How Long Before the Syrian Opposition Takes Up Arms?
On September - 4 - 2011
There have been some cases of Syrian citizens defending themselves against the security services with weapons, and some instances of clashes between the military and soldiers who bravely decided to protect the people. Overall, though, the opposition in Syria has been devoted to peaceful resistance, despite the immense amount of torture and abuse they face. Unfortunately, it’s hard for me to see them winning without there being a Libya-like civil war or a military coup.
It looks like the Syrian protesters are slowly warming up to the idea of foreign intervention in the wake of Qaddafi’s toppling. Al-Jazeera reported on September 2 that protesters in the Midan district of Damascus had signs that said, “We want international protection.” On August 30, one of the protesters in Homs had a sign that said, “We demand international community to intervene for the protection of the Syrian people from genocide.” I’ve also seen reports of demonstrators specifically calling on NATO to get involved, but that is by no means the consensus.
Muhammad Rihal, leader of the “Revolutionary Council for the Syrian Coordination Committees,” said that the opposition activists will soon be armed. One Syrian friend of mine noted that Saudi King Abdullah is a member of the Shammari tribe that extends into Syria. The killing of his fellow tribesmen may compel the Saudis to covertly arm their tribal allies.
At the same time, most opposition leaders remain committed to non-violence in order to draw as sharp of a contrast between them and the regime as possible. The Local Coordination Committees issued a statement opposing taking up arms or requesting foreign military intervention. I am unaware of any opposition leader besides Rihal that are talking of a violent turn.
I’m surprised it’s taking this long for the opposition’s patience to run out. I’m also surprised that defected soldiers have not begun organizing into rebel forces yet. On August 28, “tens” of Syrian soldiers defected at Rasta, near Homs. The regime sent in about 40 tanks and armored vehicles and 20 buses of soldiers to surround and attack the town.
¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤
Aucun commentaire:
Enregistrer un commentaire