Bashar al-Asad, place and date not given entitled "Bashar al-Asad Interview in German news magazine Der Spiegel
The following is the text of an interview with Bashar al-Asad, place and date not given entitled "Bashar al-Asad: 'I cannot afford any mistakes'" published by German news magazine Der Spiegel website on 29 August 2005; subheadings inserted editorially:
I was asked to take this interview down by Dow Jones Reuters Business Interactive LLC (trading as Factiva) on March 31, 2006 because of copyright infringement.
Here is one quote from Bashar when asked why Syria was not experiencing a Democratic opening like Egypt:
[Bashar al-Asad] The Arab states are developing at different speeds and under different historical conditions. For example, Egypt has not experienced as many coups as Syria. Furthermore, Cairo has made peace with Israel whereas we are in a state of non-war but also non-peace. In addition, we just began the development a couple years ago and there are inevitably widely differing expectations. The main thing is that we are conducting a dialogue in Syria.
posted by Joshua Landis @ 8/29/2005 02:55:00 AM
192 comments
links to this post
192 Comments:
To JAM
May you please give me your post about "New York"? I like to read all your posts, you know.
Thanks.
Aphrodite
besides: http://www.foreignpolicy.com/story/cms.php?story_id=3098
http://www.foreignpolicy.com/story/cms.php?story_id=3100
Syria between Uganda and Ethiopia at rank 29
The bastard has an answer for everything!
However, he is showing that he is in control, and for those dummies that have been excluding him from the torturing responsibilities, here he is again, asserting that what goes on in Syria is "his choice". The Dummies that have wanted to praise him since 2000 and make him look so good are making us all pay the price of their stupid begging style. This man is no less evil than his father.
He speaks as if he is the Custodian of Syria. Does he ever ask himself why "him"? Does he know that he does not have a Godly right to judge 17 millions and to govern them, and describe them in the worst adjectives possible? He thinks he is superior to the people, and that he alone with his gang are the only responsible ones for Syria's future. The problem is those "domcrats" in teh West who give him the chance to even speak. How can they digest his stupid lies?
JAM
Re: Aphrodite:
Thank you very much for your kind words. The New York visit is still on, and the link to it is:
http://faculty-staff.ou.edu/L/Joshua.M.Landis-1/syriablog/2005/08/asads-visit-to-un-why-us-needs-to.htm
However, Josh has disabled the so called "LOcal Elections in 2007", which I think may prove to have had some effective replies that made him listen to his Syrian connections and disabled them.
JAM
Several people have asked why the "2007 Municipal Elections" post doesn't open. I can't open it myself. Often, when people copy long stings of site addresses into the comment section, which runs over the margin of the post area, the post jams. I haven't figured out how to fix this problem. It has occurred before, alas.
Also, someone questioned how the US could stop President Bashar from visiting a foreign country. It couldn't technically, unless the country refused him a visa. But no head of state visits a foreign country if he will not be received by his counterpart there. The pressure works because the foreign head of state let's President Asad know that something has come up for those dates and he will not be able to be received. Bashar then finds an excuse for the public why he is busy elsewhere and had to cancel. It is not complicated. I have the Brazil and Austrian cancellations on good authority.
Also, there is no spell check for the comment section. If people want to spell-check, they can copy from Word after spell-checking.
Assad: The main thing is that we are conducting a dialogue in Syria.
Listen to this crap. What dialog he is talking about, something like sending security and army to arrest all members of the Dialog groups like the Attassi Forum (not that I care about Nasserites) sending them to jail and then have Mukhabrat talk to them. This guy hired professional American thugs to help him in the Media and they are apparently advising him wrong. They think Syrians are dumb and stupid like American, they can just brainwash them with advertising.
Why? what was written on the disabled section? i did not pay attention to it much before it was blocked
One must wonder when and where Riad Seif, or Aref Dalilah, one a Sunni, and the other an Alawi spoke in sectarian terms to create tensions between the two sects? We know that both were on the same side, a Sunni, and an Alawi, and they both ended up in prison. The Sunni condemned for 5 years, and the Alawi for 10 years, because teh regime thinks an Alawi who opposes to the regime always deserves twice the sentence (Alawis in the regime's mind should never be against the regime). Well, a Sunni and an Alawi enter their cells for the same reason Assad is giving, but both are in the same side, and no one of them ever spoke in the language or spirit that Assad is accusing them of. He is definitely a liar, and as I always said: an Evil man.
JAM
Josh picked up an old question posed by some one and answered it: "How can the US prevent Assad from visiting Brazil". And he answered it lacking any kind of logic. Since the news he brought up was that teh US prevented Assad from visiting Australia and Brazil, how can that be when his explanation says that he did not get a visa?
Second:
We need you to answer why you do not speak of the issue of Human Rights in Syria?
The rights for highly educated people I had mentioned before not to suffer the torture they are exposed to in their inhumane prisons. Don't sell us with that crap of Guantenamo. Can't this stupid dictator see a difference between Guantenamo or Abu Greibm,m and the Syrians he imprisons? Are these Syrians Terrorists? Are they Foreigners? What a pot smoking dictator!
JAM
The interview with Assad is one part of a threepart dossier. All in all it describes the situation in syria and the personlatilty of its leader clear and true.
Is it a kind of stupidity or lack of intellect to give those answers?
Typical Third World leader and he is proud of that. Thanks this interview and other events, and soon we will see him in USA-Morning-TV, the world knows. As people say, Bush is uneducated, but I know one with much more lower level. Compare Coca Cola and Mecca Cola and you will know.
Illiterate people should not give interviews. Embarrassing.
Anonymous above is correct.
Let this guy that those Westerners have been inflating his ego for 5 years be seen to what he really is. He is a shame to any thoughtful human being!
I very partially agree with some of the content, but the title "Bashar al-Asad: 'I cannot afford any mistakes'" does not mean that Bachar is intelligent enough to avoid mistakes. Take the Hariri assassination. Or take the latest Bachar-UN fight on the Mehlis investigation.
The resistance against the investigation brought nothing good to the regime. At the end and as expected, Bachar had to cooperate, but it's too late, now everybody is more suspicious about him. If he was intelligent, he would have cooperated from the beginning.
Bachar's stupidity is Lebanon's (and maybe Syria) best insurance.
{{For many Syrians I meet, the experience of poverty is much more important than the prospect of a democratic constitution.}} Bashar Assad
He is right!
He has inheritted a Syria that his enemies were governing for 30 years prior to him, which they have rendered like a gargage can. This country is so screwed up by the regime that preceded him that this "Western Educated" ass hole can not do a thing to correct.
And people are poor, evidently because 30 years of the previous regime (his enemies) created that many poor in Syria. Syrians want to eat, they have no time to want democracy.
The Son of a bitch speaks thinking the world is stupid!
JAM
Will this ass hole just pose the simple question to himself once in his liofe time: "Why me"?
Yes, "Why me" at the top of this country? What qualifications did I have to be chosen? What did I develop in my life time of political and philosophical thoughts that helped me acquire this position? What did I do for Syria prior to the death of the criminal who passed me his position? Why ME?
I don't think he can ever raise to that level of becoming a true inquisitive human being. He thinks he has rights , devine rights to decide what is good or what is bad for 17 millions he thinks are dumies and unprepared! But he alone and his gang are prepared, and are not poor as he describes the people of Syria with~
Will he ask where his wealth came from? How come he is rich?
But an ass hole will never be some thing else!
JAM
To JAM
Thanks alot for the link, I was too busy and couldnt read all comments, but now I will do.
Yesterday I discussed with my dad about the times, when syria was democracy, because I couldnt believe what you wrote about the time before Bath came to power. You are right, he told there were more than fourty newspapers in the country without any censorship and people discussed free about policy, it was a very lively life.
Now, if you arrive Damascus airport, you can feel depression, oppression, apathy. Many people, who spend the last fourty years abroad, gave up any hope.
So once more my thanks to JAM and his engagement for our common fatherland, actually you are a hero without fear, honest and honorable.
Aphrodite
I was a supporter of Bashar Assad, I always gave him excuses of why he is slow in acting: he needs to be trained, then he needs to take control, then he needs to face all this international pressure on his back (which I still believe stand true today), etc. I also liked his interview and found myself siding with some of the points he raised about the internal situation, and definitely wholeheartedly with him on the international matters; even though I always thought that a different course of action would have been possible and more beneficial for the nation (ie Syria – I do not subscribe to the Arabism theory) . But then all this came to a stop. I went back on visit to the homeland early summer and found that actually all the news that one reads about how the country is moving slowly ahead (even though quite slowly but at least moving), is complete nonsense. From the outside, we read this news and try to adjust the image of the country we keep in our hearts and minds; it is the beloved home after all. The country is just as backwards as I left it on the eve of Bashar moving into the “ruler seat”, local administration (cleanness of the streets, etc) is at the best unchanged (ie very bad), injustice is as booming as ever, and the new generation of Syrians are being raised on even more flawed concepts and corrupted ideas. This is really scary. Then I said to myself, well, you were only there for a couple of weeks, you can’t see everything! But then here came this interview. I am extremely disappointed the President’s comments in this interview.
-Could someone calmly explain to me again what the story with Raid Seif was? My understanding was that the guy brought up the subject of the mobile phone licences in a parliamentary session, then he got in trouble! I don’t get where the thing about “calling into question the unity of the nation … and encroaching on the mosaic of the various ethnic and religious groups” came from? Just like the mention of oil and the oil revenues in the old days; no one is allowed to bring up this subject.
-Another related point, what is the relation between Bashar Assad and Rami Makhlouf (I am not asking about blood relations, they are cousins) I mean does Bashar realize what his cousin is doing in the economy? Bashar is promoting economic development as a priority to political advancements, ok. Well what does he think of his cousin’s activities? What is his point of view in that sense, or is it true as they say back home that Rami Makhlouf really stronger than Bashar?
-He did not attend the Hariri funeral bcs of “it was a matter of self-respect”. I am with him on this one, but what about the self respect of the country as a whole? What has he done to give the Syrians a sense of self-respect?
I am really disappointed with him, what a pity, I really thought he was a hope for the country, it is a pity it turns out this way!
PS: Regarding the visa matter, technically, he carries a British passport as well, remember he is married to a British citizen and I assume has British citizenship himself, so sure he can go NY visa-free! Not that this will solve all the diplomatic nitty-gritty, but technically it is possible.
And what is he doing to eleminate that poverty?
Giving more econmic opportunities to the Makhlouf, Khadam, Assad, Akad, A'idy, etc... families to get richer as they have done since 1970, and the poor to get poorer exactly as they have been for 35 years.
So, what is his ecomonic plan to eleminate that poverty? We heard that the problem is only an administrative problem: " we hired a French team to solve the problem 5 years ago, they just failed, now we are hiring a Malysian team"!
Is this an ass hole or a president speaking?
So, to solve the problem he will rely on hiring foreign teams that obvioulsy will only get paid high dollars each day and make Syrians even more poor while they get rich, and the gang gets richer.
An ass hole called president of a country and "Western Educated" because he passed 19 months in Britain. The ass holes are the one who are trying to pass this ass hole as Western Educated great man when he is nothing but trash.
JAM
Yeah, its really crazy.
"""For many Syrians I meet, the experience of poverty is much more important than the prospect of a democratic constitution."""
WHO is responsible for the POVERTY?
That he doesnt feel shy to say that. He is the president since 5 years, had time to make three new syrians, had chance to fill his accounts, knowing that his state is bankrupt...............
Unbelievable.
People in Latakia area say, that family has a disease and a brother of B-ALA is in psychiatry abroad.
{{: Regarding the visa matter, technically, he carries a British passport as well, remember he is married to a British citizen and I assume }} Nichlos
You are falling in the jargon Josh put as an explanation as how the US prevented the ass hole from visiting Brazil and Australia. The subject was not about New York.
Regarding his British spiritual connections with:
I know that his first child was born in Britain. May be his other kids were born there too, but I do not know. I am bringing the subject to show how this family thinks:
- his children will be British eventhough they may be born in Syria, because of their mother's citizenship. However, a foreign born British will always have a mark on his passport saying he / she was born in Syria for example, and will some how look less British than a British born in the Kingdom. This family wanted to make sure their kid(s) will be regular British for they do not know what the future will bring to their child and to them. There is no assurance this family will pass the throne to their kid(s), so, it is safer to have them be born in Britain itself.
In all of Syria, there was no convenient hospital for that bitch, his wife to give birth in, so she had to travel to England.
JAM
If you come from abroad to spend your holidays in syria, the best at the end is, that you can leave the country, because you know, how great it is to get back the organized free life in the west. But the pittiest, if you leave syria, is that your family has to stay, has to live under this rulers with no end. Who gives this people back all the wasted years?
Syria is a nightmare.
We love our government.
We love our government.
We love our government.
We love our government.
We love our government.
We love our government.
The CIA, KGB, and the Muhbarat decided to have a contest. Who could find a cock the fastest? The CIA came back in two hours. The KGB came back in two days. Time passed, and still the Muhabarat had not come back with a cock. Four days later, they were found beating a pale, thin rabbit, "Say you’re a cock. Say you’re a cock. Say you’re a cock".
We love our government.We love our government. We love.............
Thats it.
Eaxctly.
I went back only once to Syria during my long absence. I remember that I could not feel that I was really safe until the plane arrived in Paris, thinking that it can always return at receiving an order to return while in flight to get me!
My happiness of leaving it safely was enorm.
This is so fucking upsetting. I hold the United States Government, Israel and the United Nations responsible for this regime.
SSPRS is debating next week scrapping Israel-Syrian Peace from it's charter and will call for the use of force to liberates the Golan Heights.
It is Israel itself that is behind the regime.
Remember the USSR and the USA were in agreement to bring this regime in 1970 to exist.
Remember that the US media protected this regime even when a big massacre was taking place in Hama. No news outlet in the Western world said a thing about it until much much later, and very briefly.
Have you heard of other political regimes in teh world where both the USSR and the USA were in agreement to support it?
This all the Zionists at work, and like they will find out that thier Iraq genocide plans backfired, they will find out that this new ploy is the hair that broke the Camel back.
If I were you, ssprs. I would forget the Golan Heights completely now.
It is not the big issue. The big issue is to get rid of this regime. All else will be easier to solve afterward. The regime likes this state of no war , no peace. Well, it is much better than peace for Israel. Even Egypt with its peace agreement could not have the same level of stability at its borders with Israel.
My advice is not to speak about anything that would bring more enemies to those who want to bring down the regime.
He just speaks up the truth un-affraid!
God bless you Mr. President.
Metaz, you astonish me. You blame everything on the US. It was Syrians who built this regime, at a time when panarabist and Baathi ideology were very popular.
I do not believe nor there are any evidebce supporting any fact other than all wants to keep the regime. That is the assumption SSPRS works on. We belive only the Syrian people can remove the Assad dictatorship and exact justice from all others.
There is nothing I like than the United Stated makes that one little mistakes that will convince Iran that they better get another regime in Damascus. I am doing my best to push the Zionists and American to make that one little mistake. You can bet then I 'll even the get the French and Russian on Iranian side.
