Burhan Ghalyoun Addresses The Syrian Nation

Burhan Ghaloun, President of the Syrian National Council (SNC)

أيها الشعب السوري العظيم 

أحدثكم اليوم وقد أهل علينا عيد الأضحى المبارك وبلدنا ترزح تحت نير سلطة ظالمة، حولت البلد عبر عقود إلى مملكة وراثية، امتهنت فيها كرامتنا وانتهكت حقوقنا، وأهدرت حرياتنا، وحولتنا إلى أزلام في سجن كبير. ثم ثرتم أيها الأبطال، وقدمتم الغالي والرخيص فداءً للحرية المنشودة، فلا يكاد يخلو بيت من فقدان أب، أو اغتصاب بنت، أو اعتقال شاب، أو تعد على أطفال. لقد أثارت شجاعتكم وتصميمكم وقدرتكم على التضحية إعجاب العالم أجمع، وزعزعت أركان الطغيان. ولم تكونوا في هذه المحنة وحدكم، فقد ألفت تضحياتكم بين قلوب السوريين في شرق البلاد وغربها، ووحدت عزيمتكم إخوانكم في المهاجر من أقصى الأرض إلى أقصاها، وأظهرت الدفين من مواهب وطاقات وإبداعات كل السوريين

أيها الشعب السوري العظيم
لن تكون سورية بعد اليوم مزرعة لأحد، كما كانت لعقود طويلة، وإنما وطن الحرية والكرامة لجميع أبنائها. لن تكون بلد التمييز والظلم والإقصاء، بل وطنا واحدا لشعب سوري موحد، لا حديث فيه عن أكثرية وأقلية بل مواطنية ومساواة، لا يراعي في معاملته مع أبنائه أي اعتبار قومي أومذهبي أوطائفي أو مناطقي، ولااعتبار فيه إلا للكفاءة والإخلاص، والمقدرة على البذل والتضحية في سبيل المجموع. سيحمي دستور سورية الجديدة الأقليات، وسيرعى حقوقهم، وسينال فيها الكرد ما حرموا منه من حقوق وما عانوه من تمييز. ستفصل في سورية الجديدة السلطات القضائية والتشريعية والتنفيذية، ستحاسب فيها الحكومة المقصرة وستكون السلطة بيد الشعب يقرر من يحكمه عبر صناديق الاقتراع. ستكون سورية المستقبل دولة الحق والقانون، يتساوى فيها الجميع أمام القضاء المستقل، ويكون للجميع الحق ذاته في تشكيل المنظمات والأحزاب والجمعيات، والمشاركة في صنع القرار.

أيها الشعب السوري العظيم
في كل يوم يمر، وفي كل قطرة دم تسيل، نتقدم خطوة جديدة على طريق الحرية، ويغرق النظام المستبد في النفق المظلم الذي سيقوده إلى حتفه المحتم، كما قاد من سبقه من أنظمة الفساد والقهر. إن سنن الكون والتاريخ ثابتة، ومآلاتها لا تتغير، ونتعلم منها أن من يضرب شعبه ويعتقل شبابه ويستبيح أعراضه ويسرق بلده خائن، وأن مصيره – لا محالة – إلى السقوط والمحاكمة، وحكمه إلى زوال.

أيها الشعب السوري العظيم
إن المجلس الوطني السوري يخوض المعركة السياسية في الداخل والخارج معكم وبإسمكم، هو مجلسكم، وهو وسيلتكم لإسماع صوتكم إلى العالم والدفاع عن قضيتكم، وأعضاؤه رفاقكم في معركة الحرية العظيمة. لقد شرفنا جميعاً، وأثلج صدورنا تأييدكم للمجلس الوطني، ودعمكم له، ونعدكم بألا نوفر جهداً ولا وقتاً في سبيل إسقاط هذا النظام المستبد. لن نفاوض على دماء الضحايا والشهداء، لن نساوم على آهات الثكالى وأنات المعتقلين، لن نقع في مطبات النظام ولن تنطلي علينا حيله وألاعيبه. نحن في المجلس الوطني نؤمن بأن غاية النظام وراء أي مبادرة أو تحرك هو كسب مزيد من الوقت لا أكثر، ولن ينفعه ذلك. إننا ندرك حجم المسؤولية الملقاة على عواتقنا، ونشعر بكل معاناتكم، لكن التحديات التي تواجهنا كبيرة وعظيمة، وأهمها بناء مؤسسة صلبة تكون قادرة على إدارة شؤون البلاد خلال المرحلة الانتقالية. وهذا لا يمكن أن يحصل كله في غضون أيام رغم التقدم السريع الذي نحرزه. لقد تقدمنا إلى الأمانة العامة لجامعة الدول العربية، والأمم المتحدة، بطلب رسمي لحماية المدنيين في سورية عبر اتخاذ قرارات ملزمة بإرسال مراقبين دوليين. والخيارات أمام المجلس كثيرة ولا نستثني منها شيئاً.

أيها الشعب السوري العظيم
في هذ اليوم الفضيل نتوجه إلى جنودنا الأحرار، الذين رفضوا تنفيذ الأوامر الجائرة، وغامروا بأرواحهم وذويهم للدفاع عن إخوتهم وحماية مسيراتهم السلمية. نقول لهم إن السوريين لن ينسوا ما أظهرتموه من الروح الوطنية الحقة، والالتزام بالواجب وندعو الجيش السوري أن يحذو حذوكم في احترام قسمه في حماية الوطن والمواطنين ، لا حماية طغمة حاكمة، وألا يطيع المرؤوسون قادتهم في إطلاق النار على الشعب المسالم الأعزل، فليس من عذر لاحقاً لأي جندي بأنه كان يتبع الأوامر العسكرية. نتوجه إلى أبناء شعبنا الذين لا يزالون مترددين أو خائفين، لنطمئنهم ونقول لهم، إن هذه الثورة ثورتكم، وهي لكم مثلما هي لنا، أنتم أخوتنا، حرمة دمكم من حرمة دمنا ومصير أبنائكم ومستقبلهم من مصير أبنائنا ومستقبلنا.

