The Invisible War

Not Assad- the Western Boycott is responsible for the misery in Syria.

Interview with Marco Glowatzki by Katrin McClean

Marco Glowatzki is a master tailor and couturier; he lives in Hamburg, Germany. He spent 2 weeks in war-torn Syria, from December 2016 to January 2017. He traveled along, and, what he saw and experienced was in stark contrast to that propagated by the Main Stream Media. Katrin McClean spoke to him about what he had seen.

Marco, you are a successful and much in demand couture tailor. Sounds pretty much like someone with not a lot of time to spare. How did you come to visit Syria?

Firstly, let me say, I was born and raised in the German Democratic Republic. I was a member of the Party (SED) youth organisations. My father, a political activist, kept himself well informed and up to date on political issues. Mecklenburg is near the border between the former East and West Germany. Thus, we had easy access to “West TV”. Regularly, we watched two diametrically different versions of the self-same events. My father always advised “listen to both sides, and make up your own mind”. And, if you are still not satisfied, read up on it, or, better still, visit the country yourself”. Good advice, but of little practical value- travel from the DDR was close to impossible.

Border crossing from Lebanon to Syria at Al Areeda (23.12.2016)

With the reunification of Germany, I could now travel as I wished. I have always been drawn to the Orient, I find the art, history and culture fascinating. Seven trips to Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt, Turkey, Iran and, my latest trips to Lebanon and Syria, have bonded me with the region, and its culture.

During my training, in the Hamburg Technical School, I was one of only two Germans in class. It seems, this profession attracts people across cultures. Many were from countries such as Turkey, Morocco and Syria, and, I am still friends with many of them. When stories of an uprising, and, then a civil war, surfaced in 2011, my Syrian friends all greeted it with derision.

The Media narrative, and my friend’s reaction to it, led me to begin my own research. There are many Web Sites and Blogs, emanating from Syria. They fight the misinformation propagated by the Western Media. Numerous blatant lies, could be easily refuted, using sources on the ground. This is how I came to meet Jalal, my very best friend in Syria.

Would you give me a few examples of such Main Stream Media “lies”?

The Main Stream Media reported mass demonstrations in Syria. We were told, hundreds of thousands, were demonstrating against President Assad. While, at the same time, we were shown a small group of Assad loyalists, gathered to protest this Demonstration.

By simply identifying, which flags and banners, were displayed by which group- one could easily discern which group was for, and, which was against Asaad. It was not difficult to confirm this. The unpleasant reality was that “our Media” had shamelessly, turned a Pro-Government Demonstration into an Anti-Government Demonstration.

The logic behind this – most consumers of Main Stream Media, would not know which flags were Pro- and which were Anti-Government. Unfortunately, it did not quite work out as envisaged. The ARD (one of the two public television channels in Germany) was hit with an official complaint, “blatant misrepresentation of facts”. The ARD made a cursory apology, and deleted the report from its Media Archives. This was not an isolated occurrence. The Main Stream Media has continued its misinformation campaign.

Other example, in Wikipedia, Pro-Government demonstrations, replete with the Syrian national flag, are, yet again, represented as Anti-Government events. We see the same, in Der Spiegel and TAZ, two publications, once reputed to be left/liberal bastions.

So, in fact, we have been shown Pro-government demonstrations, falsely labeled as Anti-government demonstrations?

That is what my friends were telling the whole time. People in Syria knew very well, what the Western Media were doing. They, and their offshoots in the Arab world, such as Al Jazeera, were agitating for an “Arab Spring” in Syria. This was the chosen instrument of “Regime Change” for Syria. People in Syria understand this, have rejected it in the past – and, still reject it.

Tens-of-thousands of Syrians, repeatedly went onto the streets, showing support for their Government, their Country, and yes, for their President. In response to pressure from the West, an election was held, again, they gave a mandate to Bashar Al Assad.

We are told the police fired on peaceful demonstrators. If these demonstrations were, in fact, Pro-government, why would the government open fire on them?

Indeed, and that is not what happened. My friends in Syria told me, the peaceful demonstrations were infiltrated by terrorists, who, then fired on police. When the demonstrators had taken cover, the Syrian Police returned fire. This was covered by the Herald Tribune, which exposed the provocation.

