A Syrian scientist in the US sent me this: "Just watched the news broadcaster, a two-penny-hay-penny self-styled Empress, on CNN International arguing with Syrians in London that the Syrian regime is 'sectarian.' Two of the three (the third remained
silent over this issue) repeatedly told her that this is not the case, and
the problem with the Syrian regime is that politics is a domain one but the
regime can play in. She said, point frigging blank: "I don't believe
that!" Sadly she could not provide a proof for her obviously 'religious'
conviction! This brought to my memory Dr. Manna' and his statement about
the "Syrian regime used sectarianism and so the National Council learnt from
it." He must be talking about an era I am not familiar with. Granted that
he left the country 25 years ago, but I had a station in Alleppo, Syria 25 years ago, and I was hounded by the security services in Aleppo (CIA spy!) and they were not Alwaites! Nor, for that matter was the University festooned with Alawites or the Syrian National Agricultural Research Program headed, or even had amongst its leaders an
Alawite! Dr. Manna' may have to stop listening to CNN, and bring to an
end what appeared to be a cosy relationship with the 'Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.' We know the Astronomer in residence, but we hate think
his a political friend of Dr. Menna'. It is unseemly!"
his a political friend of Dr. Menna'. It is unseemly!"
