Syria: at the cross roads of Revolution

By Mohammed Bsiso

Among the multiple uprisings throughout the Arab world, Syria may prove to be the most complex and potentially the most dangerous. Syria's position in the Middle East is unique, so it is bordered by several countries to experience dynamic and sometimes dire political situations, which could translate into widespread chaos in the region. Historically, Syria has been a stabilizing factor in the Middle East and will remain so until this day. So naturally, instability in this pivotal Arab country has profound consequences, which could have devastating effects on its neighbours.

The current popular revolution in Syria has shown itself to be robust and unwilling to compromise on generation old ruling system in the country. Most recently, prominent opposition leaders rejected the Government's offer of dialogue with an indication of the confidence and momentum enjoyed by protesters in the past. This could also be partially due to painful experiences in uprisings in the past; most notable of the early 1980s where Hafez al-Assad (Bashars dad) massacred tens of thousands of men, women and children. Amazingly, the focal city where the previous uprising took place, Hama, fearlessly takes the lead in this. Not too long ago, Bashar al Assad's military units and security forces hastily withdrew from the city after Friday's unprecedented protests which saw more than a quarter of a million citizens on the street in a town with a population of approximately 800,000. Last Friday saw twice as many as estimated by protest organizers.

The situation in Hama develops in the middle of the General background of the uprising throughout the country in each region appears except the capital Damascus. Syria's central second city and business hub of Aleppo has slowly build up pressure as discontent has become widespread. As the nation's economy comes to screeching halt, will only increase pressure in Aleppo and effectively bring about the final phase of this revolution; the overthrow of the regime.

Of course, the situation in Syria are fluid and can take many more unexpected twists and turns before they reached a peak and an effective end; revolutionary and opposition leaders in the country know, however good, an unfinished uprising only will spell certain catastrophe to its population potentially leading to massacres.

Leaders in the West and East must realize that a transition to a new and fair form of governance which ensures the freedom and security for all Syrians are in everyone's interest. At the same time, they warned that the survival of the current repressive regime would not benefit anyone, and will cause Syria to become a pariah state, led by the brutal criminal. The Western media should unequivocally supports the Syrian people harrowing struggle for freedom and prosperity by highlighting their fate and cull inhumane campaign will be launched against them. Pressure must also be focused on the Turkish media to press the Turkish Government to act against Bashir and his security forces.

Events in Syria are really historical in scope and could translate in the liberation of millions of people. Dignified and Honorable free peoples of the world must do everything they can to support the brave people risking their lives by flooding the streets to protest peacefully and claim their rights. Let us stand on the right side of the story.

-Mohammed Bsiso has a Masters degree in history from the University of Texas in Dallas. He was originally from the Gaza Strip. He contributed this article to PalestineChronicle.com. Visit his blog: www.islamicnewsandhistory.blogspot.com.