And, because of this misinformation, you traveled to Syria to see for yourself? Quite a brave decision on your part.

Yes, I wanted to see, for myself, what was true, and what was not true. I was not quite as brave as you think. What happened is, my Web contacts developed, and we began to call each other. Soon, these contacts developed into friendships. Most lived in Western Syria, they repeated their invitations to visit. At first I was cautious, even somewhat fearful. “Are you crazy? Do you think I’m going to walk into a war zone? When everything has cooled down, then I’ll gladly visit “. They kept repeating “Marco, the war is not in Latakia, you don’t have to worry”.

Eventually, I gave in, and began to organize my trip.

How did you get to Syria?

The travelling to Syria is difficult. The so-called “International Community”, has imposed crippling sanctions. In fact, Syria is completely boycotted and isolated. There are many practical difficulties involved, including Visa and Entry Requirements. Before the war, it was a direct flight to Latakia- a few hours and one was there. Now, with the sanctions, it is not quite so easy. First, I had to fly to Moscow, and, from there to Beirut. At the Airport, I was picked up and driven North, through Lebanon, to the Syrian Border. On the Syrian side, I was met by my friends, who then, took me to Latakia.

Did you get to see much of Syria, or was most of your time in Latakia?

My friends showed me quite a lot of the country. We were in Al Areeda in the south, then in Tartus, Banias, Ugarit and Wadi Quandil, this is as far north, as we could go. This was a 3-4-hour drive from Idlib, which is, at this moment under the control of the terrorists to go any further, would have been very dangerous.

Were you not afraid?

I certainly was! Especially as I started off. My mother, and my best friend, were the only ones who knew of my trip. As I departed from Hamburg Airport, I was worried, I could be prevented from leaving.

Finally, to my great relief, I sat in the plane to Moscow. Now, I worried- what am I letting myself in for? Could these people be trusted, I had never met any of them?

In the arrivals hall in Beirut, I was met by two men who were to pick me up. Before I left, it had been agreed, they would spot my green jacket. They came over to me, hugged me warmly, and I felt relieved. I was in good hands. The next leg of the trip, north to the Syrian Border, was uneventful.

Was it not possible to travel alone to Latakia?

No, that would have been very risky. The two men who picked me up, Mounzer and Saleh, made their living by escorting people, like myself, up through Lebanon to Syria. At the border, they organised the paperwork, and led me from one check-point to the next. At each stop, there were seemingly endless questions. Fortunately for me, they were there to answer for me. At that time, not speaking Arabic, their presence was invaluable.

Normally this trip takes 3 or 4 hours; now, it is an 11-hour journey. This is a country under siege. A coalition of mercenaries and fanatical Jihadists, have laid waste to the country. The high level of vigilance, by the Army and Security Services, is understandable. Every village and town, is secured by Military Check-Points. These have proved their worth. In January 2017, just a week after I left, a suicide bomber blew himself up in a play-ground. With him, 17 other people died-all women and children. No one wants these fanatics to access secured areas. The acute danger, demands strict security. In fact, I felt perfectly safe.

The Jihadis, mercenaries and assorted crazies, also operate check-points. Fortunately, I did not get to see any of these. Had I encountered one, I would probably not have lived to tell the tale. One way or another, the areas controlled by the jihadis, did not interest me.

You use terms such as jihadist, mercenary, and terrorist. Do you see a difference between radical jihadis and moderate rebels? Our politicians and their media outlets really like the term.

People in Syria would not acknowledge any difference, they are all the same. That is, by the way, exactly as I see it too. The Main Stream Media talk of “moderate rebels.” In fact, these people are often foreign fighters, paid by Qatar and Saudi Arabia. The military training is provided by, among others, the CIA. How do we know this? Well, official CIA documents make no secret of it.

The people I spoke to, returned, time and again, to this simple question “Why are the people, destroying our country, called rebels, and, the men and women defending their country, called evil?”

