by Ahmed E. Souaiaia*
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Syrian rebels executing Alawites |
The UN resolution was supported by 107 out of 193
nations. Without doubt, the majority of the 107 countries, representing political
leaders, were swayed by the high deaths. But I doubt that the people (and perhaps
leaders) of these countries knew about the fact that nearly 50% of those killed
in Syria belonged to the group that constitutes merely 15% of the population. The
campaign of propaganda and deception orchestrated by Qatar and its allies made
the war in Syria appear to be a systematic killing of the majority Sunnis by a
minority led government. The numbers show otherwise: Alawites are facing a real
genocide. The condemnation of the violence committed by the regime and the
praise of the opposition that is equally guilty of acts of atrocities does not
help stop the violence in Syria.
Politicizing the tragedy in Syria does not further
the cause of peace and it does not save the lives of innocent people from all
sects and ethnic groups. The racialization of victimhood builds more hatred and
does not end suffering. The West and its allies in the Arab world can stop
extremism and end violence by refraining from politicizing the Syrian crisis and
trading with the Syrian blood. The UN resolution was the wrong move in the
wrong time. The brutality of the Syrian regime should be condemned, but so should
be the atrocities committed by opposition fighters. The numbers show that
Alawites are facing genocide before their foes take power. One can only imagine
the number of massacres that would take place once the opposition forces defeat
the regime. Because of these facts, only a political solution to the Syrian
crisis can safeguard life and property of all Syrians.
______________________
* Prof. SOUAIAIA teaches at the University
of Iowa. Opinions are the author’s, speaking on matters of public interest; not
speaking for the university or any other organization with which he is
affiliated.
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