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Forum Post: syrian violence?

Posted 12 years ago on Feb. 19, 2012, 9:35 a.m. EST by flip (7101)
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Headlines scream about very real daily violence occurring in several Syrian cities. Most news reports have attributed the killing of peaceful citizens almost exclusively to government forces. But in January Arab League monitors, from mostly Sunni countries eager to destroy the Syrian-Iran Alliance, saw armed “protesters” doing some of the Syria killing, un-reported by most US media. “In Homs and Dera‘a, the Mission observed armed groups committing acts of violence against government forces, resulting in death and injury among their ranks. In certain situations, Government forces responded to attacks against their personnel with force. The observers noted that some of the armed groups were using flares and armour-piercing projectiles.”

“In Homs, Idlib and Hama, the Observer Mission witnessed … the bombing of a civilian bus, killing eight persons and injuring others, including women and children, and the bombing of a train carrying diesel oil… A fuel pipeline and some small bridges were also bombed.” The Mission also “noted that many parties falsely reported that explosions or violence had occurred in several locations. When the observers went to those locations, they found that those reports were unfounded.”

The Mission also witnessed armed attacks against “Syrian security forces and citizens, causing the Government to respond with further violence. In the end, innocent citizens pay the price for those actions with life and limb.” http://www.columbia.edu/~hauben/Report_of_Arab_League_Observer_Mission.pdf

Peaceful protestors? UN Ambassador Susan Rice excluded these passages when she denounced Russia’s "willingness to sell out the Syrian people and shield a craven tyrant [Assad]." Secretary of State Clinton called Russia’s veto “a travesty.” Washington has used the veto 83 times, mostly on resolutions condemning Israeli actions. Now that Al-Qaeda supports the anti-Assad movement does US “disgust” got hurled at both sides?

In 2111, Saudi troops invaded Bahrain and killed unarmed protestors. US officials uttered no “disgust” sounds. Disgust applies to disobedient states. So, end the hypocrisy.

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[-] 1 points by kjack (48) 12 years ago

Bahrain is home to the US Fifth Fleet so its puts the government in a really difficult position on where it would park all its boats in the event the people wanted the military out. The US values stability first and foremost but when crap hits the fan, democracy is suddenly the primary issue.

If you want to discuss US hypocrisy you have at least concede to Arab League's inefficacy. The observer mission failed before it even started. Who did the Arab League put in charge of the monitoring mission? None other than Sudanese General Mohammed al-Dabi who is directly implicated in genocide and war crimes in Darfur. The Arab League leaders unanimously condemn Syria's crackdown but they continue to watch from the sidelines as cities like Homs gets shelled by artillery and snipers indiscriminately murder any man, woman or child who leaves the house to scavenge for the basic necessities they have been denied. I do appreciate their efforts to attempt to push multiple resolutions through the UN seeking western intervention but it makes me wonder what it is the Arab League actually does: perhaps provide a forum for its leaders discuss their riches and count their money?

[-] 1 points by forjustice (178) from Kearney, NE 12 years ago

Weird title. Of course there's violence. Your question is "who is responsible for it".

And yes, the US is very hypocritical and has no problem dealing arms to Bahrain as they kill and torture civilians.