Below you will find a snapshot of Norwegian coverage of the Syrian tragedy, where rightly harsh words have been used to describe the ongoing atrocities:
Editorials 2012 03 07
Verdens Gang writes on Syria; in full.
Editorials 2012 02 07
Verdens Gang writes on Syria; in full.
WITH THE BACK AGAINST THE WALL
It’s an outright lie as Russia claims Moscow neither is a friend nor an ally of the bloody Syrian regime. And also Kremlin not favoring the Syrian President Bashir al Assad to any degree; but rather are in support of the Syrian people’s right to a better life.
These assurances were presented by Russian FM Sergei Lavrov in this weekend’s security conference at Munich- in the wake of Russia and China’s veto in the UNSC. These statements are in stark contrast to realities: Moscow being a close partner of the Assad regime for decades, the Russians possessing its only naval base outside the former Soviet Union, and not the least, Russian consignments of a large shipload of munitions and weaponry for Syria in January.
Few harbor any doubts the munitions are being employed by President al Assad in his ever bloodier offensive against insurgents and demonstrators. On yesterday, government forces resumed its bombardment of the insurgent city of Homs. BBC has a reporter in this town; reporting of horrible conditions.
By its veto, Russia and China has undermined efforts by the UN to create a joint platform to force the Assad regime to come to its senses, stopping this bloodbath. The effect might rather be contrary, President al Assad escalating attacks, this situation developing into a full scale civil war. Many are in fear over what a desperate President Assad may be up to.
Russia in particular, having close ties to the Syrian regime through decades, has by its veto entered a conflict with the West and the Arab countries. This is the reason for FM Lavrov leaving for Damascus tomorrow in the company of the chief of Russian intelligence abroad- allegedly to put forward their own peace plan proposal to Assad.
Any expectations over the results of this trip are small. A change of regime in Syria may be destructive to Russian strategic interests of major importance. Playing on the team of a regime having killed thousands of its own citizens through the last year is of minor importance.
Editorials 2012 02 08
Aftenposten writes on Russian intermediation in Syria, describing it as “in vain”.
Quote:
“Unfortunately, Assad seems to be cheered by the indirect support of Russia and China; two countries intensely in fear over internal opposition; having no patience with foreign concerns or interference. However, to everyone but those in power in Moscow and Beijing, it is clear Assad will lose power in Syria in the end. The Arab league has shown the courage to confront Syria, having had observers in the country, and proposed a peace plan. However, Assad has turned a deaf ear on this. The unconstructive role of Russia has contributed to the sufferings of the civilian population. Soldiers are deserting in their hundreds from the country’s regular army, joining the insurgents. We fear the situation in Syria will be very much worse than we have seen so far”.
Vårt Land, in full:
EMBARRASSING
The Syrian regime is launching shells and rockets at the city of Homs; no doubts hitting civilians. This is so far the worst transgression in the regime’s struggle to survive. At least 5000 have been killed in the years since it started.
Some, mainly exile-Syrians, have attacked Syrian embassies worldwide. Nobody else has protested in the streets. Political reactions are also sparse. This is an embarrassing contrast to the reactions over Israel entering Gaza or the military intervention in Libya.
An explanation might be the Syrian authorities ensuring only murky videos by unconfirmed sources are transmitted, instead of televised images and reports by journalists in-country. However, even the regime admits to heavy weapons being used in Homs; nobody believe the claims this is the results of terrorists and criminal gangs anymore. There are no doubts about the Assad regime having lost its legitimacy through meeting protests with violence.
But what are we to do? Military action in Syria would have consequences beyond our knowledge; also in neighboring countries. Syria is a large country, rich in people, not to be controlled by aerial operations, and there are little indications of the Syrian army giving easily up. International sanctions may be introduced. They will target the civilian population, but will the regime care; in a situation they regards as one of life and death?
Russia is in possession of the key. Russia wants to maintain Syria as an ally. It is about to be a burden in the international community to be a supporter of the Assad regime. Inducing Russia to put pressure to accelerate the resignation of Assad is the strategy most likely to succeed. If the Russians felt the massive press by the surrounding world over supporting the Syrian despot, this would be of help. The opposition in Syria is divided; who will take over for Assad is unclear. This cannot be an excuse to let Assad remain in his position. However, it would be a good contribution to avoid a civil war if the minorities protected by Assad are given guarantees over not being subject to retaliation.
BLOODBATH ONGOING: WHILE NEGOTIATIONS WERE ONGOING
Verdens Gang 2012 03 08 p 16, 17, Harald Berg Sævareid, Not Online
Summary.