These groups, infiltrate from Turkey in the North. They have attacked, and occupied, the provinces of Idlib, Al Bab and Raqqa. In the south, Israel and Jordan, facilitate incursions of groups who attack Daara and Suweida. The aim, is the subversion of the secular Syrian state. And, by extreme violence, to establish an Islamic state-replete with Sharia Law. The captive populations, are subjected to a brutal, and intolerant version of Islam. Of all the people of Syria, perhaps 3 per cent, would freely submit to this. The occupied areas are being depopulated. People who can flee, leave for the protection of government controlled areas.

Let’s get back to your trip. What was your impression of Latakia?

For me, it had a lot to do with the people. I was made to feel like one of the family. I had never met any of these people, and their hospitality, I much appreciated. We visited friends and families, different homes, in different towns and villages. Long talks and generous hospitality.

My closest friend, Jalal, organised everything and took good care of me. In addition to other languages, his English and German is fluent. He Studies Architecture at Tishreen University. To finance his studies, he gives English and German lessons in a private school.

We also visited the West of Syria, areas completely untouched by the war.

I noticed, traveling north from Lebanon up to Syria, a typical sky line. In towns and villages, there would be two towers, side by side. The Church Spire and the Minaret. Jalal explained, this was normal town planning. Both confessions, side by side, equality of religion, in a secular state. It was impressive, religions peacefully coexisting, in such a small area. This war, is the worst conflict in Syria’s history. It is tearing apart, what has evolved over centuries.

MODERNITY AND TRADITION IN SYRIA IN LATAKIA

The Main Stream Media have been telling us from the start, it is a religious conflict.

Yes, of course, this is nothing new. If one was to believe them – which I don’t – it’s all the Presidents fault. He, being a member of the minority Alawite Sect (13%), oppresses the Sunni majority, simple, end of story. Every single person, with whom I spoke, vehemently denied this. President Assad’s wife, Asma is Sunni. They have been married 18 years, and have three children. Why would a man, with such a pathological hatred of Sunnis marry one? The whole story we are presented is a tissue of lies.

I was fortunate to be there for Christmas. The Church’s and Mosques were open to all. It was a hive of activity. The city was thronged with people of all religions, celebrating together. It seemed to me, true equality of religion. The streets, decorated and lit, surges of people, different in confession, yet bonded by the festivities.

It cannot be emphasized enough, it is the present secular government, which guarantees this religious freedom.

And what about the opposition? Do they want to abolish the secular state?

I must admit, I hardly met any of the opposition. I was, however, introduced to a young man, who, had taken part in the anti-government demonstrations. When I asked why, and, for what he had demonstrated, his answer was “for freedom”. And, what was his ideal of freedom? “I want the freedom to practice my religion. I want my wife to wear the veil, and be subservient to me, as is required by our religion”.

He had been a member of an extremist group. And, after a conviction for attacking police, he served a prison sentence. His conviction, attacking police with petrol bombs. After his release, he went on to study at university. Otherwise, as I said earlier-I had little contact to opposition figures. From what I saw and heard, I’m convinced, most Syrians wish President Assad to remain as head of a secular state.

Once, we took a trip out to the archaeological site at Ungarit. After visiting the site, we went to a nearby tourist restaurant to have a meal and rest, before the drive back. It was nearly empty. The only other guests were two couples, and, they soon joined us. Before the war, this restaurant was popular, and very busy. It would be full of day trippers. They were an interesting group. Both couples were of mixed marriages. One of the men was Muslim his wife Christian, the other couple, the opposite.

The Muslim woman, perfectly styled and made up, wore the hijab. The table was opulently laid out, schisas whiskey and cola. We talked long into the afternoon. They were eager to tell what they feared would happen, if the government was overthrown: “You know Marco, if these so-called rebels take over, we could not sit together like this. These mixed marriages would not even be accepted, we would be forced to leave Syria for another country”. The only thing, between us and that fate, is the present system we have now, with Bashar.”

What I am hearing is the Main Stream Media line on Syria is not just biased, it is an issue of lies?

That’s the way I see it. Take the assertion, the minority Alawites oppress the majority Sunnis. There are 183 Sunnis and 67 Alawites in the Syrian Parliament. The Baath Party is Sunni, and yet, gave Assad the Chair- with a 75% majority! Add to that, the fact that Syria is the only Arab state, whose Parliament has a female President-and, she too, is a Sunni. To put it in a nutshell, the idea that Syria is ruled by a brutal dictator, is, as my friends never tired of repeating, just not true.

