For the Fallen in Syria...

[Mario]

...

[Loup Solitaire]

Sectarianism

Sectarianism: Select the word for the definition. After one year and four months, this conflict still continues. I find it interesting that in IRAQ, the Sunni sect dominated the politics of the country. And in Syria, the Shia sect dominated the politics. And in both cases, the minority group ruled over the majority. This does not make sense to me, but it happened.

For me, it is difficult to understand how vicious one group can be towards the other. Civility has never been the rule. But rigity of customs has been the practice. I get the survival of tribal warfare and politics in Africa because of its' isolation into the twentieth century and the failure of colonial powers to build an infrastructure. But in the Middle East, due to commerce and technology, the people have been interacting with the West for millennia and one would think that the more positive customs and institutions would have been integrated into the Islamic culture. But of course, the West certainly hasn't always been a worthy role model, case in point Germany in the 30's and 40's.

I guess the thing that amazes me is that both groups, Sunni and Shia, think they are God's chosen people. I thought respect for life was one of the fundamental tenents for Abrahamic monotheism. Now I wonder where in the religious documents of Islam, the concept of respect is mentioned. If respect is not an accepted neccesity, then how will an Islamic society survive?

[Mario]

A "Perfect Storm" looming...

In light of what is particularly happening in Aleppo (where my father was born), Azaz, and Azerbaijan (where the personality of Dr. Dahesh was executed), I can only propose that you, and others who have been issued membership, revisit "Innocent in Chains, The Notes" (Part 1 and Part 2 in the Members Only section).

Carefully read what happened, note the cities, including "Azaz" (which I incorrectly wrote as "Ezaz" in my notes).

You'll learn about the Syrian conspiracy... Put it all in context of what happened in Lebanon... and what might still reoccur there... and say a prayer for the Armenians of Aleppo...

[zionic]

Reuters picked this story up. http://www.yalibnan.com/2012/08/15/s...n-immediately/

[Loup Solitaire]

Thanks Mario for your response. Here I am getting my own customized Middle East geography lesson. Aleppo, it seems, is an ancient place steeped in history. It appears that most Armenians living in Syria, live in Aleppo. Our present day does not have a monopoly on cruelty of violence between ethic and religious groups in the Middle East. Despite the fact that such violence has been happening throughout history, I don't think I will ever be able to harden myself to it. According to Donald Walsch, author of Conversations With God, without experiencing contrasts of extremes, how would we know the difference. You can not know good from evil unless you either experience or witness both.

[Loup Solitaire]

Reuters picked this story up. http://www.yalibnan.com/2012/08/15/s...n-immediately/

Alan, I found the discussion and comments following the article incredible. If you didn't take note, go back and read it.

[zionic]

I did see the comments people posted to the story on Reuters, but yes, I suspect the comments at Ya Libnan will be much more on target.

I'm supposing that the bulk of the Armenian population are probably Christian. They have a lot to loose as the Alawites loose their grip on power in Syria. The Alawite relationship with Christians has been quite close. Sunnis have been striking at Alawite and Christian alike.

There's nothing clear cut here about who the good guys and who the bad guys are, other than the fact that the Wahhabi outsiders that are driving much of the push against the Syrian regime are definitely despicable.