The Syrian opposition: who's doing the talking?

[Jos]

The media have been too passive when it comes to Syrian opposition sources, without scrutinising their backgrounds and their political connections. Time for a closer look …

A nightmare is unfolding across Syria, in the homes of al-Heffa and the streets of Houla. And we all know how the story ends: with thousands of soldiers and civilians killed, towns and families destroyed, and President Assad beaten to death in a ditch.

This is the story of the Syrian war, but there is another story to be told. A tale less bloody, but nevertheless important. This is a story about the storytellers: the spokespeople, the "experts on Syria", the "democracy activists". The statement makers. The people who "urge" and "warn" and "call for action".

The Syrian opposition: who's doing the talking? | Charlie Skelton | Comment is free | guardian.co.uk

CIA

 

[MHunterB]

Profile


Charlie Skelton is a comedy writer, journalist and olive farmer. He is script editor of Channel 4's 10 O'Clock Live and writes on various similar sorts of things for television and radio

 

[Katzndogz]

As of this morning, Assad is taking his chemical weapons out of storage.

 

[Jos]

As of this morning, Assad is taking his chemical weapons out of storage.

What makes you think that?

 

[MHunterB]

Syria has begun moving its chemical weapons stockpile out of storage, U.S. warns | Mail Online

Syria Live Blog - Al Jazeera Blogs

 

[MHunterB]

Also from AJ:

The head of the UN observer mission in Syria says his teams can confirm government forces waged attacks from the ground and air Thursday in Tremseh, where there are reports of a mass killing.

Norwegian Maj. Gen. Robert Mood says Friday that the fighting involved helicopters and "mechanized units"- indicating the government was using heavy weapons. Mood described the assault as "continuous violence".

Anti-regime activists in Syria say government gunners rained shells on Tremseh before armed thugs moved in, leaving scores of people dead.

The government blamed the bloodshed on terrorists.

Nearly 300 UN observers sent to monitor the cease-fire are confined to their hotels because of the escalating violence. But Mood says the observers stationed in Hama were able to verify the fighting.

 

[Jos]

Syria has begun moving its chemical weapons stockpile out of storage, U.S. warns | Mail Online

Did you read the comments?

Here we go again.

- Les, Thailand, 13/7/2012 17:30
Click to rate Rating 118

Report abuse

Will they be the 45 minute type?

- steve, UK, 13/7/2012 17:45
Click to rate Rating 101

Report abuse

WMD again ?

- Savo, london, uk, 13/7/2012 17:53
Click to rate Rating 91

Report abuse

Haven't we heard all this before somewhere? Fir heavens sake don't let us get involved again. Let's some other countries carry the can for a change....Britain has done its bit, leave them to it.

- Syntax error, England, 13/7/2012 17:56
Click to rate Rating 68

Report abuse

Sounds like another "weapons of mass destruction" line, a la Bush and Blair. A prelude to an excuse for war.

- Don Quixote La Mancha, London, 13/7/2012 17:58
Click to rate Rating 61

Report abuse

Weapons Of Mass Destruction II

- sicon67, Gosport, Hampshire, 13/7/2012 18:17
Click to rate Rating 54

Report abuse

Unconfirmed . More scaremongering to start the banksters war.

- just, saying, 13/7/2012 17:56
Click to rate Rating 51

Report abuse

Read more: Syria has begun moving its chemical weapons stockpile out of storage, U.S. warns | Mail Online

 

[High_Gravity]

As of this morning, Assad is taking his chemical weapons out of storage.

Using chemical weapons would pretty much guarantee international intervention, besides he doesn't need those yet.

 

[mememe]

Assad is taking his WMD out of storage where it was kept next to Iraqi WMD, and is issuing his Army with double portions of Viagra to carry out unceasing rapes of his nation!

It calls for "civilised" interference and a "no fly" zone!

 

[MHunterB]

Jos, I read the comments.

I should rely on their judgement more than my own because?

When presented with a decision of some importance, like which side to support in a war, the intelligent person turns to the opinions of anonymous total strangers given on a chat board.

Well, yes - I suppose that could explain your POV.