Syrian repression and Human Rights Watch

"Nadim Houry, the senior researcher on Syria and Lebanon for Human Rights Watch, said the prominent role for Mrs. Assad was “part of a general charm offensive.” He took particular issue with the Harvard Arab Alumni Association Web site’s reference to the first family’s support for independent civil society.  “This is definitely crossing the line,” he said. “There is nothing independent and nothing self-sustaining about what the government is doing with civil society in Syria.”"  I, of course, support what Nadim is saying about Syria but wonders why he is not disturbed when various international associations seek sponsorships by Hariri family in Lebanon and receive their money?  He surely is aware that the lousy Rafiq Hariri headed the government during the years of Syrian control in Lebanon.  Furthermore, does Human Rights Watch get disturbed when international associations have ties to the brutal Israeli regime?  As for the New York Times' sense of indignation?  It is too easy to attack.  Too easy.