I’ll give you another example. Amnesty International put out a Report on the Sednaya Prison dated 7.02.2017. The report came out of the blue. Since Aleppo was liberated at Christmas, little was reported from Syria. The Amnesty Report claimed thousands of prisoners were executed. The military prison, 30 Km north of Damascus, could house a maximum of 1000 prisoners. Unfortunately, for Amnesty, and its credibility, there was a Belgian delegation in Syria at the time. The very same day, they demanded access, to investigate the claims. The Belgian Parliamentarian Philipp de Winter issued a report. After visiting the prison, the delegation declared the Amnesty Report was false. In fact, the Commission believed, as far as prison conditions went, it seemed to them, quite comfortable. The former British Ambassador, P. Ford, called Amnesty International a pack of liars.

My friends assured me, Amnesty had not visited Syria, much less the prison. And, perfectly reasonably, they asked why they should prove anything- it’s Amnesty needs to prove its allegation! The Amnesty claims were also rejected by the German Newspaper “Junge Welt”. Which is, by the way, the only German paper with a correspondent, Karin Lukefeld, in the country. There are other independent journalists regularly in Syria. Eva Bartlett; Vanessa Beeley; Jan Oberg; Tim Anderson and Jurgen Totenhöfer, and all, without exception, contradict the Main Stream narrative. As an aside, Sednaya prison is mentioned by the adventurer Billy Six, who was, himself held there. In his book, the description of conditions there, though not great, were far removed from those in the Amnesty Report.

The problems with Main Stream Media reporting, seem to stem from the fact, they are not based in Syria. The Syria correspondent for the main German TV channel news “Die Tagesschau.” sends regular reports about Syria, but from Cairo, Egypt.

On the ground in Syria, what I saw, were International Aid Organizations such as UNHCR and the Red Crescent. Jalal’s sister herself, works for the Red Crescent. It was touching, how she cared for the children. There are millions of internally displaced Syrians. These Aid Organizations, do much needed work, despite the limitations imposed by the western sanctions.

We are being told again, by the Main Stream Media, hundreds of thousands of Syrians are fleeing from Assad. This does not fit with your account. Are they, in fact, escaping the jihadis?

Yes indeed, the people are terrified of these fanatics and mercenaries. That is why they flee. From what I saw, and I would point to the facts on the ground, to support it. Most of the 7 million displaced civilians, have remained in Syria. They fled their towns and villages to escape the Jihadis. And, where do we find them today? They are in the areas under the control of the Syrian government. Obviously, they fled to, and not from Assad. Most have been able to stay with relatives. The family, where I stayed, also took in displaced people. I spoke with them, and heard their story.

There was one family, the son had left for Turkey, to escape being drafted into the SAA. He was there two years, had settled, had a job and an apartment. In 2016, as the EU opened its Borders to refugees, he took the opportunity, and is now in Holland.

His sister, who remained in Syria, is serving as a volunteer in the SAA. While back home at Christmas, she had a phone call with him. He spoke from Amsterdam, his father refused to speak to him. I did not meet this young man, but I would say he would be an example of the typical Syrian refugee. According to the latest German data (11.01.2017) for 2016, from the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF). There were 266,250 registered Syrian refugees in Germany. The data shows, 8 out of 10 Syrians, are young men between 15 and 35.

It is surely understandable, a young man, rather than fighting in a terrible war, would take the opportunity, and flee. Especially, if he could move to Germany. and get into university.

From here, that’s easy to say. However, if one takes, just a brief look at the background to the situation in Syria –it gets a lot less simple. Most people just about make ends meet, with some form of small business. Personal relations are important, reputation means a lot. With a son, or even a daughter in the SAA, fighting terrorism, then, one is a respected member of the community. On the other hand, the family with a son, who has deserted, can, at best, expect little sympathy, and at worst, risk being completely ostracized. This is cruel for the family, yet in a society, fighting for its very survival, nevertheless understandable.

But surely, that can’t be so bad? I’ve heard many Syrian refugees in Germany have begun to study at German universities?