أيها الشعب السوري العظيم
لن ينسى السوريون جميعاً من وقف مع ثورتهم وساعدهم وساندهم في نيل حريتهم، من الدول والمنظمات، ولن نتوانى في حشد الدعم والتأييد الدوليين لقضيتنا العادلة، رغم مواقف بعض الدول التي آثرت الإصغاء للنظام، والانسياق في الدفاع عنه. لقد سقط نظام الطغيان ولن تقوم له بعد اليوم قائمة. لكنه لا يزال يراهن مخطئاً على دفع البلاد نحو الفوضى والحرب الأهلية، وضماننا الوحيد في إفشال مخططه هو وحدة صفنا، وتعاضدنا، والاستمرار في طريقنا حتى النصر

أيها الشعب السوري العظيم
إن مستقبل سورية يُصنع اليوم، سورية الجديدة التي نتمناها، نطمح إليها ونعمل من أجلها، سورية الحرية لا سورية الاستعباد، سورية الكرامة لا سورية التمييز، سورية المحبة لا سورية الحقد، سورية الأخوة لا سورية الضغينة، سورية التقدم لا سورية التخلف. على عاتقنا جميعاً يقع اليوم واجب تحرير هذا البلد العظيم، وإنقاذه، وإعادة الحياة إليه، والوصول به إلى هذه الصورة البراقة المشرقة، وليس ذلك علينا ببعيد

الرحمة لشهداء الحرية والكرامة، والشفاء للجرحى والمصابين، والحرية للشباب المعتقلين 

عاشت سورية حرة أبية، وعاش الشعب السوري العظيم سيداً وواحداً وكل عام وأنتم بخير

***********

The Address of SNC President; Dr. Burhan Ghalioun to The Syrian Nation

Saturday, 5 November 2011

The great people of Syria,

I address you today on the eve of eid al-Adha, as our country reels from the violent actions of an unjust regime which has transformed our country over the decades into a kingdom where power is inherited, where rights are deprived and where dignity and freedom are beyond reach of its people.

We became accustomed to this predicament until we could tolerate it no longer. In your revolt for freedom, you sacrificed your most precious assets until every home in Syria has experienced the loss a father, the rape of a daughter and the arrest and disappearance of a young man or child. And as the pillars of tyranny shook, your courage, determination and capacity to sacrifice has captured the world’s admiration. You are not in this ordeal alone, your sacrifices have been noted by Syrians everywhere and your efforts have highlighted the trove of talents and creative abilities of all Syrians.

The great people of Syria,

From this day onward, Syria is home to freedom and dignity, free of all discrimination, injustice and exclusion. Syria is one nation for a united Syrian people with no reference to majorities and minorities, religion, sect or regional affiliation. It is a country where the principles of citizenship and equality reign and where people are judged on the basis of their capacities to give and sacrifice for the sake of their country. Syria’s new constitution will protect minorities and their rights, including the Kurds, who have suffered discrimination. Syria will have a new judicial, legislative and executive system which will be held accountable by the people. The power of government will be limited and the people will choose who governs them through the ballot box. Syrians will enjoy the rule of law, where everyone is equal before an independent judiciary, and all Syrians have equal rights to form organizations, political parties, associations and participation in decision-making.

The great people of Syria,

With each passing day, and with every drop of blood shed, we are one step closer to freedom. The days of tyranny are numbered and the demise of the current regime is inevitable. History has taught us that regimes based on corruption, oppression and slavery are bound to fail: all unjust rulers who detain its youth, steal the wealth of the country and kill its people inevitably come to an end.

The great people of Syria,

The Syrian National Council is fighting a political battle with you, and on your behalf, at home and abroad. It is your Council, your voice heard by the world to defend your cause. Its members are your comrades in the battle for freedom. We are honored by you all, and heartened by your support of the National Council. We promise not to waste any effort or time to overthrow the tyrannical regime. Will not negotiate on the blood of the victims and martyrs nor will we compromise on the pained groans of detainees. We will not be deceived. The National Council will not allow the regime to bide for time. We are aware of the responsibility and trust you have placed on us. But the challenges that we face are great. We are working towards building a solid council with strong foundations to be able to manage the affairs of the country during the transition. This mission cannot happen overnight and we have made rapid progress. We have submitted a formal request to the Secretariat of the League of Arab States and the United Nations to protect civilians in Syria and send international observers. The Council is exploring other options as well.

The great people of Syria,

On this holy day, we salute our soldiers who are refusing to carry out orders. They are risking their lives and those of their families to defend the people and protect them in their peaceful revolt. Syrians will not forget what these soldiers have done for them by showing their support and commitment to their real duty of protecting them. We call upon the rest of the Syrian army to follow example to protect the homeland and citizens.

The great people of Syria,

Syrians will not forget all those nations and organizations which have helped and supported them to gaining liberty. We will continue to mobilize local, regional and international support for our just cause. The regime is still intent on drawing the country into chaos and civil war, but we will resist by uniting until we are victorious.

The great people of Syria,

The future begins today. We are working towards building a new Syria where freedom replaces oppression, dignity wins over discrimination, love takes over hatred and progress triumphs. All of us together today have a duty to create such a Syria and restore it back to life.

May God have mercy on the fallen heroes. May the wounded and injured be healed and may the young detainees soon be released.

Long live free Syria and the great people of Syria and great Eid to all.

*******

English translation by Balkis (http://blogs.aljazeera.net/liveblog/Syria) found by CSI HAMA.

86 Comments

  1. Speech of Burhan Ghalioun, President of the Syrian National Council – 5 November 2011

    The Address of SNC President; Dr. Burhan Ghalioun to The Syrian Nation

    Saturday, 5 November 2011

    The great people of Syria,

    I address you today on the eve of eid al-Adha, as our country reels from the violent actions of an unjust regime which has transformed our country over the decades into a kingdom where power is inherited, where rights are deprived and where dignity and freedom are beyond reach of its people.

    We became accustomed to this predicament until we could tolerate it no longer. In your revolt for freedom, you sacrificed your most precious assets until every home in Syria has experienced the loss a father, the rape of a daughter and the arrest and disappearance of a young man or child. And as the pillars of tyranny shook, your courage, determination and capacity to sacrifice has captured the world’s admiration. You are not in this ordeal alone, your sacrifices have been noted by Syrians everywhere and your efforts have highlighted the trove of talents and creative abilities of all Syrians.

    The great people of Syria,

    From this day onward, Syria is home to freedom and dignity, free of all discrimination, injustice and exclusion. Syria is one nation for a united Syrian people with no reference to majorities and minorities, religion, sect or regional affiliation. It is a country where the principles of citizenship and equality reign and where people are judged on the basis of their capacities to give and sacrifice for the sake of their country. Syria’s new constitution will protect minorities and their rights, including the Kurds, who have suffered discrimination. Syria will have a new judicial, legislative and executive system which will be held accountable by the people. The power of government will be limited and the people will choose who governs them through the ballot box. Syrians will enjoy the rule of law, where everyone is equal before an independent judiciary, and all Syrians have equal rights to form organizations, political parties, associations and participation in decision-making.

    The great people of Syria,

    With each passing day, and with every drop of blood shed, we are one step closer to freedom. The days of tyranny are numbered and the demise of the current regime is inevitable. History has taught us that regimes based on corruption, oppression and slavery are bound to fail: all unjust rulers who detain its youth, steal the wealth of the country and kill its people inevitably come to an end.

