The war on terror has changed the landscape of the Middle East. It has brought in a new world order and created divide between the East and the West. In this context, the UN Security Council set a line of control gathering all adversaries, and voted against Syria with the biggest stockpile of sanctions the world had ever seen. They were branded as the “Axis of Evil” – and for the next ten years, cut off globally without any economic, social or financial ties with the diplomatic world at large.
Today, we see Syria as a mountain of power and political will inside the Middle East. We also see Syria under fire – under new set of sanctions. Saudi Arabia has taken a U-turn on seeking friendship ties with the Al–Assad regime, making it one of the biggest diplomatic moves by the Saudis. It has once again decided to hit at Syria, contemplating opportunity and crucifying all possibilities of future peace between the two Muslim countries.
Strangely, the longest serving true monarch and the custodian of the Holy Mosques in the Kingdom is also the biggest ally of the United States and considers Syria a long term enemy, calling for an end to the decade-old dictatorship of Bashaar’s regime. This not because of any important reason, but because of an absurd notion that the Syrian regime supports Iran Hezbollah. The Riyadh may also be interested in changing the Syrian regime to bring in a government that suits to their interests and their ally US’s interests.
It is important to know the nature of war here. Syria was one of the first nations to say no to the Israeli policy of violence and mayhem in the Middle East. It was not Syria, but Israel that went to many wars with its neighbours. The US has always supported Israel, vetoing any move towards putting sanctions on them. Despite the proof that Israel used banned weapons on civilian population and remains an unofficial nuclear state, nothing has been done so far. Sadly, the Arab world also does not seem to be pushing harder on this issue.
The problem, it seems, lies with the mindset. Islam is all about equality. The Syrian head of state supports a unified country with the rule of law in place, free from external intervention but open to dialogue and diversity within time. This is the time for Muslim leaders to support Syria with their reforms implementation. This should not be taken as an opportunity to carve out a strategic plan to invade the country. That the Syrians will support anti-Muslim policies is a misconception. That capsizing Assad’s regime will tilt the balance against Iran and Hezbollah seems another fantasy.
Hezbollah was formed to protect the people against Israel’s aggression. It is not a terrorist organisation. They are fighting for their country from evil ambitions of outsiders. Ironically, Lebanon is one of the most successful economies in the world despite all the recession around the globe. That certainly speaks well for the government of unity within the country and Hezbollah is a part of that unity government. This alone should put all other claims to shame. Creating terror was not the forte of Syria, Iran, Hezbollah or the Iranian Revolutionary Guards, but resisting terror and responding to it has been their aim and mission.
People conveniently turn a blind eye to Israel – a country that has created terror in the region and continues to do so. If the Americans are openly backing Israel, arming them to the core, why can’t Syria side with Hezbollah to help better protect and serve its people against anti-Muslim ambitions? Saudi Arabia has been accusing Iran and Syria for decades without realising that they are siding with the US policy on Israel – something that is sacrilege in the Muslim world.
Bashaar al Assad, the President of Syria, has promised reforms, including free media and a transition to a democratic, free and pluralistic society through a national dialogue to review constitutional amendments, election law and a strong judiciary but has also made it very clear to the world that he will not step down but will fight the infiltration across the borders by external elements. If Saudi Arabia continues to show blatant display of support to the American policy of so-called democratic freedom by ignoring Israel, they have no right to interfere in Syrian’s or Iranian’s internal affairs.
It is no time to settle scores but to be united, whether it is Syria, Saudia, Iran, Egypt, Bahrain or Pakistan. Putting sanctions on Syria won’t work in the long run. This will make them more powerful, isolated and out of radar, leading to a difficult diplomatic solution for both the Americans and their Arab allies.
Syria is a unique country of over 21 million people with over 75 percent Sunni majority and significant minorities of Christians and Shias, and is largely known as a country of secular identities and a diverse community of people having lived through years of sanctions. The man behind this ideology is the man being asked to step down. Syria is never going to support Israel and will continue to denounce American policy towards Israel, or at least that’s what appears to be the case.
The writer is a freelancer on finance and international relations and a broadcaster for an FM radio.
The most potent account of the Middle East Crisis .
After Libya its the turn of Syria to be scrutinized by the Wstern world further. Infact unless the Muslim nations get together and support each other its feared that the target will be all the muslim countires one by one.
Great article. Timing could not have been better. Hope it will help reinforce the realities and the politics of the world.
loved your feedback .
Potent & excellent describe this posit by Zeeshan Shah.
On the topic of terrorism it is good to note Zeeshan's comment: "Creating terror was not the forte of Syria, Iran, Hezbollah or the Iranian Revolutionary Guards, but resisting terror and responding to it has been their aim and mission."
Terror in this case would seem to come from the US & Israel.
The lack of unity among Muslim nations is no where as evident as the behaviour of Saudi Arabia. As Zeeshan suggests: "Saudi Arabia has been accusing Iran and Syria for decades without realising that they are siding with the US policy on Israel – something that is sacrilege in the Muslim world."
I would like to suggest that Saudi Arabia does realize that they are siding with the US & Israel. Further I would suggest that it is the love of $ that motivates this anti-Muslim behaviour. However, I could be wrong, as I live in OZ which is far away from the Area on which Zeeshan has focused herein.
Roger , i think we need such great insights from you 🙂
After the shameful break, the so-called Libyan revolution, the world should open its eyes and watch out for further such episodes, people of Muslim world should decide if they want peace or democracy.
agreed
Another well written albeit insightful article Mr. Shah! You certainly do have your political facts right, and you stand absolutely correct when you say that it's time to be united. The reason for lack of unity is none other but self-interest, dependency of U.S aid, and fear of being attacked by the U.S.The only way that the Arab / Muslim world would unite will be on the basis of a 'common cause' , a need so strong, impacting all of us in the same way, which will compel us all to unite.
good analysis !
Another well written albeit insightful article Mr. Shah! You certainly do have your political facts right, and you stand absolutely correct when you say that it's time to be united. The reason for lack of unity is none other but self-interest, dependency of U.S aid, and fear of being attacked by the U.S.The only way that the Arab / Muslim world would unite will be on the basis of a 'common cause' , a need so strong, impacting all of us in the same way, which will compel us all to unite.
The word of “new world order”is a fascinating word for us,nowdays we think, we live in old world and want to change this world rapidly,a ocean front of us and every body want to swim into the ocean.America playing smartly in every corner of the world..nice article about SYRIA BY zeeshan shah..and hope we read more by him..all the best.
thanks
courageous! some one has ability to write truth Or second opinion.
May God bless and save you from evils.
thank you for your wishes
Fear in the minds of Saudi rulers is the reason behind blatant supportive-to-USA-Israel policies they have adopted.
How long do they have in the cold storage of the cannibal world-power?
They dont know and are afraid to wake up from this frozen state.
SAUDI FM has turned it around ! Soon , ME politics will change for the better ! Monarchs will end thier rule.
Syria must not be provoked.
All the best to Syria .
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