The Case for Regime Change in Syria (5)

According to reports coming out of Syria, security forces are currently laying siege to two different villages in the northern parts of the country, in the provinces of Idlib and al-Hassakeh to be specific. The two sieges are separate and have been instigated by two different sets of very local circumstances. In other words, there are no political overtones here.

Still, the two incidents are rather significant and quite ominous on two counts: the incompetence and corruption of the local authorities seem to lie at the heart of both incidents, and, in both cases, local authorities seem to be acting completely on their own, serving the interests of their various local leaders and being given a free hand by the central authorities. Continue reading “The Case for Regime Change in Syria (5)” →

Lions & Mullahs!

Well, things are heating up again between the Assad regime and the “phantom” majority in Lebanon. Now we have allegations of espionage against the regime and threats to undermine the living standards in Lebanon on the table. As if the regime has not engaged in such tactics itself. Can’t you see the glowing white halo of innocence hovering above Syria every time you look at the world map? Continue reading “Lions & Mullahs!” →

A Feast Full of Lies & Cannibals!

With the head of the Syrian parliament announcing the formation of a committee in charge of formulating a new elections law, the “reform process” in the country is really proceeding along. Soon, we will have another born-obsolete elections law to be shelved next to the born-useless party laws, which in turn sits pretty cozy next to the born-redundant NGO laws, all to the ennoblement and joy of all those wonderful committee members who worked so hard to surpass our wildest expectations and prove that they are even more stupid that we had ever dared think. Continue reading →

The Witches of the Apocalypse!

Ibrahim Hmeidi has just published an interesting reportage dealing with the now celebrated phenomenon of the Kubaisi women, the orthodox sufi women movement founded by the Syrian scholar and teacher, Munira Kubaisi, AKA the Miss.

The movement which began in the early 60s in Damascus is now an international one with “centers” all over the world operating quietly, almost clandestinely sometimes, albeit, let me rush to say here, they are so far pretty apolitical and, as such, has no connection to any terror groups or activities. Continue reading “The Witches of the Apocalypse!” →