Vox, I am really in a bad mood today and will be for a while. I wil be polite and say, you don't know a fucking shit. But keep around you will learn what I learned from the Time od Ronald Regan big scam.
Look at that ridiculous anonymous who said that Bashar says what he wants "unafraid".
Unafraid of what? He is the one with power who is putting Syrians in prisons, not the way around. The time will come when this will be reveresed.
That Vox pretends to speak calmly and as if he knows something!
He is often sounds as if he belongs to another area of the world! Brazil?
The same German newspaper Der Spiegel had an interview with Mustafa Tlas, the greatly pumped "misnsiter" of cuisine in Syria's defense, an inteview in which Tlas proudly said that he was signing the execution order of 150 weekly in Damascus alone.
This Newspaper is lucky to speak with idiots like the creatures of the Syrian regime. No one else is able to extract such candid confession from criminals as this newspaper did.
Has any one heard of "Admiral Sha'aban Kachour" ?
He is the father in law of Josh.
I frankly never heard of that family name!
Kachour is the Alawi language means the one who does give a weird look. (opposite to smiling). One must study the meaning of this name. In Syria family names have histories, often describe the behaviour of the grand father to whom the name was stuck to.
in the Alawi language...
In Syria it is easier to believe untrue stories than to face the truth.
The truth is a bitter lemon.
Orontes and ssprs website have the same look. Syrian R. party and Metaz, is their any rational explanation for this ?
:)
and stop using multiple nicks and anons!
Yes there is a very rational explanation for an irrational idiots that lack normal human intelligence. Orontes is Metaz Company you idiots. What is so
strange for you moron that his personal, business and the party sites are identical in colors.
He wanted it this way to keep harmony of design you Lebanese bedouin peasant. How about you check this link idiot:
http://members.cox.net/orontes/rossini2/business%20development.html
and foreever fuck off, will ya.
Dumb Lebanese.
God damm Lebanese, a buch of subhuman idiots. They make great crown for car poof experiments to see how many will make it. That is about all they are good for.
I so much despise people like Vox. Truly he is an idiot!
Egyptian Mubarak starts using the same terminology the Assad Mukhabarat had thrown into the Syrian and intenrational streets: Old Guad, New Guard , to promote his son!!
"جمال مبارك لحسم المعركة مع الحرس القديم "
http://www.elaph.com/ElaphWeb/Politics/2005/8/86849.htm
The despicable thing is that it is Westerneres who had invented this trick for Assad to protect him, and give him time to learn "on the job" his job!
Hell with them and he!
السوريون الرهائن: بشير البكر
Monday, August 29
أفاد نبأ تداولته مؤخرا بعض الصحف، أن السلطات السورية تعتزم الإفراج عن جميع المعتقلين السياسيين، بالتزامن مع رحلة الرئيس بشار الأسد إلى الأمم المتحدة للمشاركة في قمة الألفية، المقرر انعقادها في نيويويورك مابين 14و16 أيلول/سبتمبر.إن الهدف من وراء ذلك أولا، تجنب الوقوع في حرج أثناء حضوره لحدث دولي
على هذا القدر من الأهمية، لاسيما وان المنظمات الدولية المعنية بالدفاع عن حقوق الإنسان مازالت تصنف سوريا في عداد الدول لأكثر استبدادا في العالم. وتتوخى العملية في الدرجة الثانية، الحصول على شهادة حسن سلوك من خلال الإيحاء للمجتمع الدولي أن النظام السوري في طور تغيير سلوكه ليتماشى مع القوانين والأعراف الدولية. وإذ لايسع المرء إلا أن يشعر بالغبطة لإخلاء سبيل وتحرير مواطنين تم احتجازغالبيتهم وامتهان كرامتهم لسنوات طويلة من دون وجه حق، فانه في نفس الوقت يستهجن هذا الأسلوب الشمولي البالي، الذي مازال يتعامل مع السوريين كرهائن يخضعون للمساومة.وليس سرا أن الكثير من المعتقلين الذي امضوا فترات طويلة خلال عهد الأسد الأب ، ماكانوا ليروا النور لولا الضغوط الدولية التي كانت تنطلق من قواعد دفع النظام السوري لاحترام حقوق الإنسان .لكن المفارقة المحزنة هنا، هي أن النظام في كل مرة كان يفرج فيها عن معتقل سياسي، يطالب بثمن سياسي أو اقتصادي أو ما شابه ذلك، ضمن مقايضة مكشوفة.وثمة من تحدث خلال العقود الماضية عن مذاهب في الاحتيال والتدليس، فكلما كانت البلاد على موعد مع زيارة رئيس دولة ذات ثقل خاص، سارعت الأجهزة الأمنية إلى الإفراج عن بعض المعتقلين، منهم بعض الشخصيات السياسية المعروفة. لقد حصل هذا الأمر مرة أو مرتين، لكن اللافت هنا هو أن الكثير ممن أفرج عنهم في مناسبات سابقة كانوا يقضون محكوميات لجرائم اقتصادية، وخصوصا السطو على المال العام، ويعرف السوريون أن هؤلاء جزء من جهاز المافيا الحاكم.
غالبا ماجرى النظر إلى خطوات من هذا النوع على أنها من قبيل رفع الحرج عن الضيف الأجنبي أمام الهيئات الدولية المعنية بحقوق الإنسان، وفي نفس الوقت كان النظام يستغل هذا الجانب ليوحي بمرونة هدفها في نهاية المطاف تبيض سجله. أما على المستوى الداخلي، فانه لطالما سوق العملية في إطار خرافة الانفراج السياسي وفتح صفحة جديدة مع المجتمع.لكن ذلك لم يتجاوز الاستثمار والتوظيف الآني للقضية.
على العموم لايكفي أن يغادر السجين السياسي حدود جدران الزنزانة، ويخرج إلى الهواء الطلق لكي يصبح حرا بالمعني الفعلي.إن غالبية من اعتقلوا وأفرج عنهم منذ السبعينات وحتى اليوم، لم يستعيدوا حقوقهم الأساسية في العمل وحرية السفر ، بل إن هذه الفئات وهي تعد بالآلاف تجد نفسها إزاء وسائل تعذيب جديدة، مثل السوق إلى الجندية في سن يقارب الخمسين، وأوضاع صحية متردية بسبب سنوات الاعتقال الطويل وأساليب التعذيب والتغذية السيئة والزنزانات الانفرادية .وقد بدأ بعض هؤلاء مؤخرا حركة احتجاجية ضد أساليب التنكيل تستحق كل الدعم، وقاموا بنشر بيان على موقع "الرأي" يشرح المعاناة التي يعيشونها.ان الأسماء الموقعة تتجاوز ال 300 وهو رقم ليس بالقليل، ومع ذلك هناك أسماء كثيرةاخرى لم تتضمنها اللائحة المفتوحة، مثل المعتقل السابق والكاتب المرموق ياسين الحاج صالح الذي منع مؤخرا من حقه في جواز السفر.ولكي يكون لحركة الاحتجاج صداها يجب أن تسبق هذه اللائحة بشار الأسد إلى الأمم المتحدة في صيغة شكوى ، لاتقتصر على المطالبة بالحقوق الأساسية المدنية والسياسية لهذا العدد الكبير، بل أيضا، التعويض المادي والمعنوي عن سنوات السجن والتعذيب، ومحاكمة المسئولين عن هذا الملف.من دون ذلك سوف تظل كل تسوية ناقصة مبتورة ولطخة سوداء في سجل سوريا السياسي والأخلاقي.
لسوء حظ سوريا أن هذه الفئات تشكل نخبة متعلمة ومثقفة، واغلبها من حملة الشهادات العليا.لقد قرر حكام هذا البلاد منعها من الاستفادة من خبرة جيل من أبنائها، لا لسبب، سوى خوف المافيات الطائفية والعسكرية الحاكمة من الرصيد الأخلاقي الكبير، الذي يمثله هؤلاء في وجدان الشارع السوري المغلوب على أمره مؤقتا.
جرب النظام خلال هذه السنة مقايضة ورقة المعتقلين السياسيين، لكنه لم يحصل على الثمن الذي كان ينشده. وكانت المحاولة الأخيرة في حزيران/يونيو الماضي خلال زيارة وفد أوروبي لدمشق برئاسة بياتريس بياتري.جرى استقبال الوفد على نحو ملفت وسمح له بلقاء لجان حقوق الإنسان والعديد من المعتقلين السياسيين السابقين.ولابد أن يلاحظ المتابع لتلك الزيارة أن السلطات السورية قدمت للوفد الأوربي خلالها قدرا كبيرا من التسهيلات، حتى أن بشار الأسد أصر على استقباله ، حيث ناقشت معه المسؤولة الأوروبية ملف المعتقلين السياسيين وطلبت السماح للوفد بزيارة عدد منهم، وعلى نحو خاص النائب رياض سيف.إن اللافت هنا هو أن الوفد الأوروبي خرج بانطباع ايجابي من اللقاء، وساد الاعتقاد أن طلباته سوف تلبى في اليوم التالي، لأن المنطق يفترض أن النظام السوري بحاجة لتطبيع علاقاته مع شعبه ، ومع المجتمع الدولي بعد إخراجه من لبنان، عدا عن أن التهم الموجهة للمعتقلين واهية ولا تستند إلى معطيات ملموسة، فماذا يعني الحكم بسجن نائب منتخب بالفعل وليس بالتزوير، مثل رياض سيف، بتهمة "إضعاف الشعور الوطني"؟
لم يخطر لأحد من أعضاء الوفد أن ملف المعتقلين يمكن أن يخضع للمساومة، بحيث يمكن أن يصبح المقابل لزيارة زنزانة سيف وتحريره من السجن، قيام الاتحاد الأوروبي بتوقيع اتفاقية الشراكة مع سوريا، المجمدة لأسباب سياسية منذ حوالي سنة بعد التوقيع عليها بالأحرف الأولى.صحيح أن موضوع حقوق الإنسان شرط من شروط الشراكة، لكنه ليس العائق أمام التوقيع النهائي للاتفاقية، الذي يتعلق بالدرجة الأولى بقرار مجلس الأمن 1559 الخاص بلبنان.
هذا ما كان.غادر الوفد دمشق من دون أن يلتقي أحدا من المعتقلين، لكنه كان يأمل أن يكون لطرحه القضية مع السلطات السورية صدى من خلال الإفراج عن بعضهم، خصوصا ممن تستدعي حالتهم الصحية الحرجة ذلك، كما هو حال رياض سيف، لكن هذه الآمال خابت.وكانت الرسالة واضحة لاتقبل التأويل:تحرير المعتقلين مقابل الشراكة.
إن التعامل مع السوريين بوصفهم رهائن تتم مقايضتهم، لايوحي بقرب الإفراج عن المعتقلين السياسيين سواء ذهب بشار الأسد إلى نيويورك أم لم يذهب.
"الرأي / خاص"
Refrain from using anon identities. And why is metaz also know as michael rossini? Explain to my Lebanese brain please.
BTW this design is definetely 90's man. You should change it.
God dam Moslem Brotherhood. Now they want to wear Orange Jellabiah and play drums in the street. I seen in London this morning Mahatma Mahiyooshi Baynooni with 4 other Moslem Brotherhood members standing on a corner street where the prime minister procure his 12 year old BritBitch whores, they were wearing orange jellabiahs and white shawl. The other were playing the drums and Mahatma, Mahishi Mayiyoushi Baynooni was singing such a soothing and peaceful tune, the Chocolate that I was rubbing my girlfriend clitoris with melted all over. And he was singing:
Gumbaya my lord Allah Jumbaya, Oh Lord Allah Gumbaya.
And then he went forth and started a sermon of peace and accommodations that was so eloquent. It was as His Greatness that all the gods of heaven bowed down to his glorious majesty and pure face Mahishi, Mahiyoshi Yogi used to deliver.
(Although, his great highness was accused of sadomising little children and conning people out of millions)It was just as eloquent speech where you listen to fucking hours upon hours on top of a mountain in the Alps about the greatness of peace despite the fact the asshole uses every fucking fancy English world in the Thesaurus and you think this dude is fluent in English he makes no fucking sense at all. Just fancy lingo like his holiness favorite:
The eternal creation is always in conjunction with the avid aspiration of those that have the transforming experience of meditation within one self that are embodied and attributed to the harmonious factors that guide the universe....and he just fucking goes on and on..and on
If you ever wants to listen to his holiness and you cant stand for 1 minutes the Yogi dude try to get up early in the morning and visit that corner street in London that is famous for Arab procuring their young whores and you can hear the message of peace that Mahiyoushi Baynooni is delivering while he got 4 cute blonds on his arms drugged.
If you can not go to London, because of Visa problem, We understand. You can only get a Visa to place like Spain, U.K. and U.S. if you are rich Arab or some kind of Bedouin dictator that siphon his national treasure and ship it out by plane load to the country you seeking Visa from.
Try to go to the Syrian Moslem Brotherhood website and you will read the same fucking crap the Mahiyoushi Baynooni was preaching in his corner street sermon of peace
It is his Artis name under Amrican Art Publisher and also his Trademark in the Neckties business.
Check his past carrer will ya. Stop bothering us pelase, please please. There will be no more responses to your dumb questions read teh dam links you got. 90s or whatever who cares. It deliver a messege with teh least amount of time invested, no one pay for the site, Comprehende, are you sure you are not Lebanese Mexican?
Vox:
I knew few Kate'eb people like you. Very arrogant, and stupid. Stupid of course. They think they are different from the rest of Lebanese or syrians in a good way, but they are different in a bad way. Their arrogance is expressed by every thing they say or do. I think Assad played the game with you very well, and in all truthfulness, though I hate him more than you do, I think that he was smart in playing you one against teh other and dividing you the way he did. He saved you at first from destruction, but then, he rode on yopur backs for 30 years at least. Like donkeys.
a syrian observer.
Check out:
www.souriaty.blogspot.com
THIS BLOG GIVES THE CAMPAIGN FOR SYRIA AND GOES UNDER THE SURFACE WHAT EXACTLY IS REALLY GOING ON!
CONSTRUCTIVE CRITICISM PLEASE
PLEASE LEAVE YOUR COMMENTS THERE SO I CAN SEE THEM UP FRONT.
SAY WHATEVER YOU WANT TO SAY BUT BEAR IN MIND THAT EVERYONE IS ENTITLED TO THEIR OWN OPINION.
THANK YOU!
Will you fuck off kindly, please?
We know every thing about your hero Assad, the son of a bitch. The father, the son, and the hole spirit!
Fuck off.
You must be retarded as is the case of every fucking Assadist! How many times do you have to pollute this place to advertise for your fucking blog? Enough. You do not understand that it is enough? We saw your advertisements so many times, and it is enough. No one is interested. Guck off.
