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Yesterday Syrian University students took to the street to send a message to end Bashar Al Assad’s rule which has undermined citizens’ rights.
Unfortunately four students lost their lives during this intense protest which turned deadly, and several more were injured.
This is a testament to how ineffective Syria’s cease-fire is at this moment. The government forces seem to take satisfaction in using extreme force, even in student protests like this one.
Yes at times student protests do get out-of-hand, but who fires live ammunitions to disperse the crowd? The fact that gun shots were fired at students, it’s so absurd.
It’s unequivocal that the Syrian government takes satisfaction in the use of force, and use it as a way to intimidate any voice of reason standing in their way.
Protesters in Egypt head back to where it all started at Tahrir square, where thousands will gather to demand military step-down.
Trust between the ruling military counsel and the Egyptian people is at the core of this awakened protest. The people are getting antsy about the military, and they don’t believe that the power hand over will happen by the July deadline.
Keeping a closer look to how the protests will turn out.
A Syrian graffiti artist was killed for doing what he loved most, expressing himself through art. The Syrian government saw his work of art as a threat because he exposed the reality of what Syrians have been enduring under the leadership of Assad.
Here is an extensive report from NPR of the fallen young artist.
UN observers patrol the city of Homs, to ensure the cease-fire put in place 10 days ago continue to hold ground.
Although this looks like the best step to obtaining stability in the country, many are still skeptical as to whether the UN cease-fire will bring peace to Syria. It’s understandable to be skeptical, because Syria has been nothing but a roller-coaster. The country has been unrest since last year, and to entrust the UN with protection, for many it will be a challenge. I don’t blame those who are still unsure about the whole restoration of peace.
The only solution, is to get rid of the dictator and have the people vote for a new government. Besides, that was the whole point of the Arab Spring. Cleaning house, and bring in vibrant young minds.
In the meantime, the people of Syria have to take it slow and figure out what to do with their country. Again, they should not be bullied by an either-or alternative, Assad should go!!
It’s spring again!
Meaning it is time to check-in on with the top 4 countries that put the arabspring on the map: Tunisia, Egypt, Libya, and Syria.
Tunisia, the country that started the whole revolt in the Arab region, and later the other countries followed suit. Today the situation in Tunisia is far much better than Syria. Tunisia is more stable and has its own constitution which has helped the country stay in harmony.
On the other hand, Egypt is dealing with the fact that, one member of the brotherhood party has just announced to run for presidency. This came as a surprise to most people because the party had originally indicated to have no interest in running for presidency. This kind of back-tracking has many concerned on whether the muslim brotherhood can be trusted. Definitely, all eyes are watching how all this plays out.
In Libya, the militia’s presence continue to make civilians feel antsy. The militia leader is now a contender to run for office, for many Libyans its like deja vu again. Making them nervous because of what they went through with their previous leader Qaddafi, who was also a military guy.
Finally, Syria is still walking on egg shells. The country has experienced the worst of the revolts, and now the UN leader, Kofi Anaan calls for a cease fire. Hope this will work.
What’s more to say about the dire situation in Syria? With the UN’s involvement to stop the unnecessary killings of innocent civilians, maybe Kofi Annan’s recent travel to Russia and China will put pressure on Assad. Who knows maybe peace can be reinstated in this dilapidated region of the middle east where human life has been devalued to nonentity.
However, if Assad does not give-in to these peaceful talks, then there is a risk of civil war which will not only devastate Syria, but the world at large.
The government of Syria continues to play popularity games. On Thursday, government workers were forced to attend a staged rally at the square.
This shows how desperate Assad’s regime is getting.
He is trying to show the world that all is jolly in Syria, which is far from the truth. This just adds salt to the woods of those Syrians who are hoping for a better tomorrow, because as far as this peace parade goes, it is all fake.
I really few sorry for those government employees who are putting their best foot forward, by going along with a staged celebrations. Its gotta be hard, chanting words that make you want to throw-up, such as, ”I love Assad and so…”
Can you imagine being in that crowd and going along with it because you need to protect your job. It is not right to force people support you and your stinky ideology.
After reading the NY times, a comment by one lady caught my attention. She had an underline equivocation in the way she responded to how she felt about the rally. Of course she did not want to say want she really felt about it, she knows better after living under a dictatorial government, that some things are better left unsaid than bring attention to yourself.
I don’t blame her for not being upfront. She is protecting herself in a country where freedom of speech is not a given. You got to be careful when you voice your opinion in a country like Syria.
Oh wow! lets see how long these supporters will stick with crazy Assad and his regime.
Until next time: later…
