Syrian Brit Speaks

As you know I have been giving some attention to the neglected Syrian side of this war. Today it is the Syrian Brit's turn. He starts out this piece with a cry in the wind:

I really do not have anything new to say.. and even if I did, I ask you, who is actually reading this or paying any attention?..

Is anyone reading this able to do ANYTHING to stop the ongoing destruction?.. Even more, would the collective action of all those reading this blog, posting on their own blogs, or commenting on other blogs, result in saving a single road from destruction?.. a single house from demolition?.. even a single child from being blown up to bits?... I put it to you, my friends, that the answer is a resounding 'NO'!...

Well SB you are about to get some attention.

SB does make some interesting points. He starts out with how hard it is to change people's minds. Don't I know it SB. People get a world view and not even facts can change it. Excellent facts. Unassailable facts. Some times it takes a 2X4 upside the head to get people's attentiion.

SB then gets to his second point.

Our ability, as Arabs, to argue our position is very severely hamstrung by the fact that our own rulers, singularly and without exception, are corrupt, oppressive and authoritarian.. These rulers and regimes (please don't call them Governments.. that term implies the existence of systems and methods and rules and regulations.. those people do not deserve that title!.. but I digress again..).. where was I?.. yes.. these rulers and regimes will hijack any cause that stirs the masses, and use it to strengthen their hold, and tighten the noose around our collective neck.. And trust me, those whom you engage in a discussion can see it, too!.. and they will use that fact to undermine your argument..

Yes SB we have noticed. The disconnect from reality makes discussion, let alone change very difficult.

SB's third point follows from his second.

Our ability to argue any position is hampered even more by the fact that our society is full of hypocrisy and contradictions, and until we look inwards and examine our inner selves, we are going nowhere.. We cannot blame all our ills on the regimes and rulers.. We must take some responsibility for our collective destiny...

Ah yes the looking inwards problem. It is hard to fix yourself if it is every one else's fault. SB has more, written from the heart. He deserves the traffic. Give him some.

And SB, lets us hope the Maker's blessings follow from this horrible but necessary war. No more dictators, no more illusions, no more hatred.

Hat tip Fares

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Israel, Middle East, Middle East Rules, Lebanese Rules, Lebanon, Hezbollah, Hizbollah, Hizbullah, Nasrullah, Nasrallah, Syria, Islam, Muslims, Arabs