On the situation in Syria.
Quote:
“While Russia attempted to speak common sense to the Syrian president, Bashar al Assad’s apparatus of repression continue to kill their civilians”.
It is pointed to Russian strategic interests in maintaining a harbor in the Mediterranean in this article, also statements by Turkey PM Recep Erdogan over possible intervention.
Dagsavisen 2012 03 08 p 18, 19, Roger Hercz
Summary.
In this well informed article, Roger Hercz writes on increased sectarian splits in Syria, pointing to influential Egyptian Sunni Muslim leader Yusuf Qardawi, who publicly has spoken out against the Assad regime, indicating it is a religious duty for Sunnis to fight this.
Also, he writes of Saudi hackers having gained access to official diplomatic e-mails of Syria, advising on countering anti-regime arguments. In addition, he tells of the US closing it embassy in Syria.
MORTARS AGAINST THEIR OWN
Aftenposten 2012 03 08 p 15
Halvor Tjønn, Not Online
Summary.
Claims of atrocities in Homs; Sergei Lavrov receives cheers in Damascus.
Aftenposten 2012 03 08 p 16, 17,Torill Nordeng
Summary.
An article on the Assad clan, presenting its power apparatus and its tools of repression; mentioning the Alawi Republican Guards, however, nothing is written on the Baath party’s role in this, or the family’s role and background in the Baath party.
HERO’S WELCOME –WHILE THE BUTCHERS ARE RAVAGING HOMS
Dagbladet 2012 03 08 p 22, 23,Morten Strand, Not Online
Summary.
Sergei Lavrov receives hero’s welcome in Damascus by Assad loyalists, Assad offer constitutional reform, and bloodshed is ongoing.
TOWARDS THE ABYSS
Dagbladet 2012 02 07 p 3 Jan Erik Smilden, Not Online
Summary.
While attempting to present a balanced view of the Syrian internal conflict, Mr. Smilden never the less concludes with the fall of the Assad regime being the most likely outcome of this conflict.
THE BLOODBATH IS ORGANIZED CRIME
Dagbladet 2012 02 07 p 26, 27
Tuva Benke Grønning
Summary.
On the killing of civilians in Syria in the ongoing conflict. HRW is employed as a source, stating children as young as 13 are tortured and killed by government forces.
Now, contrast this (which undoubtedly must have been an odd experience, see this Haaretz oped on the weirdness of the situation, with the bizarre preoccupation and straight forward lies future politicians, NGO leaders and Union representatives focus on in these days:
Avisen Agder 2012 02 03, Letter to the editor
The letter is signed by one Vebjørn Hobbesland and one Ahmed Lindow, signing on behalf of the Flekkefjord and Kvinesdal Young Labor.
Thank you over your comment, Mrs. M. Larsen. We wonder over one thing, what you learned at school must be right? The Jewish land MUST be the land of the Jews, like blacks being inferior to whites, something you learned at school once. Is this correct too?
Sigfrid M. Larsen, are you aware of the Palestinian people being subject to suppression, forcible removal and violence? They are evicted from their homes. Their own homes!
They are forcibly moved to other areas. They are enclosed through giant concrete walls (Some of you have called them protection walls, something we think is a wrong use of terms). No regard are made to them living there as they are erected. Sometimes the walls creates barriers between where children are living and where they go to school. This has led to children being forced to use the sewers to go to school. PM Benjamin Netanyahu, tear down this wall!
It has been mentioned Palestinian children are taught to hate Jews, this does not mean the opposite does not happen. Many Jewish children use their Sabbaths to throw rocks at Palestinians. (Note that the original text in Norwegian uses the word Jew, not Israeli. Also, the two future politicians are woefully ignorant about Jewish Sabbath observance practices, where throwing stones is forbidden)
We may disagree on who are entitled to live there, but are you really in favor of the Israelis disgusting use of military force?
Vebjørn Hobbesland Ahmed Lindow, Flekkefjord and Kvinesdal labor youth.
And this one, from the PalCom event at the University of Bergen (merely held at the university, not hosted by it), where Ilan Pappe was invited as keynote speaker. We note that the University of Bergen “declined” Alan Dershowitz’s offer to speak on the grounds that he would be speaking about the ME conflict. The review in the student newspaper is more inspiring, it seems some students are capable of independent thinking:
ILAN PAPPÈ IN BERGEN: ISRAEL IS A PROJECT OF COLONIZATION IN THE WRONG CENTURY
Palestinakomiteen 2012 03 08, No stated author
Summary.
