DAMASCUS,(ST)_ As it is very common with colonialists, the French and British betrayed the Arabs and plotted against them during the First World War between 1914 and 1917 and the betrayal was crystal clear in Sykes-Picot and San Remo agreements and later in Balfour Declaration.
The French were in a hurry to occupy Syria after the war, feeling the insistence of the Syrians to establish their modern state. This was manifested in the fact that just months after getting rid of the Ottoman colonialism, preparations started for the Syrian National Conference and a foundation conference to draw a constitution for the country was held on July 13 , 1920, when the French armies moved towards Damascus-through Lebanon led by Gen. Guru who thought he will enter Damascus without a fight.
As the French troops moved towards Damascus , Syrian defence Minister Youssef al-Azmeh made up his mind to go out to Maysaloun and fight the French army with a few number of soldiers who were the nucleus of the recently founded Arab army besides hundreds of volunteers who decided to defend national honor and dignity.
The battle Maysaloun in July 24, 1920 was but a declaration of the beginning of the battle for independence as with the occupation of the first meters of the Syrian territory , the first Syrian martyr in the battle of evacuation sacrificed himself so that Maysaloun became a vivid example that embodies man ‘s belongingness to his land .
The Syrians will always remember last words of martyr Youssef al-Azmeh to King Faisal after asking him to take care of his daughter Laila .. Sublime honor will be unharmed just through sacrificing oneself.
T. Fateh