I’m not going to lie, this topic is one close to my heart.
Whilst I’m not the most political person in the world, I am very much in touch
with current affairs. This is something I’ve been putting off
talking about since March 2011.
For those of you who have been living under a rock, simply
can’t read or don’t own a TV here’s the lowdown. In March 2011, following the
uproar of citizens claiming they want freedom in Libya, Syrian rebels emerged
to claim that they are unhappy with the policies President Bashar Assad had set
in stone. Chanting their opinions weren’t enough, so soon after they decided to
bomb innocent civilians and try to harm the citizens of Syria.
Funnily enough Syria is a country, which has a rich history,
whilst it’s not perfect, it has some of the most beautiful scenery and ancient
sites. Muslims, Christians, Jews and Atheists have lived there happily for
years. Both working and socialising together as a united front. As opposed to
it’s neighbours Lebanon, which is unfortunately having issues constantly, due
to political parties which have been run by a religious agenda and power rather
than building a greater country for it’s people. Surprise, surprise, lets be
honest this happens in Western countries too. It’s nothing new. People are greedy.
I’m an Australian through and through, but this topic is a sensitive one. My father is of Syrian decent. I have never been and waited
until I graduated University in order to go visit my relatives, learn something about
my father’s family and the roots where my ancestors resided. Unfortunately I
graduated in April of 2011, therefore I couldn’t risk getting harmed in Syria. I
remember seeing my father stay up all night watching Syrian TV and scanning
newspapers frantically, constantly afraid one of his family members will be
harmed. But more importantly, about the welfare of Bashar Al Asaad. This
confused me. Having grown up in Australia, we openly belittle our politicians
and barely show them any respect, from tagging them on twitter with inappropriate
images to talk show hosts making fun of John Howard’s poor cricketing skills.
Ha that one was actually funny though! I stopped and asked him, “Baba, why are
you so passionate about Bashar? He is a politician after all, why doesn’t he
just step down and let the people be free.”
Soon after I realised how arrogant my statement was. This
man is a Doctor, who was his father’s predecessor, he never aimed to get into
politics, but it happened. And he has been doing a bloody good job, serving
Syria in terms of technological advancements, education systems, allowing
warmth in winter months via the introduction of free diesel fuel for heating
facilities and rationing food to the poor.
So if he is doing such a good job, where does this
miscommunication come from? Our very own Foreign Minister Mr. Bobb Carr has
claimed Al Assad’s regime is one that should be stopped. In fact in July the
Syrian Embassy was closed due to our lack of support. The US have once again
decided to intervene. If Syrians truly were unhappy I would be the first to
say, let’s stop this inhumanity and would be happy to sign a petition to rid Al
Assad of his title. But in actual fact, the majority of citizens support
Bashar! I’m not just speaking in terms of my family members. There have been
interviews recorded showing Networks like Aljazeera, which was once known to be a
trustful source, actually staging videos as they pay people to profess their
hate for Bashar and his regime.
Whilst Bashar hasn’t been radically vocal, he did reinstate
new laws and policies in order to please these so called rebels. But still,
they were not happy, and so they continue to blast innocent civilians and
collect money from foreign counterparts including the US, Qatar and Saudi
Arabia. Through it all the UN put out a vote, VETO was initiated, which meant only
two countries who actually don’t hold alliances with the US (Russia and China) had voted Bashar should not be forced out of his
position and foreign intervention was not needed.
Long story short, Over 21,000 innocent lives have been lost.
These rebels are not even of Syrian decent! So this brings me to today. Whilst
I usually travel to George St to shop, I marched my way with over one thousand
passionate Syrian Australians who believe that Bashar is an innocent man, his people aren't dissatisfied and there is no need for foreign intervention.
In typical Middle Eastern style there were loud drums as
people chanted, “Allah, Souriya, Bashar ou bas!” Which translates to God,
Syria, and Bashar only. I ran into my friend who is a journo at one of our
prestigious media companies. He was reporting. Surprised to see me he stated
“Abi! What are you doing here? You’re a journo, what kind of a journo shows up
to protests?” This question has been lingering in my mind all day. Why did I
give up my Sunday workout and movie with friends for this? Because the lives of
innocent people is at stake, that’s why! No matter how much I try to see the
opposition’s point of view, I am dumbfounded by the portrayal of this “Civil
War” they claim it to be in our most reputable newspapers. There is no civil
war.
I was particularly happy to see that there weren’t just
people of Syrian decent who were there to show their support. In fact it ranged
from British, Russian, Chinese, Fijian and even passionate supporters of Anglo
Saxon decent.
I have attached a few images and a video from today’s peaceful protest.
I would also like to mention that following the Rally today,
an elderly man was bashed at Sydenham Station in Sydney’s South. A few men
described to be of Middle Eastern appearance, arrived to belt the man with a
metal pole until he bled and only paused when his grandchildren nearby tried to
stop the abusers from harming him. Even still they opted to smack the children
out of the way. Is this peaceful? Are these people the ones that really care
about the humanity of Syria? No these are greedy fools. An elderly man was
bashed in front of his wife and grandchildren simply because he was draped in a
Syrian flag as he supported the fight for a real cause. This surely can’t be
happening on the streets of Sydney. It sickens me to have been sent this image
of the attacked gentleman.
Do you agree with everything you read? Please feel free to
show your support by signing the petition here:
Sincerely,
Wogarella.