Yes, and they are being actively encouraged. The German Embassies in Amman and Beirut are recruiting students. The Training Program “Leader for Syria”, was initiated specifically to offer University places to Syrians. Frank Walter Steinmeir, is quoted as saying Syria is losing a generation of Academics.

As a matter of fact, not a single University in Syria has closed. Steinmeir is wrong. The faculties work on as before, and, year for year, Bachelor and Master Titles are conferred. Most of my friend’s study at Tischeen University, in Latakia, the second biggest University in the country.

You consider it a Brain Drain, attracting young Academics to Germany?

Well, look at it like this, “If Syria does, in fact, lose a generation of academics then Programs such as this, will be responsible.” That’s how my friends and I see it.

You mentioned a young woman who volunteered to serve in the SAA?

I met quite a few. There are now, 40,000 women in the various branches of the SAA. I encountered a large group, who were returning to their units after the Christmas holidays. They really impressed me. They were proud to be serving their country, and now, at such a perilous time in its history. We shared a journey for about 2 hours, they showed me photographs, and told of their life in the army. I was moved, I had the greatest of respect for these young women! Imagine, the pride felt by their families.

Let’s return to the war. How did the people you met view the Russian military intervention?

Everything, that I heard, was positive. The Syrians are very grateful for the help given by Russia. In fact, Syria is also being supported by Iran, China, Hezbollah and the Kurdish YPG [SyriaNews edit: Separatist YPG have committed war crimes against Syrian Arab Army soldiers, and have aligned with the illegal US foreign mercenary militia, HSD.] But, it must be said, it was the Russian intervention which turned the tide. This is what, at last, stopped the Jihadis.

The Main Stream Media version, has the Russian military bombing all before them. Again, this is, as with all the reporting on Syria, disgracefully inaccurate. Russia, in addition to much other assistance, has set up mobile hospitals and clinics. These cater not only to the SAA, but provide essential care for civilians, particularly in contested areas. Other countries, such as China and Iran, also provide much needed aid. There’s a Russian salty snack, it’s to be had in every bar and cafe, and of course, Russian cigarettes are everywhere!

While you were in Syria, the Syrian and Russian armies retook east Aleppo. The Main Stream Media reported hell on earth. What did you hear, while you were there?

As I see it, Aleppo was not retaken-it was liberated from terrorists. Among the many families I met, many had taken in relatives from East Aleppo. As soon as there was electricity, the TV went on, each report was eagerly consumed.

Everyone prayed the SAA and Russia would defeat the terrorists. That said, the eastern part of Aleppo, comprised only 15% of the total area of the city. What we were told, was, as with so much about Syria, totally inaccurate.

While I was there, the news came in, of the complete liberation of Aleppo. People who had fled the city, rushed to get back. Hoping to put their lives together again. The joy was palpable, and they could not get going fast enough. They would celebrate Christmas, for the first time in 5 years, back home in Aleppo. They sent us photographs and videos, celebrating in the churches, and on the streets.

It is starting to sound as if the tragedy in Syria is not quite so bad. It nearly seems as though the Islamists had only taken a few provinces. And in the government areas, life went on, as before?

Unfortunately, it’s not so. There is a major crisis in Syria, and much misery for the population. This is not because Assad is a butcher, massacring his people- that is just not the way it is. The sanctions imposed on Syria, by the US and its allies, are the main reason for the misery. Practically the whole Syrian economy has been brought to a standstill. This is the real punishment of Syria. For the Main Stream Media, it is a non-issue. I’ve searched, I cannot find a single report on it, much less, anything fair and impartial.

What was your experience of the sanctions, and how exactly did they function on a day-to-day level?

The country is subject to a complete boycott! Syria cannot export, or import anything. The US and the EU are closed for Syria. Just to give a few examples: international financial transfers are blocked, I cannot send my friends money. I would like to give them some support, yet, even on this personal level, it is not allowed. But, as if that was not enough, respected organizations like the UNHCR and the Red Crescent are also hindered in their humanitarian work.