    The great people of Syria,

    The Syrian National Council is fighting a political battle with you, and on your behalf, at home and abroad. It is your Council, your voice heard by the world to defend your cause. Its members are your comrades in the battle for freedom. We are honored by you all, and heartened by your support of the National Council. We promise not to waste any effort or time to overthrow the tyrannical regime. Will not negotiate on the blood of the victims and martyrs nor will we compromise on the pained groans of detainees. We will not be deceived. The National Council will not allow the regime to bide for time. We are aware of the responsibility and trust you have placed on us. But the challenges that we face are great. We are working towards building a solid council with strong foundations to be able to manage the affairs of the country during the transition. This mission cannot happen overnight and we have made rapid progress. We have submitted a formal request to the Secretariat of the League of Arab States and the United Nations to protect civilians in Syria and send international observers. The Council is exploring other options as well.

    The great people of Syria,

    On this holy day, we salute our soldiers who are refusing to carry out orders. They are risking their lives and those of their families to defend the people and protect them in their peaceful revolt. Syrians will not forget what these soldiers have done for them by showing their support and commitment to their real duty of protecting them. We call upon the rest of the Syrian army to follow example to protect the homeland and citizens.

    The great people of Syria,

    Syrians will not forget all those nations and organizations which have helped and supported them to gaining liberty. We will continue to mobilize local, regional and international support for our just cause. The regime is still intent on drawing the country into chaos and civil war, but we will resist by uniting until we are victorious.

    The great people of Syria,

    The future begins today. We are working towards building a new Syria where freedom replaces oppression, dignity wins over discrimination, love takes over hatred and progress triumphs. All of us together today have a duty to create such a Syria and restore it back to life.

    May God have mercy on the fallen heroes. May the wounded and injured be healed and may the young detainees soon be released.

    Long live free Syria and the great people of Syria and great Eid to all.

    Like

  2. Many Thanks CSI HAMA, please accept my sincerest gratitude for finding the translation. I will, with your permission place it in the main post.

    Like

  3. A good speech. One that will hopefuly sieze the initiative away from the regime. Also shows a vision for a better Syria as well as exposing the regimes crimes once again.

    I dont think the regime would want government officials, employees and army members to hear the speech as well as ordinary Syrians. A good vision makes it even more clear how bad the current regime is.

    Like

  4. Dear OTW.

    Dont thank me. I happened to come across it on AJE live Syria blog posted by a user called ‘balkis’. Thanks to her. I went there after reading your comment on the speech.

    Like

  5. Dear Haytham
    Am i glad to see you back. How are things. Agree, good speech. I also liked Aref Dalila’s strong words.

    Dear CSI HAMA
    I think everyone heard it already, except for the soldiers in their barracks who can be severely punished for watching anything other than sanctioned propaganda (so i heard). But soon they will.

    Like

  6. Excellent speech. That’s what a leader’s role is; to inspire and set out policy. Much superior to Besho’s infantile “I will turn the whole world into Afghanistan!” tantrum.

    Like

  7. Now we just need the instant subtitles … (who was looking for subtitling options? I have found two perfect tools, but not being bilingual, I cannot properly place Arabic-to-English captions. Contact me backchannel for details).

    Like

  8. Dear OTW:

    I am following your blog regularly. I opted to reduce my comment, because I am trying to help the SNC in their organizational efforts.

    The speech was very good. Rather, It was a good start. I felt it was addressed primarily to the revolution supporters, which is a good thing. However, I hope he will d another one to address the silent majority concerns, because we need to win those ones, too.

    Like

  9. Dear Haytham
    Thanks for your hard work with the SNC, keep it up. I think the speech was a quantum leap in political language in the Arab world. No hyperbole but heartfelt description of the pain and suffering the regime has been putting Syria through for decades. I liked the simplicity, the absence of sophistry we only see with Al-Assad speeches, and the clarity of fundamental aspects of future Syria as well as the humble, yet determined delivery.

    Like

  10. I agree with you. It was simple and heartfelt. Bashar is a clown, he does not know how to speak,

    Like

  11. OTW

    “except for the soldiers in their barracks who can be severely punished for watching anything other than sanctioned propaganda (so i heard)”

    It’s 100% true. A soldier and especially an officer wouldn’t dare be caught watching Al Jazeera or Al Arabiya. It would be like a US army officer being caught with a copy of Pravda at the height of the McCarthy witch hunts….only without McCarthy’s humanitarian and forgiving disposition.

    Like

  12. Thanks CSI. This is better than Google translate. This is great ! The revolution needed a name and a face; so far, it was a vague mass of people probably quibbling among themselves. The speech makes it easier to say Eid Moubarak to all.

    Like

  13. First of all Eid Mubarak to all. I know the situation is tough for many of our brethren. Hopefully this will end soon.

    Do ordinary Syrians have access to channels other than SANA? Why hasn’t the regime blacked out foreign channels (AJ/AA) if possible.

    Like

  14. Eid Mubarak to all

    I thought the speech was good. He mentioned all the right things. A state based on equal rights and citizenship. A state where minorities are protected and political participation is open to all. He had something positive to offer the nation, in contrast to Assad speech that only promised earthquakes and volcanoes. There was no silly smiles or jokes. He addressed the “Great Syrian People”, not the Telegraph, not Russia Today, not the clown Parliament and not a chosen group of sycophants. The speech was not overtly religious neither was a speech of a die hard atheist. You’d struggle to be insulted by any part of the speech whatever your ideological sensitives are (menhebaks are an exception) which in itself is a good start. Overall a well prepared speech. I’m sure some people will join the revolution because of it.

    Dear Haytham, I -too- would like to thank you for all your efforts. You are a shining example of what a Syrian should be.

    Like

  15. CSI Hama

    They are trying. It isn’t easy to jam satellite signal especially that AJ/AA are available over few of them. Qaddafi tried and failed.

    All you need to receive AJ/AA is a dish and a receiver. You don’t have cable service in Syria.

    Like

  16. To all of you:

    Happy Eid.

    Hopefully, next Eid we will celebrate all in the new Syria.

    Like

  17. The translation was originally by Dima Moussa of the SNC. Three videos were uploaded by the SNC on the Youtube video channel http://www.youtube.com/user/TheSNCchannel . It looks like Ausama Monajed made note of these uploads after the Jazeera showing live (or had prepared them beforehand), but the details were missed in the flurry of comments and reposts. The three SNC videos include subtitled versions in English and in French.
    French subtitles: http://www.youtube.com/user/TheSNCchannel#p/a/u/1/cMVMVp6usDc
    English subtitles: http://www.youtube.com/user/TheSNCchannel#p/a/u/2/svrJvyIu0KI
    (these three videos are without any annoying station crawls and logos)

    For those who are looking for free tools for subtitling vides, Annie and I can recommend http://www.universalsubtitles.org and http://www.nikse.dk/SubtitleEdit

    Like

  18. Dear Haytham

    I have read this piece before. I think you linked it on one of the Guardian articles from the comment section. Needless to say, excellent analysis.

