"On July 24, after leaving Syria some 12 days prior, Manaf Tlass for the first time announced his opposition to the regime that he embodied, as though its transgressions had begun in March 2011. And the external “opposition” benevolently embraced him, as did the Saudis, who admitted Manaf to their kingdom for the‘umra (lesser pilgrimage). As Louis Armstrong sang, “What a Wonderful World!”" (thanks Sultan)