It is unconscionable to think that people are dropping like flies on Syrian streets, the injured are hiding in private homes to avoid capture or cold-blooded murder, the funeral processions are being shot at with many killed at a time they bereave the dead, the detained are tortured and many die and are buried in mass graves, yet the international community seems only willing to extend words of comfort. Where is your conscience people? It’s Easter Sunday for heaven’s sake.
Then comes Erdogan who thinks Gaza is tragic with its people under siege and tyranny while Syrians, under his buddy Assad, enjoy comfort and freedom. Where is your humanitarian flotilla to Syria Erdogan? Our injured, attacked by the snipers of your dear friend Assad, cannot go to hospitals for fear of being either killed on the spot or arrested to die under torture. Or does that not fit with your understanding of what a human tragedy is?
Are Gazans better people than Syrians? Is Assad too dear a friend for you to bother?
And where are the Hamas Palestinians who seem to forget everyone else’s tragedy except their own? Where are their voices? Never expect Syrians to come to your aid again. When elections come, we will make the MB in Syria pay for your silence.
And where is King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia? What kind of leader is governing over Makah and Medina who is afraid of his own shadow? Where are the young tiger Princes of al-Saud to overthrow everyone over 80 who clings to power like a sick patient clings to oxygen? Have you become too comfortable for your own good? Wake-up Bandar bin Sultan. This is your time.
Where are all the Arab leaders and the Arab League? The cowards hosting dinners to celebrate their fat bank accounts while our people die in front of their eyes?
This Revolution is for all ages and against any Arab and non-Arab oppressor in the region. This Revolution is against Assad, the Mullahs of Iran, and the hapless King of Saudi Arabia. This Revolution is against the bigotry of Hezbollah giving aid to kill Syrians and the barbaric IRGC training Assad on how to maximize death.
This Syrian Revolution will never die until we throw all the Arab leaders under the bus.
Dear Farid — kudos on this rare and lucid article, suprisingly devoid of the passphrase/virus “i hate israel too”. no flotilla to Syria because the soup nazis of europe and the arab world feed off of jew-hatred and not off of real care for the “victims”. the victims in gaza elect officials who entrance them with hatred obliterating all reason. the same theory of “no soup for you” can be applied to why the arab nations, over some 40 yrs, have not helped palestinian refugees integrate into their societies (w/ the exception of jordan), forever keeping them in refugee camps. how about the silence of all arab countries who expelled their 800,000 jews upon the founding of israel? any call for humanitarianism there? there is a lot of ahistorical dysfunctionality in the arab world, and admitting it wouldn’t be all that painful, if it weren’t for the constant banging of their media on nazi-era demonization of jews. the result is a scapegoating-stupor which has trapped their societies in utter backwardness. even the saudis and jordanianas who tacitly approve of israel’s strike in iran and a resolution on the situation of syria, have plenty of reason to be afraid as they are not gov’ts of their own people. they know that an obliteration of iran hegemony may cause an obliteration of imperial power in their own countries, so they must be worried. I would love to envision a future for the arab nations which is based first and foremost on the eradication of the jewish scapegoating — a psychological detoxing of sorts — followed by an architecture for a society based on reason and justice.
Today’s violent Syrian theater is the perfect example of the deceptive practices the Arab League is engaged in. Its members (With the exception of four or five countries like Jordan and Morocco who get dragged by the rest) are humanitarian only when it serves their higher purposes, otherwise, Arabs are as cheap as they come. We are “On Sale at 100% off” all the time and every time. I believe the Turkish government allowed Syrians the possibility to be refugees after this Blog spread widely.
Thank you for your comment. Syrians will partner with anyone who values life, freedom, co-existence, and economic prosperity for all.
People that try to help Auschwitz people, were they wrong according to zionists? Or is it a petty racism? Because israel imposed deliberately a humantarian crisis in Gaza, israel illegally occupy, annex, build settlements, build wall, refuse peace, refuse 2 state solution.