    Do you have it in Arabic ? Syrians are the ones who need these info the most.

    Like

  19. Did anyone hear from MM lately? Is he still on SC? He was saying something like “going back to Syria to join the revolution”. I pray for him to come back safe and sound or be honoured with martyrdom.

    @ Muhamhad

    Good to see ya round.

    @ Haytham

    Good to see ya back on the WALLS and well done for a great post, very deep indeed.

    Please pass my greeting to Burhan. The way he addressed the Syrians is spectacular by all means, he literally embarrassed not only Betho but all Arab leaders for that matter, and taught them a lesson in humility of how an educated, civilised and down to earth person would address his people not his slaves. Just one point to follow up with SNC is to keep this practice of addressing people and informing them with every detail because simply that’s how you make people relate, engage and take a part in any project.

    For those who’re comparing Betho’s speech against Burhan’s. This is an invalid comparison, as you need to compare apple to apple and the better one would stand out but in our case it’s you like you’re comparing a peasant thug addressing some cows to a leader addressing a nation!! Whoops that’s exactly what it is.

    Like

  20. Syrian Troops Escalate Bloody Crackdown in Homs” (ANTHONY SHADID, nytimes)
    http://www.nytimes.com/2011/11/08/world/africa/syrian-city-of-homs-suffers-bloody-assault.html

    Syrian capital flight intensifies” (Abigail Fielding-Smith, FT)
    http://www.ft.com/intl/cms/s/0/ed152aee-00ab-11e1-ba33-00144feabdc0.html#axzz1d2xqTeQC

    Syrian refugees find little cheer on Muslim feast” (Reuters)
    http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/11/07/us-lebanon-syria-refugees-idUSTRE7A61TX20111107

    Syria may try to evade US, EU sanctions-US Treasury” (Reuters)
    http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/11/07/syria-sanctions-usa-idUSN1E7A60Y620111107

    Syrian troops storm neighborhood and fight defectors” (AP, necn)
    http://www.necn.com/11/07/11/Syrian-troops-storm-neighborhood-and-fig/landing_nation.html?&apID=626fbc6c5429443a9d647a3b80be46ff

    “”Syria Undercover”: Inside an Activist Safe House” (PBS) –video
    http://video.pbs.org/video/2164506465

    Assad’s Move Against Facebook” (thedailybeast)
    http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2011/11/06/bashar-al-assad-tries-to-control-media-facebook-in-syria-crackdown.html

    Like

  21. Dear True:

    Thank you. I will tell Dr. Ghalioun your opinion.
    How is your mother?
    Is she in Syria?
    Do you need any medical help? I still have a lot of friends (doctors) in Syria as well as in North America.

    Like

  22. Dear Muhammad:

    I will translate it to Arabic in the next few days. We will keep the fight till the clown leaves. His silly smile always reminds me clowns’ smiles.

    Like

  23. Thanks Haytham

    Sure I’ll get in touch with you.

    She’s been hospitalised in America and doing Ok, thanks Lord.

    Like

  24. Dear Haytham

    Over at Syria Comment one of Joshua Landis’s friends has made the following comments about Ghalyoun’s (excellent) speech.

    “Kurds are not the only relevant minority he should have talked about. The Alawi minority is by far the most critical. He missed his chance to drive a wedge between Bashar and his sect. He needed to assure the Alawis that this is not about them but about the leadership. He ought to have assured them that he and the SNC will do everything to assure their safety.
    He should have also talked to the Christians and said that this area was christian before the arrival of Islam and that everything will be done to ensure that they stay and add to the mosaic of Syrian society.”

    I agree. I think it’s really important to appeal in specific terms to the hesitant or pro-regime members of these two communities. He could even say that it is to be welcomed that Alawis have been able to come out of their isolation in the last decades, and that there can be no going back to the black periods of our history when certain groups were looked down upon or persecuted. Could you suggest this to Dr Ghalyoun?

    Thanks

    Like

  25. @ Robin Yassin-Kassab

    I disagree with this suggestion and here’s why. In his speech Burhan mentioned that we’re all “Syrians” and that surely includes Christians. We should not go down this road of grouping and sorting people otherwise he should have assured not only Christians but even Druz, Ismailis, Murshidis, Alawis, Shi’a ..etc by name. I reckon the only reason he assured Kurds because as we all know Kurds (not being Arabs) never been acknowledged as “Syrians” different to any other sect or other background in Syria.

    Like

  26. I’m realy worried for Homs. Baba Amr is going through hell at this moment,looks like the regime has recatured it about 75 %….the rest of Homs is still resisting. FSA is badly outgunned and I feel worried for them. Somebody shoukd supply them with Tanks and rockets.

    Like

  27. Dear Robin:

    I agree with you. I think the speech was addressed to hardcore revolution supporters. The speech failed to address the whole Syrian population concerns. He did not address the fears or civil war. He did not address the chaotic situation in Homs which has been sectarian (Sunni vs Alawi) over the last four months.
    May be he can address all these issues in a new speech in the new year.
    I am not sure how to address all these issues with him. I will see if I should distill them slowly slowly, or I should channel some of them through other people.

    Like

  28. Regarding answering the Kurd concerns. I agree that the Kurds are the people who have the more concerns in Syria among the minorities, particularly because there are 250000 of them without citizenship. That fact created in their mind deep sense of injustice.

    Like

  29. I wonder who poked Abdel-Halim khaddam to start his distortion campaign?
    His statements are lethal and do no good to the legitimate opposition, criminals like himself should be brought to justice first thing in the new Syria eh.

    Like

  30. Abdel-Halim khaddam is a jerk and has no place in the new Syria.

    Like

  31. I agree with Haytham agreeing with Robin. These thing must be spoken about and addressed head on because they are alive and festering underneath. They need to be diffused through reassurances and clear messaging.
    If they end up not being needed then there is no harm done. Speaking about minority concerns will not create more concerns. If they emerge then they were already in peoples minds, and to not speak about it can be a big error.
    If that means naming many many smaller groups by name than this should be done – doesn’t matter if it is twenty names. To do so, is to show respect and concern if it done the right way with the right kind of communications.
    All reconciliation commissions around the world follow this course – as a way to redress past harms and and wounds that are forged to often in memory and past down inter-generationally into persistent narratives.
    the only way to end these repetitive cycles of negative narratives and resentments to address them head on and in good faith.

