Considering the latest news coming out of Syria, here are few issues to consider:
The Druze. Assad has arrested Ms. Mountaha Bacha al-Atrash, daughter to a Druze hero revered by his community. Now, the Druze of Syria have become his enemy and all those who embrace human rights inside Syria.
The Tribes. Assad arrested today Sheikh Soufok Faisal al-Nojrous, a member of parliament and a member of a ferocious Syrian tribe. Now, the tribes of Syria have become his enemy.
The Women. Assad has detained several prominent women activists including Suhair Al-Atassi, Nereven Ossi, Ola Kayali, and many others. Up to 50% of the Syrian population may become his enemy.
The Hawran Region. Using deadly force against civilians in Dara’a, the whole Hawran province has become his enemy, in addition to the neighboring provinces of Sweida and Quneitra whose young men joined in the demonstrations in Dara’a.
The Children. Detaining children of 13 and 14 years old just for some graffiti on walls expressing freedom is unforgivable in any society. Even Assad’s supporters are murmuring.
The Syrian Army. No important mutiny to speak of but it won’t be long now that the Syrian tribes have taken a clear position against the regime. Many of their children are army recruits.
My money is on brutal crackdown myself. It is really up the the people that are being cracked-down upon to take the next step. A bloody civil war could easily break out but the Syrian Army would probably be the kingmaker and most likely the eventual winner. In any case if you thought Gaddafi was harsh wait until Assad gets his turn at bat.
Now if I was Israel I would be pulling out all the stops to make this bloody civil war thing happen. In one fell swoop you will take out your enemy and the state sponsor of terrorism directed right at you. There will be no more Syrian proxies to fight in Southern Lebanon if their government falls or their nation is partitioned. The enemy of mine enemy is my friend and all that.
No comments:
Post a Comment