Vox, you are welcome to volunteer your time and money to improve SSPRS website. We have no limit on how much time or cash you want to donate. As you see, it is not complete and we are busy worrying about the coming civil war is Syria and Lebanon. Our effort is to prepare for a takeover of the entire Middle East. In fact, we want to start an Islamic Khlifa, ruled by Iran, from Morocco to Japan, just to piss off these Zionists up, nothing else. They abandoned Syria and left it to the Assads to own.
The site, as you see, does what we have it intent to do, deliver a straight brief message to it's intended recipient. That’s all. This is not Baynoony's, Moslem Brotherhood or Ghadri's Reform Syria. No Bayanat's, no Takrir after takrir and all this crap bla, bla,bla for pages. Flash takes time and is volnurable, we think this low tech HTML is safe and even my 4 year old can update.
Is there anything else you would like to question now? See I am responding to you politely, so don’t push me, You will get all my frustration with the American and Israeli on your face.
Send your suggestion and what/how you want to help to:
web-media@ssprs.com
Dear Josh,
You try your best to bring to light matters of importance regarding Syria and the area. I thank you for that. I really appreciate your efforts as much I appreciate your patience.
However, and in full honesty, after reading the "content" and the "style" of some -if not most of the posts- I am really worried about how democracy will work in Syria if those "posts" are a representative sample of the "anti-regiem" syrian "elite". Yes, they are semi-westernized (heck was telling us how relieved to leave the Damascus airport to Paris, and the other is usually claiming to be sitting sipping Margarettas in L.A.) they can mock, they attempt to do a fair job of using English slang to prove that they are wetern educated,but the only way they find suitable to exibit those tallents is to utelise the site to vent thier ignorance, hattered, juncki-style language, anger -and in very rudimental manner- at the Syrian establishment. I just scrolled through more than 59 comments, and not one really can claim to be a "serious" one. Why donot you open a new site and name it BASH SYRIA or BASH BASHAR, post on it some of the juicy stuff and bits of the what people are saying in the street in Damascuse and Alleppo, and maybe some of those funckies will migrate to that site. Syria is in danger from many sides, Syria needs help -primarily- from its "enlightened" citizens, Syria needs dialouge, and what do those guys offer in thier posts? Mockery, hattered, irresponsiblity, lunacy and we call in Syria "za3raneh" and "3lak fadi". If they are a sample of what a "democracy" will bring us in Syria.Thank you sir, but we will take a rain check.Can you list some of the blog sites tbloggers offer "authentic" if not "constructive" responses. Belgravia Despatch, Juan Cole's Informed Comment,Tom Pain, etc... hell Joush, maybe some of our friends will learn how such discussions are directed. Only problem with this recommendation is that they might migrate to those sites and give the current bloggers a fit, or a trully damaging picture of what those who call them "anti regiem" opposition represent. Come to think about it, you will be doing the "regiem" a great favour if those "anti-regiem" elements exhibit their true portarait to the world.
Bet ya, that the serious anti-Syria commentators, even some of the necons maybe, will switch thier position in no time to support Bashar once they see what sort of "opposition" he has to face."Regiem change" will be forgotten, once the picture of the "alternate" they have to face becomes apparent to them. Or, maybe the true Israeli-leaning neocones will be very happy and will jump to support those guys as a sure way to ensure Syria that will never develope if they "take over".
Shame on you guys,,,FADAHTOUNA.
Vox. Do you know anything about GPS, IR or RC systems? French Language maybe, we need these skills. You are Lebanese, so your mother tongue must be French of course. you can help deliver web and media messegs to France.
We gave up on the U.S. and now we are campaigning on having teh Russian and French asserts themselves in Syria and Lebanon. You read how critical teh EU agreement to Bashar. Help in French Media.
Ausama?
You are a mental case.
So,, you are afriad of democracy - because - because it will bring guys like us?
Ok, stay with your regime, but leave us Syria. Syria is not your entitlment, and you do not own it, neither does that son of a bitch inheritor of power from his father the late dictator. Syria is not your property. Do you understand? Or is it hard for you to comprehend even this simple matter? Syria is not your property. U&nderstand that simple straight forward fact.
Syria is for 17 millions who have suffered enough from a dictator and his son the young dictator. They have treated Syria as their own farm, and the Syrian people as their peasants. It is true, when slaves sense freedom for the first time, they start to treat others like their slaves, and that is the case of the Assads and their ilks. However, they have beenn in continous power for 35 long long years, and they are still behaving like they have a grudge against Syria and Syrians, and they want to revenge for some old oppression they feel that it was bestowed on them.
Is it hard for you and your ilks to undrestand that you do not own a country? That yes, Syrians will be happy with their own level (the trash you think it is), and they will prefer it a trillion times more than your so called "Western Education" non sense which you or he (Your Bashar) do not understand a thing about it!
Yes, we will all be gald to be low level trash as you see us, then be governed by this thug and people like you.
We are proud of the trash you think we are. 17 Millions are trash, poor (concerned about food more than about democracy per Bashar's answer), uneducated, Eatsern educated, etc... but we will be happier than having that bastard stay on top og our heads. He does not own Syria, neither do you. You are just a transitionary objects the Outseiders used to intimdiate the Syrians, and to hold on their progress. So, you are superior to the rest of the Syrian people? Who are you? Who are you to even think that? Are you from the Eliete you think you are? The elites are in prisons or outside od Syria. You think you can trash Syrians who are not on your side by posts as the one you made that said nothing except trashing us and saying that all of our points above pointed to nothing but our beingg trash. What a fool thinking you can fool the world!
We know who you and your ilks are, and you will remember what I am saying now.
JAM
To Baathist scum Ausama said: “from its "enlightened" citizens”,
Oh ya, you calling yourself an enlightened Syrian Citizen. You are a lying son of a bitch. All the enlightened ones are in Jail and could not post here. Only Mukhbrats and regime elements have access to the internet.
Subhuman Ausama said:
"Syria needs dialouge" No moron dog, we gave Assad1 more than 30 years and Assad2 5 full years and all we got is more arrest and more shit, FUCK YOU SUBHUMAN. SYRIA NEEDS REVOLUTION AND NASTY ONE, FUCKER.
Democracy is a danger to the world if it comes to Syria. You see those low level 17 million people in Syria? Some of them will get to power if the regime of the Alawi elite is ousted! People like Dr. Bashar Assad, or Ausama are the only ones Western Educated in Syria. The rest are low level trash. Most Syrian people are trash, and the world will be better off leaving Bashar and his group like Ausama in power so the world can still enjoy high level friendship with syria's elite (bashar and Ausama, and Tarek). Isn't it great for teh world to see a nice shape such as teh attractive British raised wife of the greatest Western Educated president, Bashar Assad than to see 17 millions of poor Syrians, uneducated low level people who will be on top if there is democracy?
To all the world: Be careful when playing withh democracy, for people such as Joseph or Metaz or Aphradite will be dealing with you instead of this great Western Educated president, his charming wife, and posters who belong to them such as Ausama the great!
Beware, for democracy may not be what you really desired!
Live the elites in Syria (400 people among 17 millions, all Western Educated who spent more than 19 months in Britian).
Your friend
John McMahan
If Anyone knows the address of the other sites please posted here. We know that many of these sites are on Assads Payola.
To Joseph Ali Mohammed,
I am trully sorry, I my message was not clear enough probably and You missed the whole point.
I was not creticizing SYRIANS, I was refering to guys like YOU.. and the language which you use which is alian to the "language" we hear in the average Syrian house. Ever lived in one????
Sleep Well....
Well that is less than aday work
To Ausama, the criminal sympathiser. Here is a piece of news that should move your conscience if you have one. Obviously, none of the Assadists has ever had a conscience, even his so called British (Syrian) wife!
____________
غازي كنعان يصدر أمراً بالموت البطيء للنائب السابق رياض سيف في سجنه
دمشق - أخبار الشرق (خاص)
أصدر وزير الداخلية السورية غازي كنعان (لواء متقاعد) أمراً بالموت البطيء بدأ تنفيذه بحق النائب السابق رياض سيف المعتقل بسبب مطالبته بالديمقراطية، والذي يقضي حكماً بالسجن خمسة أعوام منذ أيلول/ سبتمبر 2001.
وعلمت أخبار الشرق أن كنعان زار سيف فجأة في سجنه قبل أسابيع وتحدث إليه بحضور بعض الضباط، سائلاً إياه إن كان طلب مقابلته، فأجابه بأنه لم يطلب مقابلته ولا شيء يقوله له. وأثار رد سيف حفيظة الوزير السوري، فاشتعل بينهما حوار غاضب، تبعته زيارة أخرى لكنعان إلى زنزانة النائب الآخر السابق المعتقل محمد مأمون الحمصي، الذي كان استقباله للوزير حافلاً بالصراخ!
وقد أمر كنعان، بعد الزيارة، بإدخال سجينين جنائيين إلى زنزانتي سيف والحمصي، عقاباً لهما. وبناء على أوامر الوزير، فقد أُدخل سجينان أحدهما متهم في قضية مخدرات والآخر في قضية قتل، إلى زنزانة النائب رياض سيف الذي يعاني من مشكلة قلبية، وطُلب إليهما أن يستمرا في عادتهما بالتدخين الكثيف، في زنزانة مغلقة، الأمر الذي أدى إلى تردٍّ شديد في وضع سيف الصحي.
وكان رياض سيف أُحيل إلى المشفى أكثر من مرة في الشهور الأخيرة، وقرر الأطباء حاجته إلى جراحة عاجلة في القلب بسبب تضيق في أحد الشرايين، إلا أنه لم يخضع للعملية، بسبب الكلفة العالية المطلوبة، وتردي أوضاعه المادية منذ التضييق على أعماله التجارية قبل سنوات. وتعتبر أوامر غازي كنعان الأخيرة التي نفذتها إدارة سجن عدرا، حيث يوجد سيف في القسم السياسي؛ بمثابة أمر بالقتل البطيء.
وفي حالة النائب مأمون الحمصي، فقد تم إدخال سجينين متهمين في قضية أخلاقية، لمضايقته في زنزانته. وكانت السلطات السورية رفضت الإفراج عن النائبين المعتقلين بعد قضائهما ثلاثة أرباع المدة، متعللة بأنهما "لم يصلحا نفسيهما
That so called Osama (the Assadist) Bin Laden:
So, if what you meant is only people like me, then what is so scaring you and Bashar from having a democracy?
Ha ha, you are just afraid that we by chance might get elected! right?
If not, then what the hell are you talkingf about and refusing the concept of democracy for?
Speak up, or for ever shut up!
Foreever shut up is preferable.
go to that Deviljian comment, will ya, it should be Ivy league enough for ya man.
This street comment, the revolutionary space. We are fighting for our basic Human and Civil rights. Your ass is studying how civilized manner we ask for those rights, FUCK YOU AUSAMA
These assholes comes here and make comment about etiquettes.
I want to ask the human scum Ausama:
1- Have you been kicked out of your country for 40 years and never allowed to return.
2- Have you lived knowing that you may never see you family or country ever again.
3-Have you spit ball had an entire generation of your family pass away and you never seen one of them
4- Have you SOB denied basic things like Passport.
5-Have you Mother fucker denied registering your kids or wife in
the Syrian records so they do not inherit your property.
6-Have you Garbage of Humanity had your property ceased and turned into public school for free.
7-Have you piece of shit had your land that you owned for 400 years ceased without compensation.
8-Have you, who your god is spit that I polish my shoes with no matter what that devil you call god name is had your land used for 40 years without receiving a dime for it.
9- Have you whose mother is a bitch had judges refusing to enforce judgments that the courts issued because they do not have political clout to enforce it.
10-Do you wants me to keep going to 100 and insult you on each one.
You garbage, try to understand why we are angry. We waited 43 years you bastard of bastards and now you want us to wait more. Let me tell you something: Even if your name is ALLAH, I will piss on your face when you ask that I have etiquette you human scum.
Human Scum.
haha this is hilarious. I propose a soap out of this discussion and all others to follow.
I cant contain myself but realize how much time each one of you has on his hands to divulge in such incessant material.
Go enjoy whats left of your life. Unfortunately for you, your comments bear little weight on true occurences around the world.
-Baik
Ausama ,keep up the good work.
I am making money trading futures and stocks globally sitting on 16 monitors. Making piles of money per minute what you have to ake in a life of hard work, (unless you one the criminal list of 3000 that I keep)Guess what I am Building and how and what I will be using it. I give you clue it is called the Liberartor. Do me a favor. My program for Syria needs 45 billion Dollars to launch, so make sure thi money you are investing is in aprofitable ventures, how did you expect I am going to pay for all that Devellopment? You thought I am gonna run with a cup to American. Your mistake. And your not Agha you are human garbage.
Just made $1470 while typing this.
I keep track of every baathist Bank Account globally if he got over 10k init. I need this cash for Syria's development
All you are doing is giving metaz a chance to vent out and show the readers the level of anger the people of Syria is in. How that is going to help your boss Bashar cause? you making angry, he will just make worse plans.
Agree, you got to be regime enemy to get these Syrians anger displayed all over the internet. Smart regime contains this sort of activities and try to resolve these problems.
A smart Baathist regime? yo umust be an American John.
This is hilarious!
Smart regime? ha ha ha ha ha ha
The mentality of the men of the regime is the most retarded on Earth!
The late Assad, their god was the most backward you would ever get to know!
"Baik" cunt contain himself!!
We know!
SSPRS, you look to me as a SSNP that is repulsed by the way the Baath infiltrated it. Although I am no fan of Antun Saade, he's theories are built and more solid grounds than Baathi utopia. I would be happy to translate anything in French for your website, just contact me on my blog.
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Thank you Vox, we will.
Return of the Kaliphate!
I'm all for it. I've been in discussions with a fervent Hizb-uh-Tahrir member for about 2 years. My point to him, is, and has been, that the West would welcome a Caliphate. We'd be happy to see muslims stop killing muslims, as it stands 10x more muslim-civillians have been killed by fellow Iraqi muslims than any US inflicted casualties. We'd be happy to see an establishment of equality - places like Jordan, Syria, Saudi Arabia could greatly improve with equality. Us westerners would be tickled to see muslim brothers not invade each other - like Turkey/Kurds, Iran/Iraq, Sunni/Shia.
Its a laughable dream - the muslims can't get their act together. Sure their extremists can occasionally kill many civillians, but, they cant even provide basic economic equality among their own brethren. "Its all the fault of the West.... its all the fault of the Zionists... they corrupt every attempt by the muslim peoples!" the Hizb guy whines.
So I tell him - with every bit of sarcasm "Where can westerners send donations to help get this caliphate idea started ?"
Late last week, Detlev Mehlis, the German prosecutor investigating the assassination of former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Hariri on behalf of the UN Security Council, released a preliminary report on his inquiry, scheduled to be completed by mid-September. The Western media have given relatively little attention to the investigation; however, if Syria is found guilty, as many observers are beginning to foresee, this could lead to the destabilization of Syria's regime, if not to its actual downfall.
