‘’ I Don’t Believe This Is Syria’’

A phrase heard so often in Syria nowadays from Syrians coming from all walks of life. The way their country has changed in so many aspects in the past two years, has caused many Syrians to think that they are living a horror film with many parts –  each part getting more horrific than the part before.

In the past, Syria rated as one of the top ten countries in security. No one thought much about it because security was there – enjoyed and never fully appreciated by everyone. Now, Syria definitely has no rating in the top ten countries.

From one of the most secure countries in the world, Syria has become an open battleground for armed groups fighting the government – a place rife with kidnappings and theft. Certain areas of Syria are no longer under government control-but temporarily- and they are the areas hit worse, where the residents are under the cruelty of armed men – men whose ability to control is out of control!

In the early hours of the morning of Sunday 5th of May Israel did what it is good at ! It violated the sovereignty of Syria – unleashing deadly weapons- causing huge destruction and death. It jolted the residents of Syria out of their slumber- but there was an even bigger jolt awaiting them! For it seemed that the Israeli strike against Syria was celebrated by most of the world – most of the Arabs and to the never ending shame of Syrians – some of the Syrians! As Mount Kasion erupted in fire at two in the morning, cameras were already waiting to film the catastrophe as if there was prior knowledge of what will come. And from the rooftops of the minarets of some mosques Allahu Akbar echoed and re-echoed in the air(in yet another abuse of that holy word). That some Syrians and even if they are a small minority, should welcome an Israeli strike against their country simply to spite the government is inconceivable. Since when have Syrians been so lacking in honour and ethics? So some Syrians don’t like the government, nor do they like its politics but for that to run so deep that the line that separates right from wrong becomes blurred is unbelievable and sad .  Neither did the almighty Syrian opposition in their 5 star abodes bother to comment about  what had happened to their country and country people . They couldn’t see the damage that Israel had left nor the many deaths it had been responsible for. They kept mum and no doubt got their rewards for it.

   Yes Syrians are right to say “ I can’t believe this is Syria anymore! ‘’

Reem Haddad