Also when the first intifada broke out, it was labeled terrorism, but when people trying to overthrow Assad, its ok and democracy according to israel. How come israel use such hypocrite measures, do they think the world doesnt see what they are doing?
FREE PALESTINE
Rick, you are confusing people with methods with lands. Syrians are asking for regime change peacefully. Hamas wants to throw another people to the sea violently. We are objecting to oppression by OUR OWN government on OUR OWN lands. Hamas is objecting to a foreign government in dispute over lands. Bananas and apples don’t mix. Thanks for your comment.. Incidentally, our people have supported the Palestinians for 60 years and the Palestinians have yet to say a word in our support.
And they won’t.
Or rather, Palestinians might, but their leaders won’t. I hope after Syria, it will be Palestinians next who wake up and replace their PLO and Hamas tyrants with a democratic government.
“Palestine” can be as free as it wants. It’s the “Throw the Jews into the sea!” thing that we are upset about, not their freedom.
The Jews who died in Ausschwitz didn’t attack Germany or Germans. They did not try to exterminate the German people. Don’t compare the innocent with the criminals!
There is no humanitarian crisis in Gaza. You have been lied to.
And finally, it is the Palestinians who refuse peace, a two-state solution, and even peace talks, not we.
Talk to them about why they don’t want peace. Ask Hamas. Ask the PLO. Not us. We can only tell you that we want peace and have waited since the Arabs started the war. That’s why the world expects us to give up land, because the world knows we have to buy peace from the Arabs, not vice versa.
Rickardo… have you ever been in Israel? Or are you just talking about a place you don’t know anything about except what people tell you?
Tell Gaza to stop the rocket attacks and once they do, the border will be open again. It’s so easy. Give peace a chance.
The silence of the world is deafening as the Syrian government commits these crimes against humanity against its own people.
As a supporter of Israel, I see the hypocrisy of the world that rushes to condemn Israel for just existing, but has nothing to say about the evil Syrian dictator and his government.
I hope all peoples can live in peace. I hope the Syrian people can bring democracy to their country and be an example of hope for all persecuted peoples everywhere.
The same people who condemn Israel also protect Assad. The best way to delegitimize them is to let the normal person on the street answer simple and logical questions such as: Where is your Syrian Humanitarian Flotilla Erdogan? In Europe, we need to ask them questions related to their parallel activity during Hitler’s era.
No other region in the world needs peace as much as our region and together, we will find a way to overcome the obstacles.Thanks for your comment Charles.
[...] which has been advocating regime change for a long time. He takes no prisoners in his recent blog post on the world’s response to the slaughter of Syrians by their own leadership: It is [...]
Mr Ghadry,
Just to let you know, an excerpt from this post was printed in the Wall Street Journal this morning so your words are getting across to a wide audience. It piqued my interest and, after reading the full post and the comments, linked it at another blog for a further spreading of the word. Your comments are like a breath of fresh air for people who are tired of equivocations and toadying to tyrants. Best wishes in realizing your aspirations. If your voice is a reflection of the majority, I have to think that much better days are imminent.
Thank you. We will influence the young when our message is of employment, prosperity, and a better life while we the politicians respect the law and keep our nose clean and away from the old corrupt practices.
The Syrian Revolution is about economic justice and empowerment. When our young are free, basking in their own success in whatever profession they embrace then you will see real peace happen. Peace happens between equals, of mind and purpose. It can never last when the two parties are on different tracks with opposing goals. Peace with Egypt is but a cessation of hostilities that Israelis had to enter into for the obvious reasons. But when the Egyptian young see how peace can benefit their future and pockets, they will embrace it wholeheartedly. Same thing in Syria or anywhere else. Thank you for your comment.. Your encouraging words do matter.
Dear Farid,
Given your difficult circumstance, I am irritated by the reticence of our government to act in some way to halt these inhuman acts of the Syrian government upon the populace. It is shameful.
