Posted on 03/22/2011 6:30:38 PM PDT by Hojczyk
This is probably the most important ongoing revolt in the Middle East right now. If Assad were to fall, it would reverberate all over the region, and greatly weaken the Iranian regime. Typically, it is getting far less coverage than the other “crises,” but we’ll follow it here. Latest updates:
Dara’a. According to eyewitnesses, the whole city (Population: ~100,000) is up in arms. Tens of thousands are on the street demanding freedom and liberty. Many are aware that the French Foreign Ministry, the US State Department, and the world is watching what they’re doing. This video shows Syrian security men stopping ambulances from reaching the injured. The whole town is surrounded by tanks aimed at the city.
Jassem. Unconfirmed reports that demonstrations have started in Jassem, a small town close to the Golan Heights Northwest of Dara’a.
Qamoshli. This video shows demonstrations in Qamoshli March 20, 2011.
Damascus. Download this video to see security men beating worshippers outside the Omayyad Mosque in Damascus. The video was taken using a secret pinhole camera.
Madaya. This video was taken yesterday of a small demonstration in the town of Madaya on the outskirts of Damascus and not too far from the Lebanese borders. Madaya is located south of al-Zabadani, which is a suspected stronghold of Hezbollah and the Military Security of Assad.
Syria. Rumors are circulating that young Syrian army recruits have express unity with the people of Syria against the regime in the form of not firing any live ammunition against their own people.
Update
It will be interesting to ask our strategists/policy makers why, if it’s so important to defend the Libyan people against Qadaffi, it isn’t at least equally important to defend the Syrian people against Assad, and of course the Iranian people against Khamenei and Ahmadinejad. At least the Iranians get a forceful speech from the president, and some sanctions. The Syrians barely get a mention in the popular press.
Here’s the latest from the Reform Party of Syria:
Dara’a. Video of another Syrian skilled in Dara’a tonight as security men, wearing civilian clothes, have infiltrated the city.
Dreaded 4th Battalion has entered the city of Dara’a. Tanks have taken positions in the town center and the Mahata area. Wholesale arrests by name of Syrians who took to the streets. Some of the latest are: Issa al-Mossalameh, Mohammad al-Moussalmeh, Shoukri al-Mahamid, Issam al-Mahamid.
Also, dead today is a 14-year old boy, Mounzer al-Moussalmeh, who succumbed to his injuries resulting from the tear gas used. WE ASK DOCTORS WITHOUT BORDERS TO SEND PEOPLE TO DARA’A TO INVESTIGATE THE TEAR GAS USED AGAINST UNARMED CIVILIANS.
Douma. On the outskirts of Damascus, Al-Arabiya confirmed another demonstration today in support of the people of Dara’a.
Jassem. Video of demonstrations in Jassem today in support of the people of Dara’a.
Dail. Video of a night demonstration in Dail (Wait to the end of the video) in support of the people of Dara’a. Dail is a town north of Dara’a.
Nawa. Unconfirmed reports of large demonstrations in the town of Nawa (Located between Jassem and Dail).
Qamoshli. A video of Syrians protesting at night in Qamoshli. This makes it the 5th city or town today to experience street demonstrations.
Damascus. Tens of Syrians have been detained outside the Omayyad Mosque. Some names: Ammar Shorbaji, Nayef Ayoub Shabban, Moujahed al-Atrash, Ammar badr, Iyad Abdul Kareem Noureddine, etc..
That would be odd as the Syrians are mainly Sunni Muslims
Poor, ignorant people are easily manipulated. But the “don’t believe your lying eyes” routine from their leaders is wearing thin.
I second the opinion that this revolt in Syria is probably the most important one happening in the ME, at this time.
I’ve been noticing the pattern build for some time. Obama kills Sunni and coddles Shia.
If the Assad family were deposed or not, the military and security apparatus and the business elite attached to them are not giving up any significant power, privilege or wealth to the lower classes in Syria.
Every major industry and cash generation source in the country is controlled by men who control Assad. This has been built up over decades and now really three adult generations of Syrians have lived under this system.
No one, no sect, no organized opposition is going to change the ownership disparities in that society through street protests, nor even with an insurgent civil war.
However, if Iran formally invades the country, all bets are off.
I would agree it is odd, however, Islam and the over riding hatred of Israel is compelling both Syria and Iran to cooperate with each other militarily. The Sunni vs. Shiite’ thingy is put on hold, albeit temporarily.
Iran/Syria just signed and agreement to provide a permanent Naval Base at Latakia. Also, a nearby base for Iranian Revolutionary Guard. Housing. Training facility, etc. Per The Jerusalem World News.
Its all about Israel. Or rather, working toward Israel’s demise.
Lastly, just guessing here, but perhaps Assad will use Iranian Rev. Guard to suppress the masses as Gadaffi used Sub-Saharan African Mercenaries to suppress his people. Above article states some Syrian Troops may be hesitant to do the dirty deeds...
“I’ve been noticing the pattern build for some time. Obama kills Sunni and coddles Shia.”
He just came out neutral on Yemen—”We’ll wait and see.” That’s a sunni leader dealing with Shia protestors. So that, Bahrain and Saudia Arabia seem to be the exceptions. But except for Yemen, the oil exception to all political doctrines explains them.
Hillary Clinton has been quoted as saying that the US won’t intervene. Now why is Libya more important than Syria?
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