For God's sake keep out of Syria

[fpb]

The media are driving us into yet another Middle Eastern mistake

Comments

[oronoda]

Okay, I have a lot to say to this well-written piece about Syria. I do not know that much about Lebanon (my expertise lies in Yemen and Syria, and to a lesser degree Egypt). There is a lot I want to touch upon. Sorry if it comes off as a bit rambly

[oronoda]

Once you realize that their mind-set is different from our own, you need to consider another aspect. Most of these countries in the Arab Spring, but especially Syria, the dictator in question are secular leaders who brutally oppressed fundamentalist religious groups. While I do not like the Muslim Brotherhood, it is perhaps the brutal crackdown by Sadat and Asad (poppa Asad) that probably radicalized them further while they hid underground. Furthermore, when people are oppressed, or perceive they are oppressed, they will cling to radical ideas to get them through the tough times. It also breeds resentment. The last aspect is incredibly important to remember. It is this radicalization and resentment that could spark revenge killing/exile when/if the regime falls. As you pointed out, it happened in the US with Toris. The French Revolution was notorious for this. The Bolshivik revolution. I could go on. True, you do have people who preach the ideas of equality but often, people go back to what they know. Like, the Alawis were an

[oronoda]

Last one I promise