I am certain you will succeed in your struggle and when you do, I’d recommend using the US Constitution as a template for republican government. Government by written laws not of men. If it survives a few decades you may condense the brilliance of the document and relish the simplicity of it in the following: Our Liberty is defended by three boxes: The Ballot Box; The Jury Box and The Cartridge Box.
Thank you James for your kind words. With people like yourself, we will build a better nation for our children.
Cartridge Box? Mmmm.. Our 2nd Amendment should be about peace and our 3rd should be about learning and our fourth should be about accepting others and our fifth should be about befriending those who have your 2nd Amendment. How else can we get our first Nobel Prize in Physics?
Farid,
That was an amazing post! I wish I could be there to stand with the people of Syria
Thank you Corey. You are already standing by our people.
But I could be doing more…every day I wake up in American suburbia, scanning the internet and watching the news to see the courage of your people (as well as the Iranians, Yemenis, Libyans, and others). I’d give anything to be there myself.
Call your Congressman and tell him/her we want Assad to be indicted for crimes against humanity. That’s will have more impact than 10 articles against Assad. Thanks..
Hi Farid, free thoughts, brave words. I feel so annoyed watching world leaders condemning instead of doing and everything is taking so long while people are being murdered. At the same time I too think the harsh questions should be going to the leaders of the arab world – secular and especially religious. They have turned death more important than life and hatred more important than love.
I wish your brave words will reach as many minds as possible. Regards,
Thank you Limor. They do get our Blogs. You can trust their eyes and ears in the US who bring to their attention any criticism. Not to worry.
As an American I know far less than needed to assess this situation, but I can see that it’s all messed up and complicated. My question is: Would US or nominal NATO(mostly US though) intervention be considered ‘oppression’ or ‘liberation’? I suppose that’s a hard question to answer – do I mean Libyan intervention or Iraqi type intervention? I suppose Libyan would be the most likely flavor of intervention. Would that even be a good thing?
In any case, I hope for the best for the people on the ground most affected by these issues. Hopefully some liberty trees will grow out of the tragedy of spilled blood.
Thanks M. When dictators were in control, they called it liberation if they agreed to its purpose (Liberation of Kuwait). When they did not agree, they called it invasion (Invasion of Iraq). But since many are dropping like flies, young Arabs see the US not as a Satan but rather as a savior and protector of their liberties. If only we get rid of these corrupt Arab rulers and the Iranian Mullahs, you will see a new Middle East open up like an oyster to welcome western know how. Arab dictators chose for us when the US was good and when it was bad. It’s not the people.
Farid.
If there were more Muslims like you, there would be no war between Islam and the west. Glad to see there at least some Muslims of good will out there, who really mean it when they say Islam is a religion of peace. I wish you luck, but also know you have a long and hard road ahead. I also wish our gov would extend more support and outreach to Muslims like you, instead of playing nice with the jihadist supporters at CAIR.
CAIR represents old, worn ideas created in the 1920′s. Once the young people of the Middle East see this, they will be turned off by its submissive nature. In Syria, after Assad, no more submission to anyone but their G*d. Peace will come because the young will realize its benefits. But first Assad and the Mullahs must go for they are poisoning our spring well of youth.
Good luck to you. A brighter day can come, but freedom is never free and there are many monstrous forces that would steal it, and have been stealing it, for far too long.
Thank you.. Hope you can travel to a free Syria one day.
I have two sons and many friends from Romania. I tell you the way may be long, but change can come quickly at the end.
Praying now. And thank you.
I remember, as I was growing up, my father mention the name of Ceausescu a lot. Only later did I understand his rule and his terror. Romanians deserve a lot better and thank you for your prayers.
[...] Good question: Where is your Syrian Humanitarian Flotilla Erdogan? [...]
Dear Mr Ghadry
Finally a voice of reason from the Arab side. When will the Arab nations finally accept Israel and work together with them to grow with each other. All Jews pray for peace with their Arab neighbors, yet all I see from these backward countries is death and destruction…mainly towards their own people.