The Humanitarian Aid effort runs through Moscow, Teheran and Beirut. This complicates an already complicated situation. Another example: numerous electricity generating stations, transmission cables and water works were destroyed by the terrorists. Because of the sanctions, the spare parts needed, for the repairs cannot be imported. This is damaging for Syria, yet, it also deprives suppliers in Europe of valuable contracts. It’s truly absurd.

And, yet another example, Syria was Italy’s major supplier of wheat. Italian producers relied on Syrian wheat to produce pasta. It’s not difficult to imagine the losses of export revenue. And, as a tailor, I too have felt the sanctions. Syrian cotton, is the world’s finest. It is the raw material, for rich muslin fabric. The premier Haute Couture houses, now produce with inferior Egyptian cotton.

The sanctions, severely damaged the economy. The average per capita monthly income, has dropped from about €500 to between €80 and €100.

Most of my friends in Syria, are poor. They all work. With their meager incomes, they can just keep their heads above water. When I went there, I brought, as presents, coffee, tea and raisons. A kilo of raisins, bought on the Souk would cost about €6, which is now, for most people, simply not affordable. The exquisite Syrian cuisine, is heavily reliant on this ingredient. Presents of raisins, are, therefore a welcome gift.

The role of sanctions, in recent times, has been much criticized. Whatever the reasoning, the effects on civilian populations, have been catastrophic. Sanctions, we are told, are imposed, to punish civilians and instigate rebellion against dictators. The victims, as always, are the civilian populations. Increasingly, the legitimacy of sanctions, as an instrument of coercion, is being called into question by the civilized world.

Exactly, it is invisible warfare – no rockets, bombs or bullets, but, real people die. Sanctions are not working in Syria; the people are standing with their government and President. The efforts of the US, and its allies, the propaganda and sanctions will not change that. But, it must be said, Syria has not only enemies, fortunately, it has friends too. Along with the aid organizations I mentioned, a German, Bernd Duschner is also active with his group “Friendship with Valjevo”. He founded his group in 1999, and has been helping poor Syrians since then. He has gone as far as to call Angela Merkel a criminal.

That is a serious accusation.

Yes, it is, but it is the truth. While taking praise, as a humanitarian, she has still supported, tighter sanctions. These sanctions, have a direct, and catastrophic effect on the Syrian people.

As I said earlier, because financial transactions are disabled, cash dispensers and bank transfers are blocked. This effects the aid organizations in the country. They cannot purchase goods on the local market, thus further damaging the economy. All aid must be imported, often involving high costs. Due to the war, Air Freight has come to a standstill. Medicines are scarce, the civilian population are suffering further punishment.

Just making a telephone call, is a problem. None of the major mobile nets are available, all deactivated by sanctions. And, yet, we are told, Assad has isolated Syria from the world. Fortunately, the internet and W-LAN run smoothly. This was my only connection to home.

Electricity supply, or better said, lack of it, is another major problem. Only one electricity generating plant remains intact. The plant in Banias, is trying to provide power to all regions. Homes must cope with a rationed, hourly supply. I’ve never frozen as much, as while I was in Syria. Next time I go, I’ll bring solar batteries!

So, there will be a next time?

Certainly, and with a bit of luck, even more often. I’ve decided I would like to live there. My plan, is to establish a training center for tailors. It would give trainees, both a theoretical, and a practical skills-set. The idea would be based on the German dual training model. This would give, both a nationally and internationally recognized qualification, which has great value.

With the necessary accreditation, from the Government, I see it as a viable proposition. There is a pool of highly skilled tailors, in Syria. They are, however, limited by the fact, they cannot attain formal certification. If I can establish the training center, I could change that. While I was there, I had the opportunity of discussing my project, with professionals, at the Latakia Fashion Week.

Since your return, you have been politically very active. You post on Facebook, and on the 12 January, you gave a public talk about your trip to Syria. What has the response been like?

Well, in the meantime, I’ve given 6 public talks. People are eager to hear the other side. When I take questions, it’s obvious how their views have been influenced. The negative image, studiously propagated by the Main Stream Media, has had an effect. But, if people come, then, I guess they want another perspective. Perhaps, they have sensed, from the start, they were getting a false narrative. My talk, I hope, turns this false narrative on its head.