    Like

  32. “passed down”..

    you really need an error correction on here!…: )

    Like

  33. I agree with Zenobia regarding the reconciliation commission. What Mandela did in South Africa was a good example of that. I already discussed that with members with the SNC. However, the problem is still. Big policies confusion inside the SNC. They do not confront some realities, such as armed groups in Homs and the FSA among the civilians. Both are increasing the casualties. I am not saying that to reduce the regime’s responsibility. On the contrary, they are in some kind the regime’s creation. I am saying that to insist that it is our responsibility to face the reality as it is and try to find solution to reduce the number of dead people. This was my effort over the last 2 weeks.

    Like

  34. As for Burhan Ghalioun speech, it was directed toward those who celebrate Eid Al Adha,and possibly go to Mecca for pilgrimage,I dont think christians celebrate this, and neither the Alawite do that, I may be wrong.

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  35. Dear Majed:

    It is not about Christians, Muslims or Alawite. It is about concerns related to the nation as a whole.

    The situation in Homs concerns all people. Homs is bleeding. We need to reduce the casualties as much as possible.

    We are not saying that the speech was bad. Personally, I liked it and celebrate it. However, it would be better to reassure people regarding a possible civil war and chaos.

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  36. Minorities’ fear of new Syria is NOT legit. If people refuse or fear any change then that’s their own problem, you know the ship keeps sailing, and it’s your own decision to jump aboard or to keep looking from far. Fundamentally, leaders speak strategy not plans, speak vision & frameworks not details. At this stage something like “SNC guarantees everyone’s safety” is more than enough, and when we liberate Syria and get down to business then we start looking into how to secure safety of Ali,George, Muhammad and Ma’arouf independently.

    Like

  37. @ Haytham

    “The situation in Homs concerns all people. Homs is bleeding. We need to reduce the casualties as much as possible”

    How would you reduce casualties? please share your thoughts

    Like

  38. KT, we’re all dead worried about Homs and people of Homs but those heroes, not like us, decided to keep the head high and write their names in gold!!

    Homs is Stalingrad of Syria.

    Like

  39. @True

    It is not about “legit”…it about pragmatism and looking to the future. It is about trust building right from the beginning.
    What percentage of Syria is actually on the street either protesting or fighting. Not actually a very high percentage (excluding those who wish they were)… and yet this is very powerful and potentially powerful enough to challenge the powers that be and bring the country to a halt and force it to address the grievances and the demands.
    Later on, would you want a different 10 or 20 percent to be filled with vengeful anger, disengaged, or even withdrawn into a enclave of resentment to be activated at some later point. NO. It is better from the start to bring as many people into collaboration. It is the total responsibility and problem of all concerned.
    To take the attitude you are taking is to be in the stance of might makes right, and that is the old pattern that should be discarded.

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  40. “To take the attitude you are taking is to be in the stance of might makes right, and that is the old pattern that should be discarded.”

    You do like to lecture people rather discussing and making a valid point, don’t ya?

    First of all, I’m not sure where are bringing this stats of “Not actually a very high percentage” from, so I would appreciate if you have some facts and actual numbers to support your claims and please don’t give me some figures from SANA eh!

    “Later on, would you want a different 10 or 20 percent to be filled with vengeful anger, disengaged, or even withdrawn into a enclave of resentment to be activated at some later point”

    Later on we would be living a new state where people enjoy freedom of speech and expression so I really can’t see people getting filled of “vengeful anger” unless there’s a genuine reason behind it then why not it’s totally their right and I’ll support them. Even in advanced and developed states people march into streets and sometime take actions and arms to correct what could not be corrected using different methods.

    At this stage there are things way important than assuring individuals, let’s start for example with ousting the regime. Those “Not actually a very high percentage” are running a real revolution with sweat and blood and not writing your fairy tale stories where everything is perfect and ideal.

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  41. True, I love your comments. I have little to say my self. The address by Burhan Ghalioun was excellent by its tone, its approach, its modesty. Wonderful to have a subtitled version.

    When Bashar did his disastrous speech his laughter felt so foolish, enough to make you break in sweat. What ? You do not realise what is happening ?

    Of course our thoughts and our wishes are with Homs. But they are so lonely and have been targeted to make them into another Hamas 82 .
    True asks how reduce casualties ? Brigades from other towns in Syria ?
    But a Nato Libyan type intervention ? I’d be really scared for the future..

    Haytham, revolutions are won with weapons and with the pen. That makes you a fighter too.

    Like

  42. The Forum
    05/11/2011

    This week’s Forum comes from the UK Parliament . Three distinguished guests and an audience probe the virtues and flaws of democracy in the Arab World and in Western parliamentary democracies.

    [I listened to this programme on radio a couple of nights ago. 4 minutes in they turn to the Arab Spring. Scroll down the page (link below) for images of the participant].

    http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p00ldyb3

    Like

  43. Dear All,
    Here is my detailed response to Joshua’s Friend’s comments, which i think were very sympathetic to the revolution. I will get probably get some heat for this, but we are not here only to pat each others on the back. We are here to make future, And unlike the dull, predictable monotonic past, the future is full of politics, strategic calculations, and tactical steps. If judged this way, we can see clearer focus on the strategy and understand the tactical positions as long as they don’t compromise the fundamental principles.

    1- The books on the left and the flag on the right is smart.

    True, the flag however got some criticism from some die-hards who wanted him to put the flag of independent. I personally think that the flag was a way to assure the undecided that he is not breaking with some of the constants they have depended on for 5 decades. Smart move. The revolution crowd will forgive that.

    2- He looked me in the eye and spoke to the camera

    Absolutely. Fully agree.

    3- Not reading from a text made him look smart. He was also firm and serious

    Also not diverting into useless casualness and sophistry made him look determined in addition to being smart.

    4- The rape comment was unnecessary, inaccurate and tribal

    Fully agree. I hated it. Many will take offence as well

    5- Kurds are not the only relevant minority he should have talked about. The alwi minority is by far the most critical. He missed his chance to drive a wedge between bashar and his sect. He needed to assure the alawis that this is not about them but about the leadership. He ought to have assured them that he and the SNC will do everything to assure their safety. He should have also talked to the Christians and said that this area was christian before the arrival of islam and that everything will be done to ensure that they stay and add to the mosaic of syrian society.

    Yes and no. Yes on long-term conceptual framework and from national unity, human rights, civil rights, and equality points of view. But not necessarily on short-term essential building and chipping at the peripheries of regime’s potential capacity to weaken the revolution. Here is why

    True the Kurds are not the only minority, but they are a minority that has been oppressed by the Baath system. Recent events showed that Kurdish parties are split and that split has prevented the Kurds from joining the revolution in droves. His recent problem with the Kurds had to be overcome, and Burhan’s apology needed to be reinforced. If he (i.e., SNC) manages to build up momentum of Kurds participation, the SNC will deal a big blow to the regime in the northeast, as well as in and around Aleppo (Damascus Kurds are already in the revolution). Supporting the Kurds with such strong language that singled them out is far more efficient (for now) than working on Alawites, or even Christians. For the Alawites, those who are likely to support the revolution are already in its camp and support him (more on that later). The others are not all silent majority and many are clearly against the revolution and will be swayed far less by a single speech than by recognition of the inevitable and essential demise of Assad being in their own interest. Similarly, as for the Christians, it is also very sad sad that some of them have taken themselves out of the immediate political equation and calculation by insisting on several unnecessary litmus tests, knowing before hand that they are in no condition to extract concessions from any side and that insisting on certain things make them look more like protecting privileged position than seeking equality, and some of them even went as far as showing great hostility to the revoluytion (if the posters on Syria Comment are any reflection of that….). Furthermore, and similar to the Alawites, those who support the revolution are already with it and do not need assurances, while those who do not support revolution will not do so from a single speech. This is all tactical for now. The strategic position is equality for all, which was highlighted in the speech as well.