The preliminary report did not address the substance of what Mehlis and his team had found, though it did offer details allowing for some educated guesses. For example, the prosecutor, while admitting that further interviews of witnesses might extend the three-month deadline of his report (renewable for one additional three-month period), nevertheless mentioned that he expected his work to be completed on time. This may indicate, as sources close to the Hariri camp have maintained, that Mehlis has already completed the bulk of his inquiry, implying he has found a guilty party or parties. Nor have there been signs of faltering, since Mehlis underlined that the second month of the investigation had been a good one, with the team receiving particularly useful information.
Mehlis also highlighted the fact that Syria had refused to cooperate with the investigative team, which had asked to speak to five Syrians - four intelligence officials who had held posts in Lebanon, and, the London-based daily Al-Hayat alleged last week, President Bashar Assad himself. Initially, the Syrians, citing constitutional clauses, had refused to allow oral interrogations, and asked Mehlis to submit his questions via the Syrian Foreign Ministry, so they could be answered in writing. When the UN rejected this, and after warnings were directed at Syria last week, even from friendly countries such as Russia, Assad backtracked, telling the German newsmagazine Der Spiegel, in an interview published on Monday, that he would allow Mehlis to speak to Syrian officials after all.
If Assad is the "fifth man", then this would be particularly revealing. A previous UN report on the assassination, authored by the Irish deputy police commissioner, Peter Fitzgerald, specifically mentioned that the Syrian president had threatened Hariri in a meeting they held last August, when Syria effectively bullied the prime minister into endorsing an unconstitutional extension of Lebanese President Emile Lahoud's mandate. By raising this incident with Assad (and it is difficult to see how it would not come up in an interview), Mehlis would show he is not to be intimidated by wherever his investigation might lead.
While one must await the final report, the latest rumors in Beirut suggest that senior Syrian officials, including members of the Assad family, will be implicated in Hariri's death. Maybe, maybe not; however the accusation has received an echo from reliable sources, as well as from press reports, noting that Assad all but admitted to Syrian involvement (while exonerating himself personally) in a meeting he held last March in Riyadh with then-Crown Prince Abdullah, now king of Saudi Arabia.
What many Lebanese fear is that Mehlis might also implicate Hizbullah. There is nothing implying the party played a role in the Hariri assassination (though press reports mentioned that the UN team had asked for detailed maps of areas around the Palestinian camps in Beirut's southern suburbs, where Hizbullah holds sway). Some analysts hint the finger pointing may be manipulation, perhaps by the fearful Lahoud camp, to derail full disclosure in the inquiry, since involvement of the Shiite Hizbullah in the death of a Sunni politician raises the prospect of communal conflict. But few are especially sanguine. Last March, a senior Lebanese politician told me, "I do not discount Hizbullah's involvement in the assassination," though he offered no evidence.
Yet another rumor difficult to corroborate, published without attribution in internet and press reports, is that a Syrian intelligence officer who sought political asylum in France has been providing detailed information on the assassination to French intelligence, including names. One Arabic internet site, Elaph.com, identified him as Maj. Zuheir S. (his full last name was unspecified). Reference in the article to the intelligence service to which he belonged was unclear, but he apparently headed the office of the former Military Intelligence chief, Gen. Hassan Khalil. Again, however, the story should be treated with caution until Mehlis publishes his findings.
Amid all the rumors, one conclusion seems increasingly likely: Lebanese officials will be blamed for at least trying to cover up the crime. In an interview with France's Le Figaro in July, Mehlis described the head of the Presidential Guard, Mustapha Hamdan, as "a suspect." Few believe that Hamdan - in reality Lahoud, his superior and patron - was responsible for ordering the assassination. However, there have been numerous indications that the presidential palace sought to cover up the blast site soon after Hariri's murder. The Fitzgerald report specifically mentioned that evidence had been tampered with, concluding: "[T]he manner in which this element of the investigation was carried out displays, at least gross negligence, possibly accompanied by criminal actions..."
According to UN Security Council Resolution 1595, which established the Mehlis commission, it is Lebanon's judiciary that must prosecute those deemed responsible. In his preliminary report, however, the German investigator wrote that many witnesses were afraid of having their testimony handed over to the Lebanese authorities. It is ever more obvious that Lebanon's courts, given the country's political divisions and weaknesses, do not have the means to bring anyone to justice; nor its security agencies the wherewithal to protect witnesses, particularly if Syrian involvement is confirmed. This has led to growing speculation, buttressed by statements from Lebanon's prime minister, Fouad al-Siniora, that a special international tribunal might become necessary to act against the guilty. This would deeply alarm the Syrian regime (again, if Mehlis does find a Syrian connection), as it means Syria would become even more of an international pariah than it already is. That Assad could politically survive such pressure is doubtful.
In the coming weeks, we will know whether the Mehlis inquiry produces the "earthquake" that many have predicted it will. For the moment, the Lebanese are holding their breath fearing the Syrian backlash, but also hoping that Hizbullah is innocent, so that Sunni-Shiite tension can be averted. Everyone is anxiously aware that the truth may be painful.
By Michael Young
Daily Star, Lebanon
The lebanese police just arrested 3 high-profile security officers and one ex-parliament member by orders of the Hariri assassination investigation.
Riad al-Turk talks to the Wire
Riad al-Turk, the 73-year-old former First Secretary of the Communist Party-Political Bureau (CP-PB) in Syria, has been a prisoner of conscience for much of his adult life and was held in solitary confinement for nearly 18 years. His imprisonment, torture and ill-health led to numerous AI actions over the years. In September he visited AI's offices in London and spoke to the Wire.
Riad al-Turk's experience of Syrian jails and torture methods spans half a century. He was just 22 when he was first arrested in 1952 for belonging to the Communist Party. He was held for several months and tortured.
"The torture," he says, "was mild compared to what was used later... Then, there were only two rooms in the palace used by the security forces... Now there are castles with dungeons that can accommodate unlimited numbers of prisoners."
In 1960 he was again arrested, tortured and imprisoned, this time for opposing the unity of Syria and Egypt at the height of the Arab nationalist movement led by Egyptian President Gamal 'Abd al-Nasser.
"The Egyptian security forces brought with them harsher torture methods", he says. "Falaqa (beating on the soles of the feet) was introduced... and people died in custody as a result."
His longest period of imprisonment began in October 1980, when he was arrested for his membership of the CP-PB and his outspoken opposition to Syria's presence in Lebanon. Again he was tortured, and again the torture was more severe.
For the next 18 years he was held almost constantly in solitary confinement and suffered serious health problems, including diabetes and heart and kidney ailments.
So how did he survive?
"You have to forget about the outside world," he says, "and find ways to kill time otherwise time will kill you."
Without books, pens or paper, he relied on the tiny stones he found in the lentil soup served daily. He collected them to make ever-more intricate and artistic shapes on the floor. He also devised physical exercises to do in his two-square-metre cell.
His wife, Asmah al-Feisal, a medical doctor who was imprisoned for 20 months between 1980 and 1982, told the Wire: "We didn't see him for 13 years, or even know for sure where he was."
After Riad al-Turk was released in an amnesty in 1998 at the age of 68, he might have been expected to take it easy. But two years later, the new Syrian President, Bashar al-Asad, appeared to lift the lid on the repression. He encouraged political debate, released political prisoners, and spoke of reforms.
During what became known as the "Damascus Spring", thousands of people, including Riad al-Turk, took part in lively political forums around the country. Then the political arrests resumed. Riad al-Turk was detained in September 2001 and sub-sequently sentenced to two years' imprisonment, of which he served 15 months.
Despite his harrowing experiences, Riad al-Turk remains active and defiant - determined, as he says, "to fight for freedom, justice and democracy".
"I come from a country where basic human rights are violated, where political prisoners die under torture, where arbitrary detention takes place, where hundreds of political prisoners are detained without trial...
"Humanity is in need of AI more than at any point in the past because human rights violations are not just limited to authoritarian regimes."
He spoke with gratitude of the solidarity shown by AI members towards him and other prisoners in Syria's jails. "AI's support was like a candle that lit the darkness of the cell and left the spark alive and vivid in our souls."
Syria
Medical action
Health concern: six imprisoned human rights defenders
Summary
Amnesty International (AI) is concerned about the health of Mamun al-Humsi, Riad Seif, ‘Aref Dalilah, Muhammad Ra’dun, Nizar Ristnawi, and Mas’oud Hamid, human rights defenders and prisoners of conscience in Syria. In addition to their imprisonment solely on the basis of the peaceful expression of their beliefs, the organization has the following concerns:
Hunger-strikes: Mamun al-Humsi and ‘Aref Dalilah have been on hunger-strike since 5 July and 12 July respectively. a
Incommunicado detention: Mamun al-Humsi is reportedly held incommunicado at Tishrin Military Hospital. Nizar Ristnawi has reportedly been held incommunicado in Sednaya Prison since his arrest on 18 April 2005. They may be at risk of torture or ill-treatment in incommunicado detention.
Lack of medical treatment: AI is calling for access to full independent medical examinations for Muhammad Ra’dun and Mas’oud Hamid and appropriate treatment (see case details below).
AI calls for the immediate and unconditional release of the six men named above, for access to appropriate medical care where needed and an end to the practice of incommunicado detention.
Case details
Mamun al-Humsi
AI is very concerned that Mamun al-Humsi has apparently been held incommunicado at Tishrin Military Hospital since early July. On 5 July 2005, in a statement which condemned repression of freedom of expression and democracy in Syria, he declared a hunger-strike. Reportedly he was transferred soon after from ‘Adra Prison to Tishrin Military Hospital, Damascus.
Mamun al-Humsi, aged 49, formerly an independent member of the Syrian People’s Assembly (Parliament) and a businessman, was arrested by police on 9 August 2001. Two days previously he had issued a statement, accompanied by a hunger strike, calling for political and economic reform in Syria and denouncing corruption and the broad powers wielded by the security forces.
Mamun al Humsi was sentenced to five years’ imprisonment in March 2002, charged with offences including "attempting to change the Constitution by illegal means". During his trial members of his family were harassed, beaten up and detained by the security forces. Prisoners sentenced according to the Criminal Penal Code are eligible for release after serving three quarters of their sentence. Mamun al-Humsi has already served three quarters of his sentence but remains in prison.
During his first week of detention in ‘Adra prison in August 2001, Mamun al-Humsi was reportedly denied family visits and access to medication, which he takes regularly for diabetes. On 23 July 2003 Mamun al-Humsi suffered a heart attack. His health had been deteriorating during the previous weeks, during which he had also had hospital treatment for kidney stones.
Riad Seif
AI is very concerned for the health of Riad Seif. Apparently one of the main arteries in his heart is blocked. He was recently treated with a catheter in an attempt to unblock the artery. However, it seems that the procedure was unsuccessful and he needs open-heart surgery. He is reportedly refusing to undergo surgery in protest at his continuing imprisonment. Prisoners sentenced according to the Criminal Penal Code are eligible for release after serving three quarters of their sentence. Riad Seif has already served three quarters of his sentence but remains in ‘Adra prison.
Riad Seif, aged 54, formerly an independent member of the Syrian People’s Assembly and businessman, was arrested on 6 September 2001. The day before he had hosted a political seminar at his house. During this seminar guest speaker, Professor Burhan Ghaliun, called for political reform and democratic elections. In March 2001 Riad Seif had issued a discussion paper on the principles of Harakat al Silm, Social Peace Movement (a new organization he was apparently planning to establish).
On 4 April 2002 Riad Seif was sentenced to five years’ imprisonment on a number of charges including "attempting to change the Constitution by illegal means" and "inciting sectarian strife". During Riad Seif’s detention, his wife has on occasion been subjected to harassment and intimidation by the Syrian authorities.
‘Aref Dalilah
AI is very concerned for the health of ‘Aref Dalilah who has had a history of medical problems since his detention in 2001, including heart problems. On 12 July 2005 he began a hunger-strike in protest against his solitary confinement and ill-treatment.
‘Aref Dalilah, aged around 62 years, was arrested in Damascus in September 2001. ‘Aref Dalilah was dismissed from his post as Dean of the Faculty of Economics, reportedly due to his outspoken views against corruption and his calls for granting freedom of expression to complement economic reform. He was also said to have taken part in the political seminar held on 5 September 2001 in the house of parliamentarian Riad Seif. ‘Aref Dalilah was reportedly held initially incommunicado and in solitary confinement in ‘Adra prison, before being allowed family visits.
On 31 July 2002 ‘Aref Dalilah was sentenced by the SSSC to ten years’ imprisonment on charges of "attempting to change the constitution by illegal means".
‘Aref Dalilah was taken from his cell at the beginning of April 2002 to a hospital in Damascus, suffering from deep vein thrombosis. Although he was in urgent need of appropriate medication and specialist medical care, he was returned to prison before receiving either. Reportedly he was also beaten and ill-treated while he was held in ‘Adra prison.
There were further concerns for ‘Aref Dalilah’s health during the latter part of 2004 when he was suffering from high blood pressure and an irregular heart-beat. Political Security officers apparently summoned his family members to persuade him to have a heart bypass operation but he refused to have one until he is released from prison. He apparently remains in solitary confinement.
Muhammad Ra’dun
Muhammad Ra’dun’s health is reported to have deteriorated severely since he was detained on 22 May. He reportedly suffers from a longstanding respiratory illness which should be fully assessed and appropriately treated. Mucus reportedly builds up in the trachea until it prevents him breathing properly. The disease has caused him great distress and sleep loss for fear of choking in his sleep. He has lost around 13 kg. His wife was allowed to visit him on 11 July, but no one has been allowed to see him since then.
Muhammad Ra’dun, aged 56, lawyer and head of the Arab Organisation for Human Rights-Syria (AOHR-S), was arrested on 22 May 2005. His arrest was apparently in connection with statements made by the AOHR-S on human rights in Syria. He is also being held in ‘Adra prison and awaiting trial on charges of "disseminating false information" and with "involvement in an illegal organisation of an international nature".
At the UN Human Rights Committee on 18 July 2005(1), the Syrian delegation responded to questions on Muhammad Ra’dun by saying his arrest was related to the AOHR-S statement about the death in custody of Ahmad ‘Ali al-Masalma, a member of the Muslim Brotherhood - an organisation which is banned in Syria – who died in 2005 following his release from detention. His death appears to have resulted from torture and ill-treatment suffered in detention in Syria (see public statement MDE 24/025/2005).
Nizar Ristnawi
AI is very concerned at the effects prolonged incommunicado detention may have on Nizar Ristnawi’s health and that he may be at the risk of torture and other ill-treatment whilst held without access to lawyers and family.
Nizar Ristnawi, a founding member of the AOHR-S, was arrested on 18 April 2005. He is currently held in Sednaya Prison, on the outskirts of Damascus. He has been detained incommunicado since his arrest.
Nizar Ristnawi’s case has apparently been referred to the Supreme State Security Court (SSSC), whose standards fall far short of international standards for fair trial. The charges against him are not known. He is apparently held solely for carrying out his peaceful and legitimate work in defence of human rights.
