Thursday, October 20, 2011

Introduction to SAC Georgia

In March 2011, a group of young boys, painted in graffiti style, “The people want to bring down the regime,” in Deraa, Syria. Excited by the revolutions taking place throughout the region, these children, under the age of eighteen, were arrested by the Syrian government. Instead of being treated as juveniles, they were held and abused by their own government. They were returned to their families bruised, beaten, and missing fingernails.

After almost 50 years of “emergency laws” in Syria, the people chose to peacefully rise up and demand an end to government corruption, injustice, and tyranny. When these basic requests were met with bullets, the people insisted on a transition to democracy. The Syrian government retaliated with more intimidation, arrest, torture, and killings. The international community responded through sanctions and isolation of the Syrian government. The government of Syria claims these events are orchestrated by outside adversaries, but the question remains, why is the Syrian government so afraid of democracy? If President Assad believes these events are being initiated by hostile forces outside of Syria, why not hold democratic elections and see who the Syrian citizen’s vote for? The truth is, the Syrian government operates as a mafia system, centered on greed, control, and deceit.

With the Atlanta region being home to many Syrian Americans of all faiths, the local community felt compelled to support the citizens of Syria. As such, we initiated contact with the national office of the Syrian American Council and inquired about starting a chapter in Georgia. We wanted to be a local voice for those being oppressed by the Assad regime. Although Syria is nearly 6,500 miles away, many of us in this state have families who have been directly impacted by the democracy and freedom movement currently taking place in Syria.

As such, the Syrian community of Georgia started a local chapter of the Syrian American Council (SAC). SAC is a grassroots organization devoted to promoting educational, civic, economic, and human development throughout Syria. Additionally, it aspires to build bridges of understanding and cooperation between American and Syrian people and institutions. More detailed information about SAC can be found at www.sacouncil.com.

Although SAC Georgia is still in its infancy, we have been very proactive in our activities. Besides our ongoing membership drive, we are working to establish relationships with policy makers throughout Georgia. SAC Georgia is working on educating the community about current events in Syria, while at the same time creating dialogue with our local, state, and federal government representatives. Whether it is assisting the refugees who have taken shelter in neighboring Turkey, holding town hall meetings in metro Atlanta, or advocating on behalf of Syria, we look forward to introducing ourselves to all of you and building necessary relationships needed to make positive change.

In the meantime, if you are interested in learning more about SAC Georgia, visit www.sacouncil.com for additional information.

Tuesday, August 16, 2011

Syria

Recent events in Syria have caused President Obama’s administration, Congress, and intelligence agencies to question America’s role in the uprising. Americans of all demographics, political parties, and faiths have expressed valid concern about the direction of our country. With unemployment nearing 10% and debt totaling $14 trillion, the policies of the past are proving to be incompatible with the priorities of the future.

Historically, American foreign policy promoted and preferred stability over democracy as evident by our unequivocal support of despotic Middle Eastern leaders. These Arab leaders were never elected by their people and often suppressed dissent by torture, imprisonment, or execution. Yet, our government has remained publicly silent as the Kings of Saudi Arabia forbade women from driving. Hosni Mubarak’s government pocketed over $50 billion, aided by US foreign aid paid for by American tax payer money, without any tangible result. Instead of taking the $50 billion and building Egypt’s infrastructure and economy, Mubarak and his cronies used this money to further alienate common Egyptians, stifle prosperity, and create an uneven playing field. The currency of Mubarak’s government centered on briberies, “commissions,” and other forms of unethical dealings. Whether it is Jordan, the Gulf States, or North Africa, our policies in the region have given cause to the uprisings currently taking place.

In the past six months, the Syrian government, led by “President” Assad, has killed over 2,000 people. When the world asked Assad to reform, he responded with bullets. When America placed sanctions on Assad, he responded with more torture and more killings. Oddly, he is still being asked to reform and is being told that if he is unwilling to reform, he should step down, or transition the country into democracy. On behalf of all the mothers and fathers who lost someone in Syria, what about justice for those families? He is directly responsible for the killings of over 2,000 innocent people as well as thousands who are currently missing, unjustly imprisoned, or being tortured. Instead of “advising” President Assad of his options, not one country has spoken out in regards to punishing Assad for his crimes against humanity. The International Criminal Court in The Hague, Netherlands should be President Assad’s destination and not some comfy resort if he chooses to “reform” or step down.

American troops must not be involved in this conflict. The sanctions currently being led by Secretary Clinton are positive steps, but for all of their effect, the Assad family will still be the wealthiest in Syria. Were America can lead, along Turkey and other allies in the region, is to bring about criminal charges against the Assad dynasty. Too many people are dying and President Assad is only being asked to reform. That is an absurd proposition.

It is time for our foreign policy to match the values that we promote at home. We have the unique opportunity to show the Arab world that we can resolve this issue without military intervention. We have the chance to show the region that the policies of justice, freedom, and pursuit of happiness apply to Syria as well. The people of Syria and other Arab countries want democracy, and America can promote this value without any tanks. A democratic Middle East will eventually reduce the debt and future American taxpayer spending and provide real, not perceived, stability in the region. Only then can we refocus on becoming the innovative leader of the world.