Social Media Monitor 19-11-2012
Syrians in solidarity with Gaza
The situation in Gaza witnessed a big escalation on Wednesday November 14 when Israeli forces launched Operation Pillar of Defence, which started with the assassination of Hamas’ military chief Ahmed al-Jaabari. A cease-fire between Israel and Palestinians factions was reached on November 21 after six Israelis and 173 Palestinians were killed.
-Nothing.”
Source: Facebook
Syrian activists found a large resemblance between the military violence in Syria and the Israeli army’s aggression in the Gaza Strip. Syrian opposition activist Abd al-Aedi wrote on Facebook: “From Damascus to Gaza, the knives of the killers were united against freedom seekers.”
Blogger Razzan al-Ghazzawi questioned on Twitter (@RedRazan) the Syrian regime’s allegations of standing in the face of Israel.
“If Assad is really standing in the face of Israel I would have expected something to be done for the people of Gaza today; it seems he’s only standing against our freedom,” Ghazzawi wrote.
Syrian activist Majed Massouh, who lives in France, commented sarcastically on Facebook about Assad’s actions: “If His Excellency was not busy killing those some million traitors Israel would not have been able to do anything.”
Despite the torments of the on-going war in Syria, protestors did not forget the Palestinian cause. Syrian Observatory for Human Rights stated that more than 250 demonstrations took place in Syria during the Friday demonstrations held under the title In Support of the National Coalition. Demonstrators in Masaken Hanano quarter in Aleppo chanted “Palestine, we are with you till death.” Demonstrators in the Jobar suburb outside Damascus also chanted similar slogans. In Kafranbil in the province of Idlib, demonstrators held banners that show the similarity between the violence exercised by both the Syrian and Israeli governments.
The head of the opposition National Coalition Moaz al-Khatib addressed Syrians in a statement that was shared by many activists on Facebook.
The statement called on Syrians to stand behind the National Coalition in order to gain international recognition, which would allow the formation of a transitional government and facilitate financial and military support for the opposition.
“First, we need to unite, and not to have anyone make statements on TV that would… give the impression that we are divided,” the statement read. “Love one another and be one.”
This statement was welcome by Syrian activists. Filmmaker Osama Mohamed wrote on Facebook: “‘Like’ for Mr. Moaz al-Khateeb’s statement. The language one uses reflects one’s personality. [Khatib’s] language is vibrant with a sense of responsibility and humanity. It declares a need for the other; every other.”
Other Syrian opposition figures have welcomed France’s recognition of the coalition as the sole representative of the Syrian people. Syrian journalist Faisal al-Qassim considered this recognition as a fatal blow to the UN envoy Lakhdar Brahimi’s initiative.
“Paris no longer recognizes the regime or engages in a dialogue with it,” he added in a comment he posted on Facebook.
Other opposition figures criticized the Arab League’s reluctance to recognize the coalition.
“France turned out to be our compassionate mother; she was better than many Arab countries!” former member of the Syrian National Council Adeeb al-Shishakly wrote on Facebook
Not everybody, however, shared this positive view of the new coalition headed by Khatib. Liwa’ Al-Tawheed, an umbrella of Islamist opposition militias in Aleppo, posted a video on YouTube declaring rejection of the National Coalition. The video showed a spokesman describing the coalition as “a conspiratorial project” and announcing plans to create “a fair Islamic state.”
The National Coalition’s first ambassador
The opposition National Coalition appointed Munzer al-Makhous as an ambassador in France, the first to represent the new coalition abroad.
This step was highly criticized by Syrian pro-opposition writer Hakam al-Baba, since Makhous is an Alawite.
“I understand that minorities have to be [pleased], but it shouldn’t at the expense of the people who are offering their blood. I don’t have an objection to Mr. Monzir Makhous as a person, but I object to the fact that the first ambassador is chosen from the sect that rejects the revolution,” Baba wrote on Facebook. “Even if he was from the opposition, this is really a bad start.”
Syrian activist Bashar al-Moqayyad commented on Baba’s statement, saying: “Our revolution is not supposed to be sectarian!!! A Syrian is a Syrian regardless of his religion, as long as he supports freedom, justice and dignity.”
Syrians back protests in Jordan
Demonstrations broke out in Jordan on November 15 after the government removed fuel subsidies. For the first time, people called for the king to leave.
Syrian activists congratulated the Jordanians on the beginning of their “revolution.”
“What great news! The revolution has started in Jordan!! Congratulations to Jordan,” Syrian activist Majd Moubayyed wrote on Facebook.
Syrians shared their experience during more than a year and half in the revolution with their Jordanian neighbours.
“Don’t start a National Council; create a National Coalition directly to save time! If you hear something called ‘reforms’ prepare the shelters!” Homs Rebels Coalition sarcastically commented on Facebook. “If you have a channel called Al-Donia [a pro-regime private channel], don’t take off the air; you won’t be able to laugh anymore.”