Mas’oud Hamid
AI is very concerned that Mas’oud Hamid is suffering from severe headaches, dizziness and has numbness in one of his feet, apparently as a result of torture. His glasses were broken, and when he asked for an eye test to obtain new glasses, the prison doctor told him he was not short-sighted. He has been given ibuprofen for the headaches. AI calls for Mas’oud Hamid to be given a full medical examination to determine the cause of his headaches, dizziness and numbness and to be treated appropriately.
Mas’oud Hamid, Syrian Kurdish student of journalism, attended a peaceful protest on 25 June 2003, calling for civil and political rights for the Syrian Kurdish population, including the right of Syrian Kurdish children to be taught in the Kurdish language. The demonstration was dispersed violently by police and security forces. Mas’oud Hamid was arrested by Public Security officers after he posted photographs he took of the demonstration on several internet sites including the German-based Kurdish website www.amude.com. He is now held in ‘Adra prison.
On 10 October 2004, he was sentenced by the SSSC to five years' imprisonment for membership of a "secret organisation" and "attempting to sever part of Syrian territory and annex it to a foreign state", charges commonly made against Kurds in Syria. He was reportedly tortured during interrogation. According to AI’s information he was also subjected to torture after participating in a hunger strike in October 2004 along with a number of other Syrian Kurds, in protest at prison conditions, including their being held in solitary confinement. He was apparently beaten on his head and back.
Political background
The arrests of Riad Seif, Mamun al-Humsi and ‘Aref Dalilah in 2001 came during the so-called "Damascus Spring" period which followed the election of President Bashar al-Assad in 2000. President Bashar al-Assad indicated in his inauguration speech a desire to increase tolerance for free speech and to allow political reforms. This led to the establishment of a number of forums where public affairs, political reforms and cultural issues were discussed. The authorities started to clamp down on this new freedom of expression in early 2001 but groups like the National Dialogue Forum led by parliamentarian Riad Seif continued their activities in defiance of the restrictions. This appeared to have been one of the reasons which triggered a wave of arrests in August and September 2001.
The past few months have seen another escalation in the clamping down on freedom of expression of members of the opposition and also human rights defenders. This has included the arrests of Muhammad Ra’dun and Nizar Ristnawi in, respectively, May and April 2005.
Recommended action
Please write to the authorities below:
Introducing yourself as a health professional interested in human rights;
Expressing concern for the health of Mamun al-Humsi, Riad Seif, Muhammad Ra’dun, Nizar Ristnawi, ‘Aref Dalilah and Mas’oud Hamid;
Expressing concern in particular at reports that: Mamun al-Humsi and ‘Aref Dalilah have been on hunger-strike since 5 July and 12 July respectively; Mamun al-Humsi is reportedly held incommunicado at Tishrin Military Hospital and Nizar Ristnawi in Sednaya Prison; Muhammad Ra’dun and Mas’oud Hamid are in need of a full independent medical examination and appropriate treatment;
Calling for immediate and unconditional release of these six men who have been imprisoned solely for the peaceful expression of their beliefs;
Calling for access to appropriate medical care for these men;
Calling for an end to the practice of incommunicado detention;
Asking for assurances that they are not being subjected to torture and/or other ill-treatment;
Inviting a response to your letter.
20 June 2005
Amnesty International strongly criticized the prison term imposed on a 17-year-old youth yesterday by Syria’s Supreme State Security Court (SSSC). Mus'ab al-Hariri was sentenced to six years imprisonment on charges of belonging to the Muslim Brotherhood (MB), an organisation which is banned in Syria.
Syria imprisons Internet users
‘Abdel Rahman al-Shaghouri was sentenced to two and a half years’ imprisonment by Syria’s Supreme State Security Court on 20 June, on charges of "disseminating false information", because of his use of the Internet.
Mu'eyna Muhammad Yusef Sa'adu has reportedly been held incommunicado since 14 January, when she was arrested by military security officers. She is at risk of torture and ill-treatment.
The Syrians like Assad. After 40 years of total isolation, the lanky, sometimes wooden leader of Syria recently brought a little more freedom to the country, allowing people to install satellite dishes, buy mobile phones and open Internet cafes.
STOP POSTING FULL ARTICLES HERE!!!
Just paste the link and interested people will read it by themselves. You are spamming this comment section with your articles and people are losing interest in this blog because of it. I don’t want to belittle your articles but what your doing is forcing it down peoples throats. This is a DISCUSSION forum, if we wanted to read articles about Amnesty International we would go to their sites
What’s left of the comment sections is mostly made up of egocentric, conspiracy theorists, and demented people. Posting under different nicknames to praise each other’s comments while cursing anyone who disagrees with them.
Vox, the SSPRS is not party, you need to pay attention to their website and their Orontes Corp plus other sites. They are all a scam and none of the companies on the Metaz CV actually exist we had exposed it few months ago but I guess u didn’t see that part. Since you are still one of the sane ones (even if we often disagree) I advise you not to waste your time with this schizophrenic.
You can check it out yourself. Every company has the same web design hmmm how peculiar.
http://members.cox.net/orontes/rossini2/business%20development.html
To: Innocent Criminal Tarek
Do you have any constructive thought or just insultings? Why are you so full of hate? Can you not accept different meanings?
By the way, I know that you are benefiter, so please can you explain what Assad 2nd achievments are?
I guess the Hariri report is going to come out very soon. http://www.aljazeera.net/NR/exeres/285439E5-57D1-4A85-A816-333B85B52A83.htm
What are the legal reprecussions that syria will face now that they know that it was indeed syria and their lebanese puppets who killed harriri?
Harriri was a private citizen at the time of his death and not a govt official...will this make a difference?
Thanks,
Pissed off Syrian
Here he will end:
The International Criminal Court (ICC) is the first ever permanent, treaty based, international criminal court established to promote the rule of law and ensure that the gravest international crimes do not go unpunished.
I guess this is a good IQ test for VOX, do you want to believe this human scum and his baathist family or the Agha?
Now you can do your own internet search and you will find enough
information from government agencies to verify the existance.
But should you need any information will be happy to mail, email or posted for you to evalute.
Don't listen to that expendeable human garbage anymore Tarek, Innocent Criminal he is nothing more than a Baathist criminal or paid supporter of one. Stay away from them their days are numbered, they stuck between pleasing Israel and America or Iran. They will never balance that acrobatic work becasue they don't know what the US and Israel are planning and it is only a matter of time, by March that Hizzbullah, Iran, SSNP all chasing the Baathists out of Syria and Lebanon. We need France on our side and we need to put the death nai into that EU agreement once and for all.
Fuck you Metaz and your agha and SSRPS, you're all the same fucking person. You're a fucking douche.
I can Assure you that Metaz is the Agha and he is the SSPRS leader. Ohh what a dumb idiot. And we got these running Syria for 43 years. Common you fucking Syrians, you dissapoint us. Just listen to these scumm low level of intelligence, less than a rabbit
brain and smarter.
i think if there were no Tarek / Criminal, SSPRS will invent one.
SSPRS calling SSNP members. I think Syrian Republican Party is by far the honest party that is more representing teh ideal of Saadeh.
SSNP really has betrayed the principals of which the party is founded on. Syrian Republican Party is very right to say on it's website that SSNP betrayed Saadeh.
Good Morning, I have no comment, just like to post the one hundredth comment here.
Here is the issue:
People come here and attack Metaz, or SSPRS, and use a bad language. Then therir friends, regime supporters come back, and say : You see what the opposition people are like? This Comment is full of fool language, etc...
Now, let me say this: How much do I like that any discussion be held to the maximum degree of civilized behaviour, and that respect of one's opponents is also preserved in any discussion, but the real real issue for me is to expose the human rights abuses that are fundementaly the most important thing to me, and I believe to any human being with a conscience. Unlike some of the people here, who want to do the same because they have personal experience, such as being deprived from seeing their country, or having been themselves in prison for political reasons, I do not have such problems, and it is only my human feeling towards other humans and toward the human injustice that some creatures inflict on the innocents that motivate me, and make me the activist I am. It would have been easier for me to reach a high position in this regime since they say it is an Alawi regime, and I am an Alawi, educated with a doctor's degree, and all I would have needed to do was to accept to be without a consience as are so many of the "arrivistes" a French expression that means (وصوليين) in Arabic, or perhaps opportunists in English (not quite that).
I have nothing to gain from my dedication to the issue of human rights in Syria, and I am more concerned about Syria though I am concerned about this issue any where it happens, and that is because I know that Syria under the Assad regime represents the Utmost violator of human rights across the globe, and that I know how this regime has used sectarianism, and every thing else to promote and prolong its existence and life, and how it destroyes human lives without any guilty feelings by any body, not the so called "president", not by his "charming" wife, and not by the smallest and littlest individual supporting this wild savage regime.
I have nothing to gain, and time to lose. But it is important to expose what goes on in Syria, and to make those who have sacrificed for freedom, and for saying the truth, and defending the people and human rights in Syria, those who were killed, or tortured and imprisoned in the Assad's prisons alive in the memory of humanity and across the world. Their sacrifices and their names deserve the utmost respect and love by all the good people on Earth.
It is again a human rights issue. How can those who arrogantly hold power and can jail others because of that temporary power that God has shown us throught history that it changes hands, and is not permanent, how can they enjoy their lives when they know they are destroying others? It is unbelieveable to me. I can't put myself in the shoes of those who can smile while their prisonners, the cream of the society suffer in the small cells they put them in with all the misery and tortures inside them! How can Assad a son of a dictator, a man who saw nothing in life except the good, coming to him by inheritance condemn other people to suffer, and at the time have no guilty feeling what so ever. People such as Ryad Seif, Aref Dalilah, and AL Kheir?
These people are not terrorists. They did not kill any one. They did not spend their lives learning how to screw others, and all they did was to use their conscience and to refuse to be silent and enjoy their lives while the regime torture other innocent human beings. They spoke out. They gave their opinion on the corruption that goes on in Syria. The price they are paying is unbelievably high. For what? So the Assad family and its cronies can continue to enrich themselves and own the country as if it is their proper possession!
Let God be the judge on this drama that has been taking place in Syria since 1970.
God is my witness!@
JAM
Can't such regimes just silence their opponenets by putting them in acceptable conditions in prisons? Why do they have to deprive them of the basics? Why do they have to torture them? What good do they get out of making other human beings miserable? What good do they get out of destroying lives, and families?
Do they really need to torture? Do they really need to deprive people they hate of their basic needs? Is there really a need to do all of that, or is it a criminal mentality and a sickness?
JAM
Check out:
www.souriaty.blogspot.com
THIS BLOG GIVES THE CAMPAIGN FOR SYRIA AND GOES UNDER THE SURFACE WHAT EXACTLY IS REALLY GOING ON!
CONSTRUCTIVE CRITICISM PLEASE
PLEASE LEAVE YOUR COMMENTS THERE SO I CAN SEE THEM UP FRONT.
SAY WHATEVER YOU WANT TO SAY BUT BEAR IN MIND THAT EVERYONE IS ENTITLED TO THEIR OWN OPINION.
THANK YOU!
P.S. If anyone wishes to criticize my advertisement, I hope you will stop cursing, since this really does give the Arabs a bad name for anyone wishing to read our opinions. By the way, I hope you will learn to start respecting other people's opinions.
How can any one keep their cool when garbage such as this one above continues to pollute this site and any subject in it with his copy/pasted advertisement for his fucking blog?
Are all Pro Regime Syrians such retarded?
I do not know yhat they are all syrians,syrians are better raised.
Bleaze Bleaze. do nut insalt Syrians. I sink you djast hate za regime. insatead of sanking him you attrak him? I sink Bresident Assaa'd is the jreatest bresident in the hole warld.
I ajree with you. Ze Syrian Bresident is absolutely ze Pest!
Lebanon arrest 3 culprits of Harriri murder case. They are singing and the songs have many high level Syrian officials in them. Can not disclose much but Assad was clearely responsible. Doubtful he did not know about it. clandestine telephone conversations proove that facts.
May become public soon.
HeHeHeHe, YZ Pest DO KILLZ HEDZ OF ZTATES. GRACIAS AMIGO FOR ESTE INFORMACIONEZ.
What goes on every day here? The Blog gets locked for some reason! Are the Nukhabarat (Syrian Secret (not so secret)) services at work?
The first Scientific benefit of Islam's Suicide Bombings!
Danish scientists have developped human genes that will penetrate the Cancerous cells and commit suicde killing themselves and the cancer with it.
And they say Islam has not given humanity its share of progress and ideas!
----------
Note: It is not sure if the said genes are promised any virgins or boys in the after life!
Getting ready to send U.S. Media outlets including CBS News “Talking Points”. Inviting everyone that is having common sense and love Syria free from Baathists to email or post the comments needed to present to the U.S. Medias including any question or rebuttal arguments.
Let’s stop now having this ideal posting and focus all posted comments regarding the massive Media Blitz that SSPRS will be flooding to educate news desks and columnist about our side of the story. We must show the world the true evil nature of Assad and how he is directly responsible for most of the terrorism carried out Against Americans, Israeli and Lebanese, not to forget Jordan.
I am taking counts of who will be joining in on this media campaign and all materials must be ready no later than this Sunday.
Don’t worry about English, we will correct all and make it perfect. Important is the questions and Ideas, anticipating just about anything. But most importantly is to show a true image of the evilness of Assad and his regime.
Who is going to contribute?
You can also contact me at ccc@ssprs.com or web-media@ssprs.com or media@ssprs.com
Don’t sit and let this scum come on our free land and try to look like he is such a loving, caring, loved leader. Now is the time to educate all U.S. Media.
SSPRS is seeking front man /s to appear on Television, make radio interviews and respond to written material submitted by the Media. We are looking for 1-3 persons that will communicate in Arabic, English and French.
The front man is a volunteer who will be paid the expenses of any travel if it is required. He / she not to represent the SSPRS, himself or act as spokesperson on behalf of SSPRS, himself or anyone else.
Although Media strategies and policy will be that of SSPRS. He/she is the face of Syria’s Oppositions and represent in his interview all the Syrian oppositions groups movement and can present a unified face of serious opposition to the Brutal, corrupt and evil Baathist regime in Damascus that has proved itself much worse than the Baghdad one. Must have knowledge of Syrian oppositions persons and groups.
Preferably with Lebanese issue too. But it could be separate persons.
Debunking the Baathist and oblationg various concepts they put in Western minds. Adding new scary concepts into Western minds is the key goal.
Must be aggressive and familiar with locality: For example, you are not afraid of touting the honor of Moslems on Al Jezirra, Letting the French know that they are not as competent as the American and telling America that without removing Assad, Baghdad is basically will end Saigon Style.
There are JAM a good qualified person for this, but he may not have the time. I admit that having an Alawites for spokesman is Great idea. But a Christian will just as well debunk the cliché the Bathist are pushing on Western Media.
If you interested you can email me at media@ssprs.com or web-media@ssprs.com or ccc@ssprs.com
knock knock!!
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Josh,
How about automatically deleting all posts containing the F-word? I am not for censorship, but this is getting really annoying...
to: Anon At 8/30/2005 6:01 PM
Thank you.