    The primary objective of this speech is to address the SNC’s politically independent base. He needed to do so as facebook, blogs, and even personal conversations with friends in his camp were recently full of warning that he needs to show leadership and stop focusing on the outside and pay attention to the inside and to supporters in the diaspora who are yearning for demonstrable leadership. Solidifying the base will likely attract even much needed financial support from Syrian community (they refuse any other support for now). The primary goal is the continuity and sustainability of the peaceful protest and their expansion into near-allies group, but not necessarily gaining converts at this stage. This was calculated, i believe, and it will most likely provide the results he and his team wanted. Bringing the silent Kurds in, and blocking the wheeling and dealing leadership of some Kurdish Parties from using the regime’s fake concession as means to continue holding the mass of the Kurds outside the revolution.

    that said, he still addressed the reluctant and fearful without naming sects. Had he started naming sects, and addressing each, the speech would have lost its effectiveness as a show of presence and became apologetic and defensive. This is not a position that the SNC can afford now. It does not mean that the fears are not legitimate or are to be discounted.

    6- He stole my line on the black tunnel (not fair).
    No Comment

    7- He should have ended by promising more appearances that would further explain to the syrian people where he and the SNC stand on constitutional and other important matters.

    Absolutely. One good thing he did though was to say that things can’t be done in matter of days. This is also a response to base camp questions about the pace of things at SNC.

    8- This was his first real breakaway from the pack in an attempt to establish himself as the leader of the opposition.

    It was agreed on by many in the pack, if I know anything about SNC and its difficult birth. Part of the slowness is that they really wanted to have a good representation of the opposition, which made them wait for response (naming reps) from some groups. It would have been nicer to have more support form a couple of internal groups, by my knowledge some are playing dirty .

    9- He did well enough but hardly a slam dunk (i rate it at 6 out of 10).

    For sure not a slam dunk in the sense of getting reluctant Aleppo out to the street, but slam dunk in doing what is expected from him, which is to address the SNC constituents. Look them in the eye, and tell them that he will not be dragged into games by the regime. Dalila was indirectly supportive in the following interview, when he asked how can we have dialog when blood still flows and when 3 Million Syrians can not go inside because of their opinion and not due to crimes they committed. Aref Dalila has indirectly thrown his moral support to the SNC even if not becoming a member of its leadership.

    It is a slam dunk in terms of paradigm shift of political speech in the Arab region. This is the first political speech I heard that did not mention Zionism and the conspiracy of enemies of Syria (or whatever country subject of speech). This is very much despite of Burhan’s own anti-Zionist stance and clear strong commitment to Palestinians. There are priorities, and Syria is now the priority. I am also hoping for speeches and or statement that would address several issues like the economy, social issues, and sustainable development and so on…

    10- While it is easy to criticise the man and his group, they are chipping away at the formidable power that has ruled this country unopposed for 4 decades.

    Far more than they know. Believe me, this revolution is big. Most of the educated outside the country support it, and some of the most brilliant youth are working days and nights for its success. The regime is running against a power it can not understand or imagine. It has played some cunning tricks that gave it back some of the upper hand in matters of security but that is due to the ubiquitous presence of its spies in all strata of society allowing it to register some infiltration as well as through its financial situation and control of communication infrastructure and use of technology which seems to be smarter than what one would have expected. But this will not continue as infiltrators as getting exposed now by folks who are adding one to one. And counter measures that rely on low-tech are being developed that tech will not help with.

    11- As to free elections to determine the outcome, Bashar has to decide whether to roll the dice and drop article 8 in favour of that or not. I stand by my stand that he will not. They will discuss, promise and may be even announce the article’s demise. I still don’t think it will pave the way for a real election.

    Fully agree. I would also add that Bashar will empty any constitutional reform by insisting that terms of office doe not include terms served prior to whatever unconstitutional constitution his committee will come up with.

    Like

  44. sorry if the language tone sounded too confident for you, as it wasn’t meant as a ‘lecture’… This is just an opinion of course, but that doesn’t mean i don’t have a ‘valid point’… one has nothing to do with the other.
    I have heard many people make rough estimates of the numbers we are talking about – and even if that were – a few Million.. that is not a high percentage. How could it be? Aleppo and Damascus make up the majority population right there.

    but you seem to miss my point. my point is – it doesn’t take a lot of people to push things forward in a negative way -whether for revolutionary purposes that could have a potential outcome that is positive – even if the means turned negative. Or conversely – it could still be destructive to any new system to have a significant amount of the population who is still very hostile to this change after the fact and carrying around great hostility.

    I am not saying anything – brand new in this – this has been an issue from the beginning – the possibility of ongoing low level ‘civil’ war type circumstances.
    Perhaps that will not happen and every thing will melt away gracefully. But I fear not. If not- it will not be for a “genuine reason” – it will be for irrational hatreds, as with most ethno-religious conflicts. You and others may be fighting for justice and a better system and life for all Syrians, but after the major brainwashing that has been going on – many of your countrymen have completely crazy stuff in their heads that is like an alternate reality. I am just really not clear or convinced that all that subterfuge and the fueled hostilities will without intense concentrated work – be dispelled.

    Personally I am against people taking up arms to correct what they think couldn’t be corrected by other methods. But not sure who this was exactly referring to in your statement.

    I think your last assertion (Not sure why your mode of speech is any less like a lecture than mine…but…ok)…. makes sense for those who have no other choice but to be on the ground and do what they are doing. But most of us are not in that predicament, so we have the luxury of thinking about what is or could happen down the road…and what issues are worthy of taking up now. You think it isn’t important. that is certainly your prerogative to think that and say so. Some, like myself, think it is critical and will vocalize that on this blog. Nobody will force you to discuss that. Just as I don’t have to respond to your news posting or respond to minute by minute updates about guerilla warfare.

