about those protests
I'm not sure what they're broadcasting on the US news, but given the preference for sensationalism, I wouldn't be surprised if they've aired footage of yeterday's pro-Hizbullah demonstration in Syria. Before anyone starts panicking, there are some things you should know about these "protests."
Demonstrations are de riguer in Syria; it's an important part of the authoritarian state machine. This one was almost certainly staged by the government and 75% of the participants were public employees who had been given the day off--with the understanding that they would use their free time to attend the protest. One piece of evidence? The almost total lack of Lebanese flags. Those brand new Syrian flags and posters of Assad were probably distributed the day before the event.
Another indication that people weren't taking this too seriously is how quickly the "demonstrators" disbanded after the official speeches. I was watching on TV, then had to get to a lesson on the other side of town. In the 10 minutes it took to get from my apartment to the square where the protest was taking place, 3/4 of the people had left. The rest were rapidly streaming away--except for the ones that had paused to phone their friends or mug for TV cameras.
And, yes, there is undoubtably support for Hizballah and hostility towards Israel in Damascus. Some of the attendees probably hold these convictions very strongly. But no one wants an actual conflict. Syria and Syrians have nothing to gain from war and no interest in sticking their necks out to save Lebanon, the country that kicked them out 2 years ago. In fact, there has been a certain amount of nationalistic "see, you throw us out an look what happens" sentiment. Although mostly, what you hear is sympathy for the Lebanese people, who are generally seen as unfortunate pawns in this whole mess.
Syrian leaders have clearly stated that they won't take any military action unless attacked by Israel. And, in my opinion, this is a step that Israel will not take, in spite of its verbal condemnations and displays of zealotry in Gaza and Lebanon. So, Syria is (still) safe. Except for the traffic.
Demonstrations are de riguer in Syria; it's an important part of the authoritarian state machine. This one was almost certainly staged by the government and 75% of the participants were public employees who had been given the day off--with the understanding that they would use their free time to attend the protest. One piece of evidence? The almost total lack of Lebanese flags. Those brand new Syrian flags and posters of Assad were probably distributed the day before the event.
Another indication that people weren't taking this too seriously is how quickly the "demonstrators" disbanded after the official speeches. I was watching on TV, then had to get to a lesson on the other side of town. In the 10 minutes it took to get from my apartment to the square where the protest was taking place, 3/4 of the people had left. The rest were rapidly streaming away--except for the ones that had paused to phone their friends or mug for TV cameras.
And, yes, there is undoubtably support for Hizballah and hostility towards Israel in Damascus. Some of the attendees probably hold these convictions very strongly. But no one wants an actual conflict. Syria and Syrians have nothing to gain from war and no interest in sticking their necks out to save Lebanon, the country that kicked them out 2 years ago. In fact, there has been a certain amount of nationalistic "see, you throw us out an look what happens" sentiment. Although mostly, what you hear is sympathy for the Lebanese people, who are generally seen as unfortunate pawns in this whole mess.Syrian leaders have clearly stated that they won't take any military action unless attacked by Israel. And, in my opinion, this is a step that Israel will not take, in spite of its verbal condemnations and displays of zealotry in Gaza and Lebanon. So, Syria is (still) safe. Except for the traffic.
posted by Emily at 6:23 PM
6 Comments:
What are the yellow flags?
EMily,
I forwarded your blog address to Tom Sullivan, a talk show host here in Sacramento. He mentioned you on the show today. Just letting you know in case you get some comments coming your way from the listeners as he mentioned your blog address as well. Almost famous? Love you - Toni
Hi Ems,
Sounds like you in Syria are definitely doing better than one of John's colleagues and also the family of one of John's colleagues (wife and 3 children) in Beirut. One colleague travelling by herself was able to leave (not without hassle and hours of travel outside of her original itinery); the other woman and her 3 children has been advised she must have food and water for 3 days for all 4 individuals if she plans to evacuate. They highly recommended against it as she is travelling with younger children. Evidently she has decided to stay put in Beirut with her husbands parents who have no water or electricity. Once again, stay safe. Love, Pam
hi emily~
my husband (ron) works with your mom. your mom forwarded your blogspot to him and i'm now checking your page daily. keep us posted. you're in our prayers and thoughts.
~jenn.
p.s. you're an excellent writer.
jenn--thanks!
owen--the yellow flags are Hizbollah banners. It's funny, I've seen so many of them the past couple weeks it didn't even occur to me to explain it!
See, I told you would be famous. As she said, good writer--plus a good mind and an interesting place (my mom could make that adjective a swearword, and maybe that's appropriate just now...).
Cheers! and hang on.
K. H.
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