As a Muslim female, I am very disappointed to see these remarks. Every time I try not to llok atthese words, I find myself looking at them and reading them unconsciously, and I get hot inspite of me. Please do something so I may concentrate on what the posetrs are saying, and not on sex.
Thank you Josh.
What If Syria Is Guilty?
BEIRUT -- Late last week, Detlev Mehlis, the German prosecutor investigating the assassination of former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Hariri on behalf of the UN Security Council, released a preliminary report on his inquiry, scheduled to be completed by mid-September. The Western media have given relatively little attention to the investigation; however, if Syria is found guilty, as many observers are beginning to foresee, this could lead to the destabilization of Syria's regime, if not to its actual downfall.
The preliminary report did not address the substance of what Mehlis and his team had found, though it did offer details allowing for some educated guesses. For example, the prosecutor, while admitting that further interviews of witnesses might extend the three-month deadline of his report (renewable for one additional three-month period), nevertheless mentioned that he expected his work to be completed on time. This may indicate, as sources close to the Hariri camp have maintained, that Mehlis has already completed the bulk of his inquiry, implying he has found a guilty party or parties. Nor have there been signs of faltering, since Mehlis underlined that the second month of the investigation had been a good one, with the team receiving particularly useful information.
Mehlis also highlighted the fact that Syria had refused to cooperate with the investigative team, which had asked to speak to five Syrians - four intelligence officials who had held posts in Lebanon, and, the London-based daily Al-Hayat alleged last week, President Bashar Assad himself. Initially, the Syrians, citing constitutional clauses, had refused to allow oral interrogations, and asked Mehlis to submit his questions via the Syrian Foreign Ministry, so they could be answered in writing. When the UN rejected this, and after warnings were directed at Syria last week, even from friendly countries such as Russia, Assad backtracked, telling the German newsmagazine Der Spiegel, in an interview published on Monday, that he would allow Mehlis to speak to Syrian officials after all.
If Assad is the "fifth man", then this would be particularly revealing. A previous UN report on the assassination, authored by the Irish deputy police commissioner, Peter Fitzgerald, specifically mentioned that the Syrian president had threatened Hariri in a meeting they held last August, when Syria effectively bullied the prime minister into endorsing an unconstitutional extension of Lebanese President Emile Lahoud's mandate. By raising this incident with Assad (and it is difficult to see how it would not come up in an interview), Mehlis would show he is not to be intimidated by wherever his investigation might lead.
While one must await the final report, the latest rumors in Beirut suggest that senior Syrian officials, including members of the Assad family, will be implicated in Hariri's death. Maybe, maybe not; however the accusation has received an echo from reliable sources, as well as from press reports, noting that Assad all but admitted to Syrian involvement (while exonerating himself personally) in a meeting he held last March in Riyadh with then-Crown Prince Abdullah, now king of Saudi Arabia.
What many Lebanese fear is that Mehlis might also implicate Hizbullah. There is nothing implying the party played a role in the Hariri assassination (though press reports mentioned that the UN team had asked for detailed maps of areas around the Palestinian camps in Beirut's southern suburbs, where Hizbullah holds sway). Some analysts hint the finger pointing may be manipulation, perhaps by the fearful Lahoud camp, to derail full disclosure in the inquiry, since involvement of the Shiite Hizbullah in the death of a Sunni politician raises the prospect of communal conflict. But few are especially sanguine. Last March, a senior Lebanese politician told me, "I do not discount Hizbullah's involvement in the assassination," though he offered no evidence.
Yet another rumor difficult to corroborate, published without attribution in internet and press reports, is that a Syrian intelligence officer who sought political asylum in France has been providing detailed information on the assassination to French intelligence, including names. One Arabic internet site, Elaph.com, identified him as Maj. Zuheir S. (his full last name was unspecified). Reference in the article to the intelligence service to which he belonged was unclear, but he apparently headed the office of the former Military Intelligence chief, Gen. Hassan Khalil. Again, however, the story should be treated with caution until Mehlis publishes his findings.
Amid all the rumors, one conclusion seems increasingly likely: Lebanese officials will be blamed for at least trying to cover up the crime. In an interview with France's Le Figaro in July, Mehlis described the head of the Presidential Guard, Mustapha Hamdan, as "a suspect." Few believe that Hamdan - in reality Lahoud, his superior and patron - was responsible for ordering the assassination. However, there have been numerous indications that the presidential palace sought to cover up the blast site soon after Hariri's murder. The Fitzgerald report specifically mentioned that evidence had been tampered with, concluding: "[T]he manner in which this element of the investigation was carried out displays, at least gross negligence, possibly accompanied by criminal actions..."
According to UN Security Council Resolution 1595, which established the Mehlis commission, it is Lebanon's judiciary that must prosecute those deemed responsible. In his preliminary report, however, the German investigator wrote that many witnesses were afraid of having their testimony handed over to the Lebanese authorities. It is ever more obvious that Lebanon's courts, given the country's political divisions and weaknesses, do not have the means to bring anyone to justice; nor its security agencies the wherewithal to protect witnesses, particularly if Syrian involvement is confirmed. This has led to growing speculation, buttressed by statements from Lebanon's prime minister, Fouad al-Siniora, that a special international tribunal might become necessary to act against the guilty. This would deeply alarm the Syrian regime (again, if Mehlis does find a Syrian connection), as it means Syria would become even more of an international pariah than it already is. That Assad could politically survive such pressure is doubtful.
In the coming weeks, we will know whether the Mehlis inquiry produces the "earthquake" that many have predicted it will. For the moment, the Lebanese are holding their breath fearing the Syrian backlash, but also hoping that Hizbullah is innocent, so that Sunni-Shiite tension can be averted. Everyone is anxiously aware that the truth may be painful.
By Michael Young
Daily Star, Lebanon
Stubid! Stubid!
Our Bresident Pashar has nocing to do with Hariri death. He is not stubid. If he had anycing to do with zis, he would not hadve impriisoned more syrians recently, and he would have tried to not more enemies in syria. So, your rebort above is a lie. Syrian Bresident is very smart in this hole affair.
Aphrodite, were you the same Aphrodite posting at Karfan's blog?
According to Future TV’s al-Tahkeek Min Ajel Lubnan (Investigation for Lebanon):
Former general security chief Jamil al-Sayed, ex-military intelligence boss Raymond Azar and former internal security head Ali al-Hajj and presidential guard commander Mustafa Hamdan held meetings prior to the assassination to plan and coordinate the blast that killed Hariri. Together they picked the site of the crime.
Former MP Nassir Qandil also reportedly had sent a memo to the Syrian leadership recommending “liquidating” Hariri on grounds he could "win the elections."
Mehlis, the head of the UN team, finished the interrogation of the five suspects. The file is now in the hands of the Lebanese judiciary. The German prosecutor recommended they be charged and arrested for planning and executing the murder of prime minister Rafik Hariri and 20 others.
Syrian officials, meanwhile, continue to refuse face-to-face to interviews. The UN security council is meeting tonight to discuss the issue.
If the Assad family owned a Shawerma stand….
The Makhlufs (Assad’s maternal cousins and uncles) would corner the shawerma market. With the grand title of ‘Shwaerma lal Sha’ab’ (Shawerma for the masses) Bashar Assad would announce steps to promote ‘free trade’ in the shawerma market (gradually, of course). Ghazi Kanaan would promulgate state ‘laws’ outlawing the falafel brotherhood. Accordingly all falafels would be shot on sight. Tahini would become a state subsidy. All qualified shawerma makers would be forced to immigrate to Europe. Bashar would declare the creation of the Office of the Minister of Syrian Shawerma expatriates as the quality of shawerma declines. Skyrocketing shawerma prices lead Bashar to declare the creation of ‘shawerma free trade zones’ where shawermas are sold at the quality and price level of pre-Assad family takeover. Qordaha and Latakia become the national capitol of shawerma. Following the collapse of the national shawerma economy, Assad pleads with World Bank for bailout of the shawerma industry. Falafel brotherhood goes underground; membership quickly grows. All Falafel websites are banned. State mouthpiece Al-Baath runs month long investigatory piece on the health benefits of shawerma and how falafel ingestion causes cancer and infertility. Asma Assad (Bashar’s wife) leads panel on animal rights and vegetarianism….in Paris. In a show of Arab solidarity, Bashar announces that he is donating 100 tons of shawerma meat to the Palestinians… the meat goes bad in transport. Assad family concern grows over allegations that Majid Assad (Bashar’s younger playboy brother)is running shawerma ‘sex’ shops. A special State Directorate for Shawerma Affairs is created to investigate suspicion that newly opened McDonalds do not use falafel as their meat. And finally, Assad family begins importing (higher quality) shawerma from Lebanon for their exclusive personal consumption.
http://reformsyria.blogspot.com/
JAM and Innocent_Criminal, I disagree with you on some issues like panarabism, but you look sane persons to me.
You guys are all a bunch of worthless monkeys who have nothing better to do.....does anyone have the answer to this simple question....."what will be the different scenarios or options that the UN will or could exercise now that we know that Syria had a hand in the killing of Harriri"
Does anyone have the answer to that? And please only constructive comments none of your shawerma, bullshit answers.
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anon, you mean that you did not know who was behind the attack :)
We're entering into a no-visibility area. If Mehlis accuses Assad himself it will be very grave. For its own credibility, the international community cannot accept an acknowledged murderer and terrorist at the head of a state. Maybe they'll escape the hard decision by sparing Assad.
Although we know that pro-Syrian lackeys would have never eliminated Hariri on their own initiative, the decision to accuse Assad or not will be subjected to practical elements. If he is accused, I am really afraid of the turmoil that will affect Lebanon and Syria.
We still know nothing about a potential Hezbollah involvement that the party vigorously denies although no one has accused them of anything yet. According to the press, Moukhabarat defectors are saying that the killings were carried by an Islamist organization manipulated by Syria. Maybe it's related to Hezbollah since they have ties to such organization, especially Palestinian organizations (remember that ahmad abu adas who claimed to be the kamikaze was Palestinian). How to handle the Hezbollah will be even more problematic in this case. The Shia community cannot be excluded but Hariri cannot have his father's assassins in his government. Great problems for everybody in this case. I think we should bury the truth and think realpolitik here.
In the end it's a political decision, but Syria does not seem to have any ally on the security council on this issue.
The sad thing is there are still
some foreign reporters who are willing to publish garbage interveiws like this one.
I have posted an advise to America on my blog http://syrianyankee.blogspot.com
feel free to add your commments
Vox,
Your anti-Hizballah views should not drive you to believe everything you hear. It's against Hizballah interest to assassinate a moderate such as Hariri. It’s astonishing how many people in Lebanon and beyond are permitting their wishful-thinking to drive their political views on issues that are dramatic and thespian as what we have in the Mehlis report. We should not underestimate the external forces on the report and more importantly the disinformation going around up-to the actual release of the report. All parties, especially externals are utilizing this opportunity to inflict more damage on Syria and Hizballah whether the report will point the finger on them or not. The goal is generate a mass feeling of animosity and that’s it. I am afraid the “Haqiqa” will take a back seat to the strategic interests of the powerful.
And let’s not forget an essential characteristic of the Arab psyche. Our minds wont be changed even if logic or the truth hits us straight in the head. It’s unlikely for the anti-Syrian camp to clear Syria of the crime even if the report will emerge with 100% acquittal of any Syrian role. And I highly doubt that the Syrians will accept the report if the opposite is to occur. Even if a video comes out showing Rustom Ghazali placing the bomb himself Syrians would say it was computer generated. Simply put, the Arab public believes what they want to believe and nothing can change their mind. And this fact is very well known to others and they are playing that card to the utmost benefit.
8/31/2005 3:13 AM
You know middle easterns past, you know the fate of Saddam. He was much more smart than the syrian President ever will be, so why should he not fall into a trap. And you will see, not one soldier will give his life for him.
Just wait a while, the days are numbered. Middle East will get a new face in the interest of Israel. Only that is logical. Syrian people can only get better times. Let us hope, that will not seek bloody revenge.
Do you really believe, that the west has no plan? They, USA-UK-France-Israel, put their decision longest. They have the best thinker, the best secret services. Syrian government will fall very soon, all signs indicate that.
For what do you think the west created the international tribunal in Hague?
By the way, God is merciful and dealing justly. Any nightmares?
Aphrodite believing in God
My post doesnt mean, that it is fair what I guess that will happen. But the history shows its logic.
As JAM told already, never in the past a dictator changed into a liberal and democratic leader. Never. Sorry.
Aphrodite
I cannot accept, that the interview is garbage. Why? The newspaper "Der Spiegel" is known for its stand. What about first steps of "removal"? Spiegel-readers are not blind.
Aphrodite
To Innocent Criminal
Nobody cares about the psyche of people in Syria. Not their own government.People will be happy, I am sure. They deserve a better future, a better life, most of them suffered alot, even the Allawis.
Aphrodite
Here is the latest:
The Syrian gang protecting its leader Bashar has been worried that the US accepted to give him a visa that easily. The example before them is Mauritania where its leader was ousted while he was away attending teh funeral of the martyre, king Fahed of Saudi Arabia who died unexpectdly after being in coma for ten years, this gang has nearly decided not to send Bashar to New York. The same goes for the great Lebanese President, Lahoud.
So, this thread will be scrapped.
Sincerely yours,
JAM (The insider man).
Yes, if there is a direct acusation of his involvement with Hariri death while he is in New York, Bashar Assad will be legally detained by the US.
So, he is feeling the trap now.
To the creep known as jam. If you cannot respect the author of this blog, then at least respect the author people who are reading his articles.
There is no need for your vile language when addressing Josh, whether you agree or disagree with what he's saying.
Re: the creep known Ibrahim.
Mind your own business. Use better language next time.
LOL! Child's alert!
The "Creep"? Ibrahim?
What has bothered you? Where did I insult you before you son of a bitch?
You must be a retarded Lebanese like so many I have heard of!
What has bothered you you, using that kind of a language you have used?
Jam
Fuck you JAM. I hated you day 1.
hehehe, jam seems to have too much time on his hands.... so one time he posts as jam, the other as anonymous and then as in my signature name :)
buddy, as long as you are having fun in your schizo blogs, please feel free to go ahead and do not forget to insult left and right, as if I care...
actually, this is even too much of a reply to you ;)
Vox said: "JAM and Innocent_Criminal, I disagree with you on some issues like panarabism, but you look sane persons to me."
Vox: what Panarabism you have implicated me with?
Ibrahim?
Buddy, beat it. Instead of insulting me, point to me what bothered you. Where did I insult Josh or any one else?
Beat it. I am not responding to you any more.
JAM
Ibrahim?
Buddy, beat it. Instead of insulting me, point to me what bothered you. Where did I insult Josh or any one else?
Beat it. I am not responding to you any more.
JAM
"It's against Hizballah interest to assassinate a moderate such as Hariri. "
1) I said that they mab be implicated, not that they are implicated
2) It was against Syria's interest too to kill Hariri, that doesn't mean a thing.