    I happen to think, as I said before – that the battles can be won and the war still lost, if there is not strategic thinking about how more people will be won over – not by force and fear- but by being convinced of good arguments about why these changes are in their best interest.
    If you want to handle tactical warfare discussion, go right too it. I have nothing to offer in this regard and don’t care to. I wish them the best of course, but I just don’t happen to think that this is how the whole thing will be decided in the end. I really don’t .
    I think you are being patronizing to me – to insinuate that I am making up “fairy tales” ..i have no idea what you are referring to. But I think if there is a fairy tale involved here it is the one about how justice will ultimately be won through the barrel of a gun.
    It may end up being necessary, but hardly hardly sufficient.

    I have no shame in pointing in the direction of ideals. The war will be won through winning a contest of ideas and persuasive appeals to the majority of the people. And it is how people come up with such persuasive messages and communicate them to the broadest audience possible and the hardest to reach – that is interesting to me.

    Since it is not to you, then I will forthwith direct my opinions and observations to others.

    Like

  45. Hi Zenobia
    Don’t be shy about that main post. I am eagerly waiting for one, a real controversial one. And thanks for being who you are. Really thanks.

    Like

  46. OTW:
    thx,
    I like your critique. Very thorough. You should definitely post it there on SC. Linking…. don’t know. see what others say, but…. better be ready for whomever follows the tasty morsels over to your blog…:)

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  47. “Some, like myself, think it is critical and will vocalize that on this blog. Nobody will force you to discuss that. Just as I don’t have to respond to your news posting or respond to minute by minute updates about guerilla warfare.”

    I have no intention to intimidate or annoy anyone on this WALLS, I do appreciate your thoughts even when we’re on full disagreement because that’s quite healthy itself and that’s how we bridge gaps and enrich dialogs and knowledge I reckon, so thanks for being on disagreement with my way of looking at things. Although I think you’re mistaken or got me mixed up with someone else eh because I don’t post minute by minute updates about guerrilla warfare actually as a matter of fact I never posted an update about this topic.

    I don’t think there’s much point to go and reply line by line so I’ll try to make it short and hopefully sweet. Yes now I think I understand what you were trying to say and totally comprehend where are you coming from and yes what you highlighted is quite valid and yes it could be a source of concern.

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  48. on second thought – OTW: give it to Joshua directly and he might put it on the main post as an addition! i bet you he will….

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  49. Guys, cut out the small talk, and lets focus on Homs for now. Its a realy crisis situation and its make or break for te revolution. The Menhebaks On SC are already celebrating and gloating over the wholesale slaughter of civilians in Baba Amr….Baba Amr is at this moment occupied by the regime and they are concentrating on Khaldiye, Waer, Ba Sbaa and other neighbourhoods. ABOUD has not posted for more than 36 hours. I’m extremely angry and worried and becoming more sectarian and radical day by day.

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  50. : )) much sweeter, thx, fair enough…and

    oops, my error, it is, of course, Aboud who does the minute by minute (or maybe hour or day depending)… regarding army tactics and counter measures etc. but – either way i feel the same about it

    what do you think… do you think he should link us on SC.?…:(… seems like asking for trouble…

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  51. @ True
    what is a “Troll” again? …and elephant memory?

    i know this is “small talk”…but…

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  52. Haytham, I think the next SNC president should be either the Assyrian or Druz guy….that will be a huge boost in the credentials….I think they should elect Mr. Steifo ( Assyrian representaitve) or Dr. Al Shoufi (Druze representative). Pls try to get this message across, it is very critical.

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  53. Zenobia, this is disgusting, I said CUT OUT THE SMALL TALK.

    People are dying by the hundreds in Homs for god’s sake. Have some concern, I can’t even eat my daily meals and can’t get enough sleep, and u can indulge in small talk ?

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  54. see … there is someone completely opposite from me…. he is literally CRYING OUT for an Aboud update…. despite the fact that there is an entire world wide web at his disposal…

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  55. ok. you win K.
    there are lots of people here with his email I am sure – so maybe they can make contact. And I will be quiet now despite the fact that I can pretty much do nothing about what is happening in Homs. but I will attempt to abide by your wishes.

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  56. Yeah i agree with Zenobia you should email it to Josh and he might post it, if he does not then post it yourself on there but let me assure ya they are checking your walls every minute.

    KT, try to relax and pray for them or book a flight to Syria and join them. I was in touch with ABOUD last night.

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  57. “The Menhebaks On SC are already celebrating and gloating over the wholesale slaughter of civilians in Baba Amr”

    What would expect from peasants blood suckers, that’s their mind and way of life, those thugs need 100 years to reach a toe of one of Baba Amr’s kids. Let them dance and sing today but surely tomorrow we will be celebrating our new Syria where’s surely no space for viruses like them.

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  58. TRUE

    What did ABOUD tell you ? Do you really think we will lose Homs ? What is the ground situation ?

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  59. The little *** don’t make what you just said any more palatable. Now who is being “d*sgus*ting”???
    are you for real KT? It looks very much like you are a set up KT. Otherwise….way in out in the pasture…..

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  60. SC has turned into a den of racists and haters. There is no room for discussion. Let them seethe in their own hatred.

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  61. Death toll surpassed 3500.

    http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-15635867

    Meanwhile, SC’s participant “Norman” (“Dr. Strangelove”) blames this situation on Jordan and Saudi Arabia. When I asked him for proof, he replied:

    597. Akbar Palace said:

    The Conspiracy Theory takes a New Shape

    AP,

    The Saudi and the Jordanians made it clear that they fear the Shea crescent, so they are behind the chaos in Syria.

    Norman,

    So are you saying the demonstrators in Syria are Saudis and Jordanians or perhaps you’re saying that the Saudis and Jordanians are forcing or maybe paying Syrians to demonstrate?

    Whatever the case may be, can you post an english language article showing that the Jordanians and Saudis “are behind the chaos in Syria”?

    Thanks.

    http://www.joshualandis.com/blog/?p=12509&cp=all#comments

    Like

  62. Khaled said

    “We should put them in g*s ch*mb*rs after we win, only that way we can feel safe and secure.”

    OTW, I suggest this is grounds for a ban.

    I will not insult the memory of over 4000 martyrs and what they died for, by besmirching the revolution by mass murder. The only thing people will remember from the Libyan revolution is Qadafi getting lynched.

    Now, let’s have a little perspective people. This isn’t the first time the army has gone into Baba Amr, but it is the one that has gotten the most media attention. Notice that the FSA announced it was pulling out of Baba Amr right after the Arab league agreed to meet on Saturday. Like Sun Tzu said, if a leader (Besho) is a fool, weapons and tactics will not save him.

    People, I personally *have long since stopped caring what they say on SC*, and I can’t understand why you guys still do. The army’s losses this past week has been “horrendous”. HORRENDOUS, and my heart is heavy with pain at the thought of all those conscripts who were there because they had to be. Once again the FSA successfully managed to slip away at a time of their choosing, and it is the rank and file soldier who ended up paying the heaviest price for the sustenance of the Makhlouf-Assad mafia. NO true Syrian could find any reason for joy at the events of the past week, but we all know that there is nary a Syrian to be found on SC. Just Iranians.