Thank you for your comment and kind words.. First, we get rid of Arab dictators who instill hate and exclusion. Second, we bury the Ba’ath Party modeled after the Nazi Party. Third, we educate our youth and tell them the truth. Fourth, they will figure out that their prosperity lies in co-existence, trade, open borders, scientific exchanges, research and development, etc.. How long? After Assad, we need another generation. Meanwhile, the Muslim Brotherhood will try and poison their minds with nonsense and it is our job to stop those scoundrels. We need Israel to get to the fourth part, so please be patient as we move slowly towards freedom of our minds.
Farid,
As a Jew and a Zionist I have been waiting to learn what exactly to do about the Arab revolutions. Can you tell me what you think Israelis/Jews/Zionists should do to help you? We get mixed signals from the Arab world and you seem to make a lot of sense, hence I will try to learn from you. My Israeli friends and I are constantly discussing what we should do, which side we should be on etc..
I pray for the Syrian revolution and the Syrian people. And I hope that the Alawites will survive their coming fall from power.
Andrew.. I am not sure I am the right person to learn from but I do have one idea I think might help: Always support freedom and human rights. Take Iraq of today. No threats of missiles landing in Israel for a very simple reason: Politicians are accountable to their constituents who voted for them because they are free. With freedom, a dictatorial nation that traditionally looks for external enemies, now needs to turn inward to please the voters. Freedom Andrew, always freedom. Thanks for your kind words.. Were you the wise child that asked the question during Seder?
I know, I have been in Iraq:
http://web.mac.com/ajbrehm/Home/Blog/Entries/2008/10/9_Erbil.html
As for the wise child, I think I was the bearded guy waiting for the food.
Wisdom comes in every shape and form :=)
Finally, to be honest, while I can imagine a peace between Israel and the Arabs, I cannot imagine a peace between Israel and European “peace activists”.
That is a post I did not expect. There is no reason why Israelis cannot live in peace when freedom prevails in the region. The Peace Activists in the EU play on the politics of our demented dictators; once they are gone, the activists will be left to debate the winds of change.
I have no doubt that Israelis can live in peace when freedom prevails in the region. But I just cannot imagine that European activists will forgive Israel and the Arabs for taking away the their favourite toy.
I don’t normally pray, Mr. Ghadry, but I will for you and all Syrian lovers of liberty. Keep safe.
Thank you Seguin. Your prayers for the Syrians is the one that matters. Your post touched me. I am thankful to you.
Yours is but one voice in a great sea of arabian hostility to my country. I appreciate what you are saying, but don’t believe, not even for a moment, that you speak for all of arabia. I am personally very deeply touched and sympathetic to the sufferings of the people of Syria (and Lybia and Bahrain and more than likely Qatar and U.A.E and Kuwait and probably Saudi Arabia and definitely Iran, etc.) but I do not wish to aid in the oppression of Christians in any of those countries (especially now during this Easter season) which surely would follow the fall of those governments in favor of rabidly fundamentalist islamists. Just look at what’s happening to Christians in Egypt! Not to mention the ongoing attacks against the Jewish people in Israel.
I’m afraid you are going to have to do your revolution by yourself and put in power a secular government which protects the rights of religious minorities before you can expect anyone to take you seriously.
Oh, my… that all seems rather harsh when I read it, but it’s all what I meant to say in any case.
Harsh is OK, so not to worry.
Islamists rule in Sudan but because all Arab rulers are defunct idiots (Protecting genocidal Bashir), Arabs on the street do not understand what a miserable country Sudan has become because of Islamist rule. To win the battle against them, we need to expose Sudan. Once Arab youths see the restrictions these people will impose on their liberties, they will step on them.
What I know, deep in my heart, is that we will soon live in peace and build together a safer and better neighborhood. What are dreams for then?
Where is the UN and Goldstone?
Someday, Arabs will recognize who their true enemy is and finally figure out that its not Israel.
Some of us already do.. Thanks for your comment