As usual, Arabs, especially Lebanese think a Westerner is so much superior to them. Never mind that Ibrahim unprevoqued called me creep, and did not get bothered by insults he used and people used against him, for he is bothered that I said "this thread will be scrapped" finding it a "vile language" against Josh. What an idiot!
Actually, since I was respondiong to some one speaking about Assad coming to New York, I presumed that this thread was the same as the one speaking about his visit to New York, and so I said this will be scrapped. Where is the "vile" language?
Anyway, I think the feeling of inferiority toward Westerners is imbeded in the Lebanese or other Arab psych. If I want to use a "vile" language, it is my business whether I use it with Josh or you or any one else, but what seems to bother you is that I am effective, and then comes your inferiority feeling to want to protect Josh instead of yourself.
If you are objective, you would say what bothered you, not just come with the word "creep" without any prior provocation to you or to him.
So, keep your Lebaense sense of inferiority out of here. Please!
JAM
Some onse said: " It was against Syria's interest too to kill Hariri, that doesn't mean a thing".
The fact is that is logical does not preclude that teh Syrian regime is logical.
The Syrian regime has assassinated hundreds of people in Lebanon, Syrians, and Lebanese since 1970 (not only 1976), including Mohamad Omran, Bashir Jemiel, and Kamal Junblat", and of course many that one finds it hard to list. Having killed that many, and attempted to kill Hamadeh just weeks before Harriri's assassination without any penalty any one asked the regime to pay before, the regime did not calculate that any thing would come from assassinating "one more". So,, it is logical to conclude that the Syrian Regime did not calculate the 'logical' outcome of assassinating a Lebanese. It should have been as easy as all of the other assassinations.
I am not saying the Regime did assassinate Harriri, for I personally believe that Harriri was sacrificed by his own allies for a bigger goal in the ME they want to achieve. I don't believe that his being his dearest friend (billionaires together) would have spared his life, for in politics or in organized crimes, every thing is disposable of, including the highest ranking people.
However, I will not shed a tear over what happens to this regime as a result of this assassination, whether it is responsible or not. This regime is retarded, and stupid. If it calculated things correctly after the assassination, and did not get arrogant again believing in its power, it would have accomodated all of the Syrian people in one front instead of jailing more people as it did. Now, we all want to see this regime humiliated to the maximum. This would have been different had it acted differently with its own people.
JAM
I thought you're gonna stop your replies? Stop contradicting yourself, creep.
News coming from Syria say that Ghazi Kanaan has bene jailed.
http://www.elaph.com/ElaphWeb/Politics/2005/8/87278.htm
زنزانات إفرادية كثيرة في بيروت تنتظر نزلاء
ضباط في دمشق يتدربون على الإجابات أمام ميليس
JAM
I wouldn't give much credit to those arrests.
As long as people like Lahoud, Jumblat, Berri and Hezbollah are in power, only scape goats will be caught.
Unfortunately, you are may be right.
However, I really can not guess what the whole plan is. It is possible that these people are just the pawn to sacrifice, but the thing is that I am not sure yet whether there is a decision to take off the Syrian regime or not. It is possible that the regime is intended to survive after making some changes. I really do not see why they want to change this regime that has been serving them so well for 35 years! Not even Israel could have destoryed Syria and Lebanon this regime has been able to do. Perhaps, destruction must mean "à la Iraq way". I hope not.
http://www.elaph.com/ElaphWeb/Politics/2005/8/87252.htm
People are more scared every time this regime speaks of "modernization" or "reform". More human rights abuses take place when they hear such terms that they have associated Reform with more abuses.
JAM
Hi. this is interesting. some one told me that there are educated bloggers here, so I wanted to join you, and participate in spreading rumours like you do.
See you later.
Bashar Assad was prevented today from committing suicide. According to the news coming from Syria, Bashar Assad attempted to drink 1 liter of kerosine to commit suicide, but his wife spotted him, and called her servants who overcame him and took away the kerosine from his hands. He is feeling depressed these days, and wonder what Milis has in mind toward him.
I would suggest to him to enroll in Bin Laden's brigades and commit suicide the honourable way, killing 600 Iraqis in the process as the muslim mujahedeen are doing now in iraq. He is allwoed to do so since his father declared his Islam in 1970. I presume he is muslim as well.
Just when I arrived at the site, the owner of this site declares that he is closing the comment section "to promote" his opinions about the regime in Syria.
Congratulations to him. He will succeed in copying artilces from other places on the net into his blog, and that will in no way promote his point of view. The Syrian people will promote their views inspite of hired foreigners to do so against their will who are supporting a regime that smells blood all over.
Frankly, prof josh, I did not see any one of those contributors of yours post anything specifically for you. You have copied their articles from other sites or newspapers.
I am disappointed in what you have done, but this will kill your blog that some of us thought it would have beenn a good outlet for a free expression of ideas and thoughts.
Your copied articles are available in other places too, so your blog will be useless.
Have a great time!
what free expression are you talking about? for the last 2 months its been swamped by spammers. the comment section has turned into a sewer and i am not surprised at all at the decision even if i disagree with it. thanks guys
innocent-criminal:
I have read most of what you and your friends wrote on this comment section, and I can testify that it is your side, the pro-regime side, and some Lebanese that have used fool langauge, precisely to kill the comment section. I do not find it incredibly impossible that the regime's mukhabarat was behind these insults and fooll language.
My utmost wishes and admiration for JAM, Aphrodites, the Syrian Republican Party members (Metaz, etc..), Vox, and may be others for their valuable input and posts.
The Assad regime used this comment section to push a nasty brainwashing propaganda on American educators. We started presenting a different point of view and debunked the lies, they retaliated by hiring stooges to insult and intimidate Nationalist Syrians who expressed their opinion freely. Those paid regime elements found out after so many trial that the Baathist master advise of bullying, defaming and scaring opponents of the regime are no longer working. No one afraid of them or intimidated by their language. They found out that the opposition is much nastier than the Baathist and meaner but truthful and honest, so gave up and ordered Josh the closing of the comment section.
Now, after closing, we go back to the same garbage in garbage out the regime wants to promote using stooges like Josh and Tarek and other individuals that are void of any sense of humanity, righteousness or care about the suffering of the people of Syria.
If you think that this is the end of the heat, you are mistaken. You have not seen nothing yet. Let me tell you Baathists and supporters of them, in 6 months you will be lucky if anyone in heaven or on this planet including the Iranians, Hizbullah, or the Palestinians will touch you with a 1000 yard long pole.
President Assad, you got my request after request for simple thing just as returning my ceased land and compensation for 43 years of income loss. Having your brother in law Assef Shawkat calling my mother to settle this dispute is just proof that you are really not interested in resolving it. If you want to resolve it in a fair way ( such as order your corrupt court to enforce the judgments issued in our favor) Don’t have Shawkat calling my 72 years old senile mother. Have one of your Ambassadors contact me. You have my contact information, ask the Iranian they have it too.
The regime in Syria can sink it’s head in the sand and pretend that everything is so rosy like the American PR. Firms and all those high paid foreign team of experts tell them. Understand please. It is not rosy and nothing is going to get better, unless you change.
It will be a continual slide to end just like Saddam’s BY SDESIGN.
Personally, and the people of Syria have extended an olive branch for you for 5 years. All we got is shit from you and your regime. Here again we ask you to have some reasonable rule with reasonable law and a reasonable government system and finally a reasonable economic system. If anyone will benefit from this, It will be you and Syria first.
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What do we have here?
We have Josh insulting posters he did not want to see posting in his blog, mainly the posters who present different views from his, or from those who are not of the Assad's regime employees who agree with what he presents. He is closing the comment section so only his views which he copies from people the regime likes into this blog can be shown to the readers. Any claim of neutrality or of objectivity he may have gained by the existence of the few of us who have shown the world what a false propagnada Josh or his friends have presnted them about Syria, and about the regime being the only alternative to any sane non Islamic power replacing it will be easily now looked at a lie and untrue (my opinion). The Syrians who are against the regime are not against it because they belong to Muslim Brotherhoods or because they are sectarians against Alawis and Christians as he wanted to show, but some of them are Alawis themselves who are against this regime, and most people opposing this regime are much more secularists than the claim of the regime about itself about itself.
I understand the frustration Josh felt when facing replies such as mine which he can never show that they are not the truth about Syria, so he accepts the fool language that his side (the Syrian regime's side) used against me and others as the reason to close the comment section and allow himself and his cronies to present one side of the reality in Syria, therefore, fooling again those who trusted his site as "objective, or Neutral".
Mr. Josh: you have insulted the good posters without a reason. There was no one who took more insults than my self from your people, and my response was always mostly with good manners. Even RPS questioned at one time how I was able to keep cool and calm faced with the fool language your side has used.
Leave Syria's affairs to Syrians. We do not appreciate your propaganda and advices to a criminal regime to survive 5 more years as you put it.
Some one with the minmum degree of human feelings would have dedicated his blog and the position he has found himself in (willingly or not) to the human rights issue to defend all of those great human beings in Syrian jails who suffer every minute of their lives being tirtured with their families and friends.
Shame on you that you opted to defend a bloody regime instead of standing for human rights.
Joseph ALi Mohammed
August 31, 2005
DEBKAfile Reports: Syrian president Assad cancels UN trip for fear of arrest. Panicked Lebanese leaders flee as Syrian agents and Hizballah distribute weapons to Muslims.
August 31, 2005, 11:27 AM (GMT+02:00)
A second wave of arrests of Lebanese security officials was made overnight Tuesday Aug. 30 on the orders of the UN team investigating the Hariri assassination headed by German prosecutor Detlev Mehlis. French sources report these officials had access to the weapons the former Lebanese prime minister’s assassins used after they blew up his motorcade last February.
DEBKAfile’s intelligence sources report the Assad regime is in a panic as the UN team’s findings on the murder case come closer to Damascus. In Beirut, the specter of civil war hovers as Syrian agents and Hizballah officers are seen handing out weapons to Muslims – the first sign that Assad has decided to react to the threat closing in on him by igniting fresh civil bloodshed.
Warnings from French intelligence to were conveyed to Lebanese leaders in the last 24 hours to get out of Beirut and take temporary refuge in Paris. “Big events are in the making,” they said. Most Lebanese cabinet ministers, bankers, public figures and newspaper editors accepted the offer. They and Saad Hariri, leader of the ruling party with his family, fled to the French capital.
The sense in Washington and Paris is that both governments are resolved to bring the Assad regime to an end.
Our sources add that the Mehlis probe achieved its second breakthrough when a number of defectors from Syrian and Lebanese security and intelligence services from the time Damascus dominated the country also reached Paris this week. They handed French intelligence incriminating materials and testimony on the part played by the Syrian president and Lebanese president Emil Lahoud in the Hariri murder. A high-ranking French intelligence official told DEBKAfile Wednesday that this evidence and the defectors’ willingness to testify against both presidents provides grounds for international arrest warrants against them.
Also Wednesday, US secretary of state Condoleezza Rice interrupted her vacation for a conference with Terje Larsen, the UN secretary’s Middle East envoy who updated her on the latest turn in the Hariri inquiry. The European Union’s external affairs executive Javier Solana, currently visiting Israel was on the point of traveling to Beirut but changed his mind.
Syrian Republican Party SSPRS
New unofficial blog is set up
today. A place to vent your
anger, go ahead.
http://ssprs.blogspot.com/
congratulations to the "dendeshe-JAM" maniac ally, you managed to close the comment section, lak fuck you both
Here we see the evidence, posted just above this post!
There is an Arabic famous saying that says " ضربني وبكى، سبقني وإشتكى".
am not sure how to translate this, but it basically means "he hit me and then cried, and went to complain".
It is evident that the closing of this section is the only way the Regime's side can silence the opponents, for you(it, they) have tried to use fool language, insults, etc...to chasse away those opponents, and when that was not successful, they let Josh use their dirty tactic as the cause to close the comment section. If Josh had any eyes, he would see who are the people who copme here to insult and use bad language, but he went ahead to insult the all posters, very politely, I must add.
Have a life!
" أشارت إلى أن مصادر أمريكية أوضحت أن العقوبات على الرئيس السوري ستتضمن عقوبات اقتصادية على ممتلكاته وتحديد تنقلاته الخارجية، وإمكانية القبض عليه في خارج سوريا!
وحسب المصادر الأمريكية فإن أي عقوبات سيتم التصديق عليها خلال أيام على الرئيس السوري ستكون باتفاق تام وكامل مع الجانب الفرنسي.
كما أشارت إلى أن العقوبات ستكون تدريجية تهدف في نهاية المطاف للإطاحة بحكم بشار."
I wonder if any good friend of this regime will be qable to prevent the above from happening to their friend Bashar. Is it time to ask him where he and his uncles and brothers and so on got their wealth from? Are they ready to give up their wealth to the International Bankers who, from the start knew that this money will come back to them!!?
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I was reading about the Milis thing, and could not help it but wonder what happend to sovreignty of independent nations and what this German guy is doing and acting in Lebanon or Syria as if he is the legitimate ruler of these countries! how did we arrive at this point?
For 13 years, Saddam Hussein also transfered the sovreignty of Iraq to the US and Britain, and he stayed in power without any shame, celebrating his birthdays with the most extravagant expenses and built the most expensive palacaes. Meanwhile, the Iraqi sky, and Noerthern Iraq were occupied by foreign forces. Yet, he continued to imprison his people, and deprive them of their freedom, putting his statues and pictures all over what he had control of in Iraq. The UN became however the true power that governs Iraq and through the UN, it is of course, the US and Britain.
Now, this is being repeated in Syria and Lebanon. These regimes have brought these conditions to the peoples of these two countries that no one feels any loss of dignity because of it. It has become a normal thing that a person such this man called Milis (I am not attacking him personally for he could be any one else) can behave as if he were above the rules in a foreign independent country, and can order to jail such and such men. This should be unacceptable, but these governments who had sold their countries long ago to foreigners do not even try to prevent this for they know that those who have kept them in power are the same ones who are taking the sovreignty of their nations today. They know they are illigitimate governments, and therefore they can not resist along with the power of their people any of these intrusions in the independent affairs of their nations. Why does Lebanon have to let a foreign body investigate a murder on its soil? Should the world have asked the UN to intrude in the investigation of the murder of the greatest president to date, John Kennedy?
Saddam Hussein, Bashar assad, or Lahoud do not have the self respect to go to their people and form a united front to confront the crushing of their sovreignty by the foreigners through the so called UN. They perefer to feel machos on their own people alone, and rabbits when facing foreigners. Syria had shown the French before how it can face a superior power, and the Syrian people did fight the French with united hearts, Alawis, Sunnis, Christians, Druz, etc... No UN should be imposing its rules on Syria or Lebanon, but the regime has sold us out, and I hope it will be the one that will pay the first price of the cowardice actions it has taken so far!
God bless the freedom of mankind!
