The Backlash!

While things might appear good for the Assad regime as result of the recent congressional visits to Syria, the positions of the both Bush and Cheney in this regard, indicate that a backlash is to be expected. The recent relaxation that the Bush administration has shown vis-à-vis contact with Syrian officials, a development evident in the Baghdad conference, the meeting with the Syrian Ambassador in the US in the Sate Department, and the ensuing talks in Damascus between US and Syrian officials with regard to the situation of Iraqi refugees, will now cease and desist. The Bush Administration is likely to resume its isolationist policies with regard to the Assads, and will probably pursue them with a greater vim. So, do let the Syrian Ambassador pursue his congressional activities, he is only helping the Opposition’s cause as well. Continue reading “The Backlash!” →

أقول: “حقاً، ماذا يجري؟ “

ما الذي حقّقه فعلاً إبراهيم سليمان من وراء زيارته “التاريخية” إلى إسرائيل؟ هل شكّلت هذه الزيارة ضغط على الإسرائيليين فعلاً ليصبح موقفهم تجاه عملية السلام أكثر مرونة؟ أم هل أدت الزيارة إلى إحراج القيادة السورية فقط، خصوصاً بشار الأسد، مما يسبب نكسة لعملية السلام؟ لأن الحديث إلى أن إلى الإسرائيليين في هذه المرحلة بالذات وبعد خطوة استسلامية وتكالبية كهذه من قبل نظام أدمن على خطاب الرفض والمقاومة والإباء، مهما كان هذا الأمر مصطنعاً في حقيقته، سيكون بمثابة الانتحار بالنسبة لبشار؟

فلإن كانت الطريقة التي تغطى بها هذه القصة في الصحافة العالمية يجعلها تبدو وكأنها بادرة جريئة نوعاً ما من جانب القيادة السورية، فالحدث من وجهة نظر الصحافة السورية، بل والشارع السوري، وهو الأهم، تفوح منه رائحة الخيانة والاستسلام. Continue reading “أقول: “حقاً، ماذا يجري؟ “” →

Friendship and Hope?

Of her visit to Syria and her three-hour meeting with the Syrian President, Nancy Pelosi, Speaker of the US House of Representatives, had this to say:

“We came in friendship, hope, and determined that the road to Damascus is a road to peace.” Continue reading “Friendship and Hope?” →

The Heretic’s Mother, and Other Heretical Notions!

The issue of the recent interview I gave to Ynet continues to generate enough controversy it seems that my mother was finally asked by journalist to weigh in on it. She did so in a brief interview with the website Middle East transparent.

To no one’s surprise, I hope, my Mom refused to disown me, which is always a good thing I guess. Thanks Mom. “My son is free in his political stances.” She also said. “I have never tried to impose any opinion on him.” Very true. Unfortunately though, she has to bear some of the burden associated with my own opinions. Sorry Mom. Continue reading “The Heretic’s Mother, and Other Heretical Notions!” →