The future of Syria after Bashar’s speech

96 Days have passed. 1300 civilians have died in the protest. And to add to it, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad gave a third speech which stated ‘ no development without stability, no reform in the face of sabotage and chaos.’

It reminds me of past Egyptian president Mubarak, who currently has now been diagnosed with cancer. The same tension, demand and proclamation during the eve of his speech which also proved to be marred with loopholes.

Speaking on the same fears as Ben Ali and Hosni Mubarak did, during their penultimate public appearances, Assad blamed the entire protest on foreign intervention, reluctant opposition and above all, a small population which is exploiting Syria’s future.

‘Promises are lies’

Syrians are furious. Slogans like, ‘Its written on the tanks, Bashar’s promises are all lies,‘ have become a reality for the Syrian blood, sweat and soil. Few say that ‘Democracy can be tough and dangerous, especially for the minority’.

Others believe that the speech was meant only for the supporters and not for the opponents. But before engaging into any hard and fast judgement, my entire perspective is quite simple.

‘The future, the lesson’

If today, hundreds and thousands of Syrians believe that they do not want another Libya, Iraq or Afghanistan, then, what do they want? The Middle East uprising has stated the victory of Tunisia and Egypt. Unfortunately, in spite of conquering the electoral democracy, the conditions are still different.

The elections in Tunisia that were supposed to happen in July have been postponed. The Army which is in the interim control of the Egyptian government is criticized for its ‘insensitivity’. Initially, it did seem like ‘Justice delayed in justice denied‘. But unfortunately, both of them have interchanging meanings, now.

‘Fear and western powers’

Syrians are afraid to trust in the government again. Yes, no doubt, they will be. In fact, any opposition would be. It hardly matters whether Bashar stated that he would pass a law for the multi party democracy and call 100 leading personalities to discuss regarding constitutional reforms.

One must not also forget that Syria is also an oil exporter. Though, the industry has seen a decline, it still has the potential of exporting 400,000 barrels per day. This in itself means that the Western superpowers would soon be involved.

‘Where is President Sarkozy?’

Though, Bashar, in his 11 years of rule has chosen to win the trust of countries like Russia, Turkey, China and France. Interestingly, that is one of the reasons why President Sarkozy is not so strongly into international platforms regaring Syria. Though, Russia has state that another Libya is in the making and hence,  it would not let the history to be repeated.

The US and UK have condoned the entire proclamation and have stated that they want the Syrian president to surrender. Its all, talk, right now.

‘The common man?’

But ultimately, the average person has rights. And this fight is about his right. His right to be independent and survive. He cannot be called a ‘Saboteur’. He cannot be called as someone who causes destruction, disruption, subversion and obstruction.

It indeed is unfortunate to see that the Syrian President has been reduced to a game (Click to play)

What lies in front of Syria is a maze of convoluted thoughts. The days are numbered. But to what future, no one knows.

Know the real man behind the Political Columnist

‘People do not reason any more. They want pleasure, drugs, sex and often get it. That, I fear is the society we have become now. No opinions, no imaginations.’ says Peter Hitchens, the columnist at Britain’s The Mail on Sunday.

Dating his career start from 1977, Hitchens clearly states that most of his experience is useless and shall not benefit the journalism students of today, who need more technical experience.

With four books in his name that range from Britain’s politics to history of crime, this 60-year-old journalist believes that you learn more about your country by being in some other country.

‘My two year’s of experience of living in Russia is fixed in my mind. I can close my eyes and see myself there.  The sticky floor submerged in liquid soaking your boots that could be beer, clients not talking much with each other in the bar, packets of dry fish, me purchasing drinks- everything is clear,’ he narrates.

Audaciously speaking about how much he criticises the governmental machinery in Russia, he says ‘I think people who upset the government there are murdered.’

He is on the face, ruthlessly strict about his opinions and very practical.

He gave the example of Anna Politkovskaya, the Russian journalist who was killed while she was on her way home, an incident which no one deserves.

Communism, he says, had been one of the chief reasons behind the establishment of gangster culture in the entire Soviet Union.

Tak zhit Nelzya (You can’t live like that), a Russian documentary by famous director Stanislav Govorukhin, clearly paints a picture of the torture which Russians had been going through for ages but never stood up against it.

‘When people watched that movie, they were literally shaken by the reality of their world. They stood for an ovation. They cried.’ revealed Hitchens.

When I asked him if there is any opinion piece he really regretted writing, he confidently declined after a very long pause of self contemplation, ‘You can not disown what you once thought and just accept it after you have underwent the change. My greatest regret would be to write some story which I did not believe in.’

Similarly, when asked what he would advice future journalists, he said in a matter-of-fact tone ”Nothing. Absolutely nothing. I even keep my children away from my political thoughts.’

Though, he does claim that political journalism in UK is well dressed gossip. He reveals that how much he worked all his life to be one but three months down the lane, he knew it was not what he thought it would be.

Speaking about China and the way the country has prospered, he fears China is where the future would be. ‘China has broken all the rules. For the first time, a vast and glittering metropolitan like China has taught that prosperity could exist without liberty.’

Very openly, he says that he sees no importance in a country calling itself democratic only if it holds general elections.

What is important is the rule of law and jury trial. A culture which is distinctly not present in Russia and Bulgaria.

In a nutshell, when you hear Hitchens speak, it seems like his enormous experience and knowledge is an education in itself. He is strict, accurate and deserves immediate respect.

At the same time, he carries an elderly grace with him. A certain peace which you feel only if you stand next to him.

Dynamic and very robust, the man never says a single word which he does not mean and is very adherent to his opinions. If you meet him, do google about him before. Few hours are just not ample for his introduction.