Finished assignment work Syria and will stay on

[alexandru_voicu]

Originally Posted by rxmd

I think it's difficult to say who is really attacking whom there, as there are more than two sides.

I also think it's a really pointless discussion, because none of you guys have any idea of these things.

I actually have an idea, that's why I posted on this thread. I did my share of reading.

[raytoei@gmail.com]

Alexander,

Pls keep this thread off politics or else it will be pulled.

raytoei

[rxmd]

Originally Posted by EdwardKaraa

I just happen to be Lebanese so I guess I should have an idea of these things as you say.

Yeah, I don't doubt that this gives you some insight into how the Middle East works in general, but I was mainly thinking more concretely about the particularities of which Syrian warring faction does what to whom and why; I think there the speculation is quite pointless (and so are references to Ceauşescu etc.)

[alexandru_voicu]

Originally Posted by raytoei@gmail.com

Alexander,

Pls keep this thread off politics or else it will be pulled.

raytoei

It seems to me I'm not the only one "talking politics" (I actually did nothing more than to mention a very disturbing fact about the Syrian "opposition"), so I don't really understand why you picked me. I do agree, however, that it's a futile attempt from my part, so I'll stop here.

[EdwardKaraa]

Originally Posted by rxmd

Yeah, I don't doubt that this gives you some insight into how the Middle East works in general, but I was mainly thinking more concretely about the particularities of which Syrian warring faction does what to whom and why; I think there the speculation is quite pointless (and so are references to Ceauşescu etc.)

I agree with you that no one really knows, but our friend alexandru seems to know with no uncertainty who is putting the bombs, the opposition. I wonder where he gets his information from, but probably from the state press agency.

As for my reference to Ceausescu, I find it just strange that a roumanian who'se people endured a lot under the regime of the dictator is defending another dictator who committed even worse crimes, hence my question if he was a supporter of ceausescu.

[alexandru_voicu]

I do not follow the Syrian "state press agency", but I dare to quote from another "state press agency":

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-18115084

There were many other similar attacks and Damascus and elsewhere.

[alexandru_voicu]

I'm sorry for the second post, but I must add something about Ceauşescu. While his regime was despicable in many ways, I must say it was not murderous.

[EdwardKaraa]

Originally Posted by alexandru_voicu

I do not follow the Syrian "state press agency", but I dare to quote from another "state press agency":

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-18115084

There were many other similar attacks and Damascus and elsewhere.

From your link:

"Syrian officials have blamed "foreign terrorists" for the twin bombings."

So I guess this is the 3rd party wreaking havoc not the Syrian opposition.

[alexandru_voicu]

Exactly. The Syrian "opposition" is a melange of foreign terrorists, local Sunni extremists (some of whom have fought in Iraq) and all sorts of misguided elements. This is the "armed" branch. The political branch is monopolized by the Muslim Brotherhood.

Between Assad and the "opposition", I support Assad. Terrorism does not bring democracy.

[EdwardKaraa]

Originally Posted by alexandru_voicu

Exactly. The Syrian "opposition" is a melange of foreign terrorists, local Sunni extremists (some of whom have fought in Iraq) and all sorts of misguided elements. This is the "armed" branch. The political branch is monopolized by the Muslim Brotherhood.

Between Assad and the "opposition", I support Assad. Terrorism does not bring democracy.

No body knows how the opposition would be like if it takes the power, but Assad regime is responsible for the killing and assassination of over 150,000 Lebanese, including 2 presidents of the republic, a prime minister, dozens of politicians and journalists, and many innocents. As far as I'm concerned, how worse can the opposition do?

[Phil_F_NM]

Please keep the bickering about oppressive regimes off the forums. We're here to hear from John about his experience in Syria, not to discuss who killed more during what regime.
I'd rather keep the thread around since it's hard enough to hear any information from John while out on assignment. If the political back and forth keeps up, one of the mods will surely delete the whole thread.

As for John, that's some awesome work! A hard story to read. Thanks so much for keeping in touch with us. Keep shooting and be safe.

Phil Forrest

[buzzardkid]

Be safe John,

shoot the pictures and let the righteous sort them out later!

I respect that you are putting your a$$ on the line for something you believe in!

No matter what considerations anyone else has, any man deserves our respect for a thing like that!

[semilog]

Hope you find moments of peace amidst the catastrophe.