Posted on 07/09/2006 4:55:23 AM PDT by shrinkermd
But while this might help explain Assad's blunders, an explanation for Syrian belligerency requires that one dig deeper into the nature of the regime. Assad came out strongly in favor of the armed Palestinian intifada in 2001, was dead set against the US-led invasion of Iraq in 2003, and he opened Syria's borders up to jihadists wishing to fight the Americans there.
...his security apparatus seems to have played a major role in orchestrating the assassination of former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Hariri, among other violent acts. This is an impressive record for a young president after less than six years in power.
(Excerpt) Read more at dailystar.com.lb ...
The aggressiveness of the Assad regime, therefore, seems intrinsic and stems from some inborn trait. Indeed, the Assads represent a small clan within the minority Alawite community. By controlling the country's army and security services, the Alawites have effectively been ruling Syria for over 35 years now, and their insistence on transferring power from father to son was meant to preserve this state of affairs: Alawite rule in Syria and the Assad family's control of the Alawite community.
Axis of evil
Hey folks, it's just one of the two OTHER regimes in the Middle East ruled by the Baath party.
At one time, Iraq, Syria and Egypt were all controlled by Baathists. Now, it's just Egypt and Syria. It appears at this time that Egypt is doing a bit better in controlling its freaks, but Syria is a special case for sure.
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