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  63. “The only thing people will remember from the Libyan revolution is Qadafi getting lynched.”

    I would not ban the culprit (I have serious doubts about his sanity) but filter his comments.

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  64. This has been the worst week in the history of the Syrian army. Does Besho know how many soldiers died this week? Does he care? Are the lives of Syrian soldiers to be used up like so many rounds of artillery or barrels of fuel? The Assad family is the worst thing to have ever happened to both Alawites and Sunnis.

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  65. If we’re giving the Ghalyoun speech a grade, I give it 9 out of 10. I fully endorse the Maysaloon comment posted at SC. It made me so happy to finally see an intelligent, respectful, serious, educated Syrian addressing the people.

    As for the sects – of course everyone is Syrian. the sad reality is, however, that some (or many) Syrians think of themselves as members of a sect first, and are suspicious or disparaging of other sects. I think we all know this if we are honest. I have violently disagreed with those such as Landis who overemphasise the sectarian problem and talk about it as if it is inevitable or fated or the ONLY aspect of Syrian society, or as if sectarian dictatorship is some kind of solution for the problem – but I still recognise that sectarian hatred and sectarian fear exist in Syria. It’s irrelevant if Alawi or Christian fears are unjustified. The point is they exist, and they concern all of us because these fears are giving the regime strength and holding back the progress of the revolution. The thing is, the regime recognises the importance of these fears, so we should too. I keep giving this example: the parents of an Alawi friend are receiving anonymous phone calls threatening them as Alawis. It’s obvious that the mukhabarat are making the calls – but my friend’s parents don’t understand that. they believe they will be killed if the regime falls (and they don’t like the regime). the one ‘intelligent’ thing the regime has done this year is to exploit the fears of alawis and christians.

    the people who fall for the regime tricks are not very clever. intelligent, principled alawis and christians see through the propaganda, but not all are intelligent enough – and their fears are not surprising. when the dictatorship fell in iraq (in a very different way, of course), sunnis as a whole were blamed for the crimes of saddam (and here we have KT ranting about how the mass murderer, anti-shia sectarian and anti-kurdish, anti-iranian racist Saddam was a hero – not very encouraging). In the chaos following the fall of saddam, violent salafists attacked christians. history has cursed the mashreq with sectarian hatreds, and dictatorship has made it worse. we have to recognise this and address the problem head on.

    Ghalyoun could say this – that the ugly way in which the dictator fell in Iraq – through foreign invasion – is not the same a mass popular revolution. our movement is a syrian movement, not a neo-con plot. so the progress of events will be different in syria. however, we are aware of the example of iraq as a model to be avoided. sectarian hatred and persecution makes us all losers. without the mosaic – different sects, religions, ethnicities, and the religious and the secular – syria is nothing at all. therefore the SNC commits to doing everything to combatting sectarian discrimination as much as dictatorship. specifically, no single sect will be blamed for the crimes of the misruling mafia. we all know that members of all sects have benefitted from the dictatorship and committed crimes, and that members of all sects have been murdered, tortured and imprisoned by the dictatorship.

    saying this clearly would also bring western states much more forcefully into support of the SNC

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  66. Khaled
    You have commented on the policy page, which means you have read it. Therefore if you are reading this post, kindly consider it as a warning. I will now delete the offensive message, but please be aware that a similar message will result in a temporary 15 days ban. Repeated offence will result in a permanent ban.

    You have been asked repeatedly by fellow readers and writers to abstain from calls for sectarian holocausts. Yet you continue doing so. People come to walls to seek a thoughtful and not reactionary, blood thirsty, vengeful talk. I intend to keep it this way as much as I can.

    Your cooperation will be much appreciated.

    Like

  67. Robin
    We are blessed with your sanity.

    Aboud
    I have been thinking about the poor conscripts. The regime should be held accountable for every life lost during this revolution. It is the mafia thugs who opted for the military option, it is them who over decades demeaned the Syrian soldier and corrupted the Syrian officer. It is them who ill prepared the Syrian soldiers, police force, and focused on the creation of a mafia enforcers troops with blind loyalty and cult personality. It is them who squandered the treasure that was supposed to be spent on equipping the army, the intelligence units, and law enforcement with tools to defend the country, on tools to defend their smuggling operations, their collection their protection racket and intimidating business owners, the public, and honest Syrians into submission. And now they send this ill prepared army against its own people.

    They are liable for every single drop of blood on any side of the conflict. They should be tried for treason, nothing less. And those who cheer them thinking that they are being nationalist, should in fact be ashamed, they are cheering the person sending them to their own slaughter and to the slaughtering of innocent, freedom seeking Syrians. Hate knows no boundary.

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  68. I apologise for what I wrote….I just lost it, the menhebaks on SC are openly celebrating the mass murder in Homs, they support the mass murder in Homs, which is why I made that comment, I just couldn’t help it.

    Btw, many ppl on SC are convinced that I am Aboud. Isn;t that funny ? I hope all the Menhebak Generals in the Syrian Army have this level of intelligence. 😆

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  69. yes again, dear Robin, we are indeed blessed to have you be able to articulate so clearly and succinctly these important issues – and wise recommendations.

    and “Aboud
    I have been thinking about the poor conscripts.”…. to second Aboud and OTW

    … Soldiers everywhere, of the common sort are EXPLOITED people, used as fodder, treated as expendable resources in the service of the powerful leaders and institutions.
    90% are not to blame for the position they are put in.

    As significant as the issue that OTW- brought up about where blame should lie, – is another thought -which is that we should view the relationship of the regime to common foot soldier as a WEAKNESS POINT around which pressure can be exerted. And I don’t mean violence and punishment.
    I mean, that the conscript has doubts, extreme doubts inside. Even a Syrian conscript. And those doubts must be drawn out with words coming from the other side.
    Many on the other side – have said with great confidence that the Army can never be ‘turned’, and perhaps that is true for a paid guard or a elected elite branch forge again in sectarian alliances, maybe.
    However, the majority will discover they are being exploited and used, and abused, for purposes that hold no glory or nobility, but rather for immoral acts of aggression.
    It is in the face of this recognition that slowly grows and builds – that words from outside the brainwashed bubble can penetrate and puncture through the Walls of deception.

    I think this weak bubble can be burst – not just by sheer physical exhaustion, but by counter narratives and alternative possibilities put forward. Cracks that become visible to them in the official narrative.
    It is here that the Soldier opens his eyes and sees anew where the moral position lies.

    He can be won over if his ears can also be opened. He will see and imagine another more noble cause.

    Strategically thinking, the conscript is not the opposition’s enemy. The conscript is an Opportunity.

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