Think. All it takes is to have an open mind, and to retrain your brain not to jump of fear of any praise for America.
The hatred that was spread across the Arab world against America helped no one else but those regimes themselves. You have allowed those regimes of getting the benefits of being America's sole agents in the Arab world.
Think.
Mohammed
News concerning Hariri's murder (if you understand french go at http://www.lefigaro.fr/international/20050720.FIG0060.html and read the interview)
Mehlis: 'Mustafa Hamdan is Suspect in Hariri's Murder, Rustom to be Questioned Soon'
Lebanon's Presidential Brigade commander Brig. Gen. Mustafa Hamdan, President Lahoud's inseparable military shadow, has been publicly named by U.N. chief investigator Detlev Mehlis as a prime suspect in ex-Premier Rafik Hariri's assassination.
Mehlis, a Berlin prosecutor, made the bombshell accusation from his summer headquarters in Lebanon's central mountain district of Monteverde in an interview published by France's Parisian daily Le Figaro on Wednesday, The Agence France Presse reported.
Mehlis said he also plans to interrogate soon Syria's former military intelligence chief in Lebanon, Brig. Gen. Rustom Ghazaleh, who was the real ruler of Lebanon when the anti-Syria Hariri was assassinated by a one-ton bomb in downtown Beirut Feb. 14.
Mehlis did not say where he would interrogate Ghazaleh, who has left his Anjar headquarters in east Lebanon's Bekaa Valley when Syria completed its military evacuation of Lebanon on April 26. "As I have said from the start, any person concerned with security in Lebanon at the time must be questioned."
The Mehlis revelations were made public, possibly on purpose, just hours after the announcement of Lebanon's new government under Fouad Seniora's premiership to try to free Lebanon from the chains left by Syria's 29-year ruthless reign. The timing raised question marks whether it could have been possible to decree the new government had the Mehlis charge been announced beforehand.
On Hamdan, Mehlis said: "On the basis of evidence gathered, we have a suspect, Mustafa Hamdan. He was one of the first persons questioned because we had information that he is the one of those who gave orders to change the scene of the crime, just after the attack."
Mehlis went on to say "Why was this cleaned up? Deliberately? Through negligence? Both? I have quite a clear idea. But we are still in an investigation stage. I can't tell you any more."
There was no immediate comment from Hamdan or President Lahoud on the Mehlis charge.
U.N. investigators on June 21 searched Hamdan's office in the Baabda president palace and his Beirut house and then took him for prolonged interrogation.
"We have searched his home and his office. We have questioned him for more than nine hours. He has cooperated," said Mehlis.
The former chief of Lebanon's General Security Department, Brig. Gen. Jamil Sayyed, also was questioned by the U.N. investigators on July 6, But Mehlis did not classify him as a suspect in the LeFigaro interview.
Mehlis said his team had also received "good information" on the case from Israeli authorities. He did not elaborate.
The London-based Al Hayat said Wednesday Mehlis had issued a summons for Adnan Addoum, the justice minister on Hariri's assassination day and judge Rabia Ammash Qaddoura, the acting prosecutor general at the time, for interrogation. Both received the subpoenas but it could not be determined yet when the questioning session would be held.(AFP-Naharnet)
The Syrian way of arguing or discussing issues is pretty strange and amazing. I think Syrians are dictatiorial in their nature, otherwise, they would argue intelligently, and prove their points with facts and logic, not by insulting their opponents and getting all emotional about some one's else opinion.
Syrians have been under a dictatorial regime for a long time, and what they are doing is understandable, but they should grow up if they hope of joining the civilized nations soon.
Josh,
You need to police your blog.