Twelve people were killed, including both civilians and security personnel, in an anti-government protest on Saturday in Latakia (a Syrian coastal city). Dozens have already been killed this week in a series of protests "against the rule of President Bashar al-Assad."At least 200 people were also injured, but the government blamed the deaths on unknown gunmen firing from rooftops. Syrian troops have entered Latakia from Damascus in order to restore the peace. There has surely been a lack thereof this past week. Offices of the ruling Baath party were set on fire, and although the emergency laws of Syria (those that "restrict public gatherings and authorise the arrest of "suspects or persons who threaten security") have been lifted, there have still been numerous casualties and injuries.
The presidential spokeswoman Buthaina Shaaban says that authorities intend to put a referendum before the people as soon as possible to deal with both constitutional and party changes. Shaaban also claims that a Sunni Muslim cleric in Doha, Sheik Youssef al-Qaradawi, should be blamed for inciting violence (Latakia is a mostly Sunni city).
Secretary of State Hillary Clinton claims that the international community should not expect a US intervention. This is a different situation than that of Libya. In fact, dozens of political prisoners have been freed.
The riots continue throughout various cities and towns in Syria.
Some Questions for Thought:
How does the situation in Syria differ from that in Libya? Do you think the US should consider intervening?
What are your thoughts on the current president's methods of handling the situation (remember that he has lifted the ancient "emergency laws")?
Given the general events in the Middle East and the previous posts about Egypt, Libya, Israel/Gaza, etc., would you say we are at a pivotal moment in our history?
Any other comments or concerns?
2 comments:
This situation seems to be escalating more and more. As time goes on, the worse the situation gets, the more violence there is, and the death toll just keeps increasing. I, personally, do not believe the President has been doing a good job at all. Although he has lifted the emergency laws, it is obviously not the main or biggest concern of the citizens in Syria. I'm not saying lifting the emergency laws had no effect and that it was not a decision that still pleased the citizens, but I think the president needs to tackle the root of these protests, which probably involves him stepping down or relinquishing control from his party or something. Isn't it obvious to him he can't maintain his country beating around the bush and avoiding to confront the real problem? This situation reminds me of Egypt. I hope it doesn't escalate as much and I hope that the president will learn from the other situations in the Middle East and such and will avoid as many casualties and dangers.
I don't understand why every time a sad story comes out of a struggling country our citizens rush to ask what the US will do to help.
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