At my very first talk, I was approached by a teacher. She asked me, to give my talk to her school children. Now, I’m working through 12 such requests. In some schools, with many children of migrants, it gets very interesting. Often, I’m confronted with skepticism. They just don’t get, how I could have such a perspective. At one of my talks, I got to know a Syrian, who lives here in Hamburg. He always shows up, and supports me. It certainly helps, with both the school children, and the teachers. He swears my information is 95% accurate. Another thing, I’ve been seeing, people are increasingly angry, at how this War is being covered. They have no more time for the Main Stream Media. They no longer trust any of it. There is a real anger out there, people are waking up, they have been deceived and lied to, and they know it!

And how would you explain that?

It seems, the Main Stream Media, wants to conceal the origins of this war. It is about oil, gas and geopolitical power politics, nothing to do with democracy. For my Syrian friends, this was always crystal clear. Dr. Imad Fausi Scuajbi, the Director of the Damascus Centre for Strategic Research, said in 2012, “The riches of Syria have become its curse.” From what I’ve seen, every Syrian knows these words.

This applies also, to the illegal occupation of the Golan Heights. Here is Israel, taking Syria’s oil riches, in full view of the world.

The Syrian press, clearly lay out the case. It is our expensive Main Stream Media, who consistently refuse to. There is no doubt, the facts are there to be seen, for those, who are interested. It is the pipe-line project, which lies at the root of this war. There were two pipe-line proposals. One was American, and the other was Russian. Both would transit Syria territory. The decision, was one for President Asaad to take.

The Syrian government decided for the Russian proposal. Not long after, the western press was branding him a butcher. I presume, my interpretation would elicit cries of “Syrian Propaganda” from the Main Stream Media.

Could well be. The “propaganda label” seems to be a work in progress-if it does not fit, with the conventional narrative, then, why not call it propaganda.

That’s why I always heed my father’s advice, “Always look at both sides.” Recently, the Syrian media report, Turkey will support the Russian pipe-line project. If this turns out to be true, US efforts will have failed, perhaps the war could draw down.

Does that sound like hope for Syria?

It is hard to say. The US is getting in deeper in Northern Syria. But, officially, it refuses to coordinate with the Syrian government. The SAA continue to make gains against the Jihadis.

The government is restricting entry to Syria, hoping to curb the infiltration of foreign Jihadis. This is, though understandable, going to makes thing difficult for my project. My hope is, this cruel and senseless war, will end this year- that was my New Year’s wish, at midnight, in Syria.

I really hope for good news. An end to the dreadful sanctions. Give the people of Syria a chance, to once again live in peace.

Syria can have a great future, and, most of all-I would like to be part of it.

Many thanks for this conversation.

Translation from German: Norman Kennedy. Photos courtesy of Marco Glowatzki.

SyriaNews related reports, hyperlinked:

al Jazeera, owned by the absolute monarchy Qatar (which has spent over $4 billion to help destroy Syria), is illegally in the Syrian Arab Republic, and is heavily involved in malignant propaganda ‘news,’ and in kidnappings and murders of Syrians. Fifty-eight women and children who had been kidnapped with the help of al Jazeera were recently freed — after 3-1/2 years — via an exchange for imprisoned terrorists.

Attempts to “brain drain” Syria began with murders of Syrian professors, physicians, and engineers, in the early days of the crisis, when all the foreign-backed terrorists were under the “FSA” name. In May 2013, Dr. al Assad commemorated Damascus University Martyrs. Latakia has also been hit by terrorists, including the Tishreen University.

Afraa Dagher had some important questions for the criminal liars of Amnesty, in February, after its unbelievable propaganda on the Saydnaya jail. Last week, Trump’s State Department resurrected the Amnesty nonsense, and added more idiocy to it.

Main Steam Media halted its reporting on Aleppo, upon its reunification. Russian sappers cleared almost 1,000 hectares of land from explosives left behind by the terrorists for whom the MSM was so concerned. The Syrian Arab Army located depots of NATO weapons, and also medications and dry food goods being withheld from civilians. No mentions by the MSM of the IEDs, military weapons, nor of the mass graves and slaughterhouses found. Once terrorists are gone, MSM no longer concern themselves with life returning to normal, such as in the tourist town of Bloudan, within a month of being rid of terror.