JAM
As it is a human rights issue, here is something from REform Partuy Of Syria that I bring in here. Please do not associate me with the Ghadri group, however, I welcome his efforts to free those great Syrians. It is time for all of the good people in the world to exercise their humanity.
JAM
__________________________
RPS Meets with the National Security Council
Washington DC, August 31, 2005/RPS/ -- Farid Ghadry, President of the Reform Party of Syria, met with the Director of Policy Mr. Michael Doran at NSC yesterday. The meeting took place about two weeks before Baschar al-Assad arrives New York for the UN World Summit and the day most of the pro-Syrian Lebanese ex-intelligence officers were detained for questioning in Lebanon.
The discussions centered around the Human Rights situation in Syria and specifically the release of Riad Seif from prison as well as all the other prisoners of conscience languishing in Syrian jails under abhorring and inhumane conditions. It also discussed the importance of pressuring the Assad regime to allow the Atassi Forum, a pro-democracy group, to conduct business free from intimidation and harassment.
RPS also discussed the anticipated Syrian National Conference to take place soon in Europe that would unite all the opposition political parties and figures. The Syrian Democratic Coalition, made of nine political parties and organizations, also intend to develop a Transitional Parliament (in exile) that would be instrumental in transitioning Syria peacefully from a dictatorship to a democracy after the fall of the regime. Syrians will rely on this body to help move away from a Bremer-type situation as well to conduct business in accordance with Syrian customs. The purpose is to cushion for the fall of Assad by uniting all the influential organizations be it political. economic, or social to avoid the mistakes taking place in Iraq today.
Additionally, RPS is working on a 200-page project to be provided to the Europeans and the American administration on the "After Assad" era that would encompass support for a peaceful transition. Syria is a special country with its culture and customs. Any effort not to take into account that culture will be met with failure if planning is not done today.
Copyrights © 2003-2005 - Reform Party of Syria (RPS) except where otherwise noted - all rights reserved.
---------
Excellent comment JAM what is your blog address. Publish this comments in there please.
Metaz K.M. Aldendeshe
Good idea, Metaz. Thank you.
I posted it there: http://joseph-ali-mohammed.blogspot.com/
However, I really wouldn't have the time to continue with my blog. I created the blog upon registration. I, in fact had no idea that I would be staying until now on Joshua's blog.
Best regards.
JAM
Zouzou, when will you able to hold your President accountable for your acts?
Mehlis is a choir boy next to Bashoura.
Lebanon-divided/screwedup/:
I never called him president. I do not recognize his authority.
Capiche?
Lebanon-divided:
What are you trying to say? You make really no sense!
Thanks
And criticizing Mehlis makes a sense?
He would feed you democracy with a spoon.
I see!
I think you misunderstood the whole deeper objective of such a criticism. Melis is not being criticised any way! It is in a much deeper sense that my post aimed at.
Let me tell you that I look forward to the day where the whole world feels as one, and there will be no Syria or France, or any country, and we will all be one. This will not happen soon, and as long as this is not happening, I don't see why Syria, Lebanon and Iraq are the only exceptions in the world to the general rules. That is to submit to the UN when Israel for example refused even though the whoel world in the UN voted for, to allow a team to visit Ramallah and report on the "massacre" that presumably happened there. Imagine , Israel refused and won, and refused what? It refused to allow a team to visit, nothing more than that, yet the UN resolutions are to be imposed in these little countries. That obviously means there is no respect for their sovreignty what so ever. No respect to Lebanese, to Syrians, or to Iraqis, and that is what the governments of these countries have done to their people: No respect to them what so ever. They are treated as the pariahs in our world, and my message to is to show that point. It was these governments that have put us in such a disrespectful position. Will any other countrty in the world allow for a foreign team to investigate a murder inside it?
Now, of course, I am not complaning about this team that is investigating the assassination of Hariri, for I am happy that finally murder and assassinations that the Syrian Assadist Regime has enjoyed doing since 1970 will be stopped. It is great that finally the regime's crimes are being exposed and the regime will think twice from now on on assassinating some one else, but that does not mean that I am happy as to where this regime brought my people and my country to. It is that only Suria, Lebanon, and Iraq that are submitting to International judgement, a UN rule that no other country seems to permit. It is the priniciple of it, and how Syria, Iraq and Lebanon lost their sovreignties by the foolish and arrogant behaviour of the selfish class of people who ruled and ruined the 3 countries/
I am showing the Syrian regime that it is illegitimate, by proving it. A legitimate regime will not bow to unfair UN resolution that interfers in the country's internal affairs, but because the Syrian regime was "illegally" occuping Lebanon for example, though it maintained before that it was a brotherly occupation, etc.., and because the regime knows its complicit involvement in previous assassinations in Lebanon, it obviously felt the heat and the danger of not bowing to the world's UN. It can not do otherwise becauise the regime knows that it is an illegitimate regime, and all this regime wants is to be spared the fall down. Nothing else mnatters to it. It wants to survive, exactly as Saddam wanted for 13 years. Nothing mattered to Sadda, not the sanctions against his people, not the fly zones, not the Kurds independence, nothing but his own survival, and he bowed to all the presssures from outside while imprisonned his people and massacred them, exactly as the Assad regime does.
Thank you for your remarks.
JAM
It was Jenine, not Ramalah/
Abouzzouz,
I find it particularly unpleasant to question the authority of the UN at this particular moment, when Mehlis is making his move for some justice in Lebanon.
Israel is a tyrant, we all know that. Israel does not comply with UN resolutions, Israel killed and deported thousands of Palestinians, Israel destroyed many parts of Lebanon, Israel fought Egypt and Syria, Israel did many evil things.
But this is Israel. Lebanon has paid a dear price for the "Arab cause" against Israel, so let Egypt and Jordan who are the friends of Israel, let them carry the load of your anger. Not Lebanon, give it a break.
When you will finish criticizing what Egypt and Jordan are doing with Israel, you can then question the UN impartiality in dealing with regional issues. Egypt and Jordan are after all members of the UN.
What can I say!
I am not even trying to question Israel! It is the UN that has not been a force for anything good since its inception.
Do you then believe that the UN Security Council has produced the said Resolutions for Syria to get out of Lebanon, and then to investigate Hairi's assassination because the UN loves Lebanon? or because the UN wants Justice? What was the UN / US/ or Britain doing for 30 prior years? Wwere they themselves, the entities I listed now the ones who told Syria to get into Lebanon, to assassinate every body who stood on its way? What happened that all of a sudden, the UN wants Justice? I find it incredibly naive to believe that the UN or the US or Israel, or Briotain loves you or Love Lebanon> No one cares, not even the French who the Christians prior to 1976 thought France was their mother. It is all an intenrational game beyond, it appears, your understanding.
Let's see if these 4 they have caught are not just the pawns they will kill the investigation with, and get the real culprits out.
You know what I believe? I believe, and IO said that earlier, the ones who killed Hariri are his best allies. He was used as the pawn to achieve larger Middle East goals. I am pretty sure that he was used as a pawn, and do not believe for a second that the powers that manipulate the politics of the world care about Hariri, or you, ort Lebanon. Every body is dispensible.
Thanks again.
JAM
لا تأشيرة دخول أميركية لبشار ولحود
نجاد وبشار ولحود سيمنعون من المشاركة بالقمة الدولية
ثلاثي ممنوع من دخول أميركا ولا تأشيرة لهم
نصر المجالي من لندن: بينما تستعد الأمم المتحدة في ذكرى تأسيسها الستين لعقد قمة دولية بمشاركة من ما لا يقل عن 175 ملك ورئيس لدولة عضو في المنظومة الدولية، فإن معلومات قالت الأمم المتحدة في ذكرى تأسيسها الستين لعقد قمة دولية بمشاركة من ما لا يقل عن 175 ملك ورئيس لدولة عضو في المنظومة الدولية، فإن معلومات قالت إن الرئيس الإيراني الجديد المتشدد محمد احمدي نجاد لن يكون على قائمة المشاركين حيث الأمر يتعلق بقرار منحه تأشيرة الدخول مع الوفد المرافق له.
وتتهم السلطات الأميركية الأميركية، الرئيس الإيراني الجديد المتشدد أحمدي نجاد بأنه كان واحدا من الطلبة المتشددين الذين احتلوا السفارة الأميركية في ربيع العام 1979 من بعد أسابيع من انتصار ثورة آية الله الخميني التي تولت السلطة فور انهيار حكم الإمبراطور محمد رضا بهلوي الذي غادر البلاد إلى المنفى الميركي وتوفي في الخارج ودفن في مصر بقرار من الرئيس المصري الراحل محمد انو السادات.
وحيث التحريات جارية في ملف الرئيس الإيراني من جهات استخبارية أميركية، فإن المعلومات تشير إلى أنه ليس باستطاعته الحصول على تأشيرة الزيارة مع وفده المرافق حتى تتكشف جميع الاستبيانات عن خلفية الرئيس الجديد المتهم في قضايا لم تثبت ضده في شكل شخصي. وقالت المصادر الأميركية "ملف الرئيس الإيراني الجديد قيد الدراسة، ولا يمكن إعطاء تفصيل كامل في شأن هذا الملف إلا بعد دراسات مستوفية مكتملة تشارك بها أطراف عديدة حوالي الرئيس نجاد".
وإليه، فإنه من غير المحتمل حسب التقارير الأميركية منح تأشيرة زيارة للرئيس السوري بشار الأسد ومعه الرئيس اللبناني العماد إميل لحود لزيارة نيويورك للمشاركة في الستينية الأممية، حيث كلا الرئيسين يخضعان لتحقيق دولي في شان اغتيال الرئيس الشيخ الراحل رفيق الحريري، حيث من المتوقع أن تسفر نتائج التحقيق الدولي عن إطاحة رؤوس كبيرة في كل من دمشق وبيروت. هنا كما قال محللون تبدو مسؤولية الرئيسين السوري بشار الأسد ونظيره اللبناني الجنرال لحود.
يشار ختاما، إلى أن سلطات الهجرة الأميركية المكلفة منح تأشيرات الزيارة لأي زائر للولايات المتحدة لا تتقيد بالبروتوكول المتعارف عليه في الأمم المتحدة التي يتعين خلال ميثاقها منح التأشيرة لكل زائر من بلد عضو في المنظمة الدولية. وقالت مصادر أميركية "الأمر هنا مختلف تماما مع احترام قوانين الأمم المتحدة، الأمر هنا متعلق بأسماء أشخاص يطالب القضاء بالتحقيق معهم ، ليس القضاء الأميركي ، بل القضاء الدولي، ولكن يتعين علينا أن نصبر قليلا
-------------------------------
Here is a slap on the face for Bashar Assad. The US has denied him a visa.
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Mr. "Lebanon - divided":
Usually, some one with that much energy against the regime of Assad should be happy that Assad is a suspect in a murder case, and that this "UN Authority" you are counting on will help me see that opponent behind bars, or at least ousted from the country he controls. As you have seen, I hold no sympathy for him or his father, or for any one from his gang. In fact, I, or any one like me are probably very happy that Bashar is facing these difficult times. BUT But..., but my problem if that is a problem, Mr. Lebanon-Divided", is that my mind looks always for rationality, and justice. If I hate some one because of his actions, I still wouldn't fight him with a mind similar to his criminal mind, and I always look for the truth, not to just hurt my oppoenent by any thing. One has to look beyond the immediate gains that we think we are fgetting from the ouster of such a regime using a scape goat like Hariri. It is important for me to really find out who killed hAriri, not to benefit from it and achieve the ouster of the regime I hate because of it. The Truth must be superior to anything, regardless ... and ends do not justify the means
JAM
I totally disagree your lates comment. Your aseement and opinion is very, very flawed. I am now confused about your intentions. Not sure if you are just plain ignorant western academia, or you are forced at gun point to say the flawed assesment you say, such as the comments you made on new comment you posted.
Why are you despeartely trying to defend this criminal regime? after living in Syria and knowing Syria, don't you have any sympathy for the people? or you just listen to those corrupt regime supporter in laws of yours and arogantly form your opinion. You Present it in such confidence that everyone should yake it as the truth.
Flawed Josh, flawed opinion on that comment. The people of Syria will free the coutry, by force if necessary, which in my opinion is the only way. People like you will be rememberd as the American who aided and abeted the regime. Try to put a foot in Syria or Lebanon after the regime is gone in less than 2 years. I promise you that just as the regime prevented my entery for more than 40 years to Syria. I will make sure that neither you or your in laws will ever let you desecrate our holy land ever again with your dirty feet and dirty mind. I would not be surprised if you personally will not be charged with various charges by the liberated people of Syria. I can assure you that this career of yours will not go far. Try Chineese or South east Asia studies.
Metaz K.M.Aldendeshe
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To Metaz:
Of course Josh has different intentions from ours. He says it that he wanted to "promote" different "views": {{It became a detriment to my effort to promote different views}}.
He has "views" he wanted to "promote", but some of us stood in his way and stopped him, so he is unhappy of course!
He pretends that some took over the site ( I guess he means us) who were uncivil, and here he is mis-stating the truth, for the uncivils are those whose insults from day one I started posting are still on the threads, insulting me with the ugliest insults.
Then he says this: {{they didn't want to be associated with them by sharing the same internet site}}, - - again insulting us, and trying to diminish our input , an input that goes so much against the "views" that he wanted to "promote". I wonder what motivates him to want to promote any views!
I asked him few times why the subject of human rights has no bearer to his mind or heart, but he has never responded. I guess he is enjoying the hospitality of his father in law: you know how Syrians treat their guests, especially when they have the means to!
JAM
What studies? What contributors?
All he does is to copy and paste articles written some where else, and now he says that those "contributors" do not wish to share their articles with the rest of us! I find this to be extremely a gross insult that is uncalled for, but at the same time, it is a ridiculous insult, so I forgiove him for it!
I have a prediction to make:
This regime will be out this year.
No force in the whole world will be able to save it. The decision jas been taken, and it will be out this year. This year.
JAM: If not this year, Orontes Chariots will be coming off the assembly lines in 2007. The first 5000 units are for SSPRS and allied use. Afterward if the Pentagon is reformed and ready, then they will receive delivery of the most intelligent and awesome weapon system ever developed.
I can get the chariots, but getting and training the operators going to be hard. I may have to higher Russian mercenaries or some of those 20,000 American, Iraq injured. The geeks at the Pentagon and Ivey geeks at state and CIA may wants to just forget about them and their life long miseries, but we going to give them direct opportunity to win and have a monument built in Syria inscribing all those injured names and those buddies of them that died in Iraq.
Metaz
Jam Master Jam:
No one is perfect, the UN is less than perfect, in fact it is far from perfect, truthfully it is rather a failure...
However, the current UN inquiry is the most truthful inquiry that this country has seen for ages, so I will take it as it is. Do we deserve better than the UN? Of course, but it's not gonna happen anytime soon, so you take what you take and you hope for better.
Back to the subject of this thread; What Assad is saying regarding "Secularism, and Islamists". Here is one article that mocks him on this point that the regime has instilled in the minds of Westerners falsly,a nd unjustly.
http://www.arraee.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=5985
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