Social Media Monitor: An Iranian for 44 Syrians

The recent prisoner swap between the regime and the Free Syrian Army, FSA, left many opposition supporters angry, accusing the regime that it cares little about the fate of Syrians.

The regime released 2130 prisoners from the opposition in exchange for only 48 Iranians who were held by the FSA.

Pro-opposition columnist Subhi Hadidi, who writes for the London-based daily Al-Quds Al-Arabi, tweeted:

"The prisoner swap is a chance to calculate what a Syrian citizen is worth in the eyes of the Assad family: 48 Iranians=2130 Syrians; a ratio of 1 to 44.3!"
“The prisoner swap is a chance to calculate what a Syrian citizen is worth in the eyes of the Assad family: 48 Iranians=2130 Syrians; a ratio of 1 to 44.3!”

Human rights activist Amjad Baiazi addressed regime loyalists in a comment on his Facebook page, saying the regime is not serious about protecting its supporters.

Caption "My friends, those of you who still support the regime, the regime did not demand the liberation of a single Syrian loyalist held by the Free Syrian Army! The Syrian regime only asked that Iranian 'pilgrims' be released! This is what Syrian soldiers are worth; this is what you [Assad lovers] are worth!"
Caption “My friends, those of you who still support the regime, the regime did not demand the liberation of a single Syrian loyalist held by the Free Syrian Army! The Syrian regime only asked that Iranian ‘pilgrims’ be released! This is what Syrian soldiers are worth; this is what you [Assad lovers] are worth!”

Pro-opposition Syrian actress Yara Sabri greeted the freed opposition detainees:

"You look so wonderful. We're waiting to get to know you one by one… Congratulations, children of great Syria. We want freedom for everybody."
“You look so wonderful. We’re waiting to get to know you one by one… Congratulations, children of great Syria. We want freedom for everybody.”

Russia holds on to Assad

In his most recent statement about Syria, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov called on the head of the opposition National Coalition to offer ideas for a political solution, stressing at the same time that ousting Assad cannot be a precondition for starting dialogue.

The Ex-Chairman of the Syrian National Council Burhan Ghalioun replied to Lavrov’s statement on his Facebook page. The only way to address Russia is to “break the regime’s back,” the comment read.

"Our battle today is not only against Syria's impostor [Assad], but also against his allies. Had the Russians not encouraged him, his speech would not have been so insolent."
“Our battle today is not only against Syria’s impostor [Assad], but also against his allies. Had the Russians not encouraged him, his speech would not have been so insolent.”

Activist Mustafa Alloush said that it is not impossible for Syrians to overthrow Assad after they have broken the silence barrier at the start of the revolution.

"Lavrov thinks that it's impossible to push Assad out of power! Lavrov possible knows that before March 15, 2011, even Syrians thought that it was impossible to stage demonstration demanding that a governor be changed, but they breached the impossible for the first time in Daraa! And then it was thought impossible to badmouth the president, but they cursed both him and his father and demanded that he be executed…"
“Lavrov thinks that it’s impossible to push Assad out of power! Lavrov possible knows that before March 15, 2011, even Syrians thought that it was impossible to stage demonstration demanding that a governor be changed, but they breached the impossible for the first time in Daraa! And then it was thought impossible to badmouth the president, but they cursed both him and his father and demanded that he be executed…”

 Al-Zaatari “lake”

     

Refugees attempt to repair the damage done by the flooding in Al-Zaatari camp – YouTube

The recent storm that struck the Middle East last week left Al-Zaatari camp in Jordan submerged in water, destroying many refugees’ tents. The camp had already seen the death of three children in November due to severe weather conditions.

Al-Zaaari Camp flooded - Facebook
Al-Zaaari Camp flooded – Facebook

Syrian writer Nawal al-Sibaai, who lives in Spain, sarcastically referred to the camp as a “lake.” In the geographical metaphor she used, she bitterly criticized both Arab and foreign countries for failing to offer help to the camp residents.

“Al-Zaatari is a natural lake, which was formed by geological factors due to the [ill] conscience of Arabs and foreigners alike.”

Activist Ghassan Yassine wrote a comment on Facebook criticizing the countries that claim to be helping the Syrian people.

“Had they had a shred of honour or humanity they would not have called themselves friends of the Syrian people. Aiding refugees outside Syria needs neither safe passages [into the country] nor a United Nations resolution…”

In a comment published on their Facebook page, a group of Syrian Christian opposition activists called Tansiqiyyat Al-Juljula (The Golgotha Coordination Committee) urged Jordanian churches to open their doors before Syrian refugees.

Snow brings some joy

Snowmen demonstrate against the regime in the town of Al-Qadmus in he governorate of Tatrtus near the coast - Facebook
Snowmen demonstrate against the regime in the town of Al-Qadmus in he governorate of Tartus near the coast – Facebook

When it snowed last week, Syrians who are internally displaced or refugees in surrounding countries had a hard time dealing with the harsh weather conditions. Syrians who are luckier for not having to leave their homes, however, were rejoiced by the snow. Many people who live in conflict areas took advantage of the absence of military aircraft to go out and play with snow. Some of the regime soldiers manning checkpoints in Damascus were seen playfully throwing snowballs at cars passing by.

"Residents of the Syrian capital Damascus dropped their weapons for a few hours to play with snowballs, laughing and burying their feelings of hatred during a short truce."
“Residents of the Syrian capital Damascus dropped their weapons for a few hours to play with snowballs, laughing and burying their feelings of hatred during a short truce.”

Activist Ibrahim Assi wondered if, after it had snowed, Assad would make an appearance like the one Qaddafi made in 2011. After it had rained in Tripoli during the early phase of the uprising, the then Libyan leader showed up on TV and gave a short comment that many found laughable.

"After it snowed over Damascus, will the events in Syria resemble the ones that took place in Libya? Will Assad appear tomorrow with a white umbrella, riding in a toc toc?"
“After it snowed over Damascus, will the events in Syria resemble the ones that took place in Libya? Will Assad appear tomorrow with a white umbrella, riding in a toc toc?”