Ilan Pappe visits the University of Bergen, making some interesting statements.
Quote:
“As little as the blacks of South Africa could be blamed over apartheid; Palestinians are to be given equal blame to Israel. Pappe accented the co-responsibility of Israeli academia over the occupation. 500 meters from his old worksite at the Haifa University, children are tortured, without this being a problem to the self-declared free and democratic Israeli academia. What others call apartheid and suppression is referred to as “security” in Israel- sidelining all other considerations. After the meeting many participants announced their interest in following up on the work on academic and cultural boycott of Israel”.
StudVest.no 2012 02 07, Vegard Bergheim
Summary.
Article on Ilan Pappe in student’s magazine at the University of Bergen. This article is rather objective in tone, while referring to Pappe’s statements, also referring to critical views and questions over him and his views. The author depicts this meeting as somehow having more the character of a religious meeting than a lecture.
Quotes:
“One guy at the rear of the hall raises one critical question: What about Haj Amin al Husseini in Pappe’s version? The Arab allied to the Germans, formerly having killed Jews and taken Jewish property? Pappe dismisses this as insignificant events in the great run of things. And who is not entitled to fight an occupier? The public applauds”.
Next one out is the labour affiliated union Fagforbundet;
Fagbloggen 2012 03 08, Magnus Langstrand
To me it is very simple. For as long as I can remember I have been preoccupied with injustices. From being very small, I was reacting when others were being treated unfairly.
I do not care so much about who has the right to be there or not, but I get pissed over the way the Palestinians are being treated. They got evicted bodily in 1948, without any form of rights. Many generations of Palestinians have lived in refugee camps all of their lives, having no land to return to, being stripped of basic human rights. Those living in Gaza are harassed by the Israeli army on a daily basis, having been bereft of their living, living under the constant threat of military force. On December the 27th of 2008 Israel attacked Gaza. As they gave up on their countless attacks on hams, as they themselves stated, the result was 1400 dead Palestinians. 10 dead Israeli soldiers and 3 Israeli civilians, This tells a lot about power imbalances. Of course, it would have been no better if as many Israeli soldiers had been killed, but it illustrates quite well why one side has all power, while the other is devoid of power.
I shall soon go to Palestine to see by my own eyes how the Palestinians are living. This will be exciting, terrifying and incredibly interesting, I am quite certain this trip will change my life. I hope I shall convey what I experiences down there in a good way, so even more people may open their eyes as to how the Palestinians are living. We must do something, and we must do it know!
The “Fagbloggen”, a website of “Fagforbundet” a LO affiliated Norwegian trade union, in cooperation with Norwegian People’s Aid has instituted something referred to as the “Ambassador’s corps to Palestine”, to show their solidarity.
And to round it off for now, a short informative note form the official news bulletin of Norad, Bistandsaktuelt, they are hiring new people:
Bistandsaktuelt 2012 02 06 No stated author
Erik Abild will take over after Astrid Sehl as counselor in the staff of Secretary General Astrid Sehl.
Abild arrives from the foreign section of the Norwegian Refugee Council where he has worked as a coordinator for Myanmar and a Global Access project. Formerly, he has been a representative to Gaza for the Norwegian Aid Committee. He has a master’s degree in humanitarian studies from the Refugee Studies Centre, University of Oxford, where he wrote of political aspects on humanitarian operations in Somalia. He has also studied the political and humanitarian aspects in the Middle East, Sudan and DRC.
Mr. Abild’s thesis from the University of Oslo can be read here:
http://almashriq.hiof.no/lebanon/300/320/324/324.2/hizballah/abild/Abild.pdf
The thesis is named “Hizbullah-a contextual study focusing on human freedom”.
It is really hard to believe that these organizations have nothing to say on the blood bath in Syria. Which world are they living in? The one where you can only be concerned with Israel?
Off-topic:
Great line about Israel from America’s best known state governor (who, I am proud to say, is MY governor):
http://www.weeklystandard.com/blogs/christie-i-admire-israel-enemies-it-has-made_626437.html
“I admire Israel for the enemies it has made.” What a great line.
Christie, by the way, would be familiar with Jews; he grew up in a predominantly Jewish town (Livingston, New Jersey.)
For some reason, the above posting about Chris Christie did not get attributed to me, but it’s mine.
Norway urgently requires a massive shite bag to collect the equally massive aural diarrhoea that is so prominent in Norwegian “culture.” It also needs a massive “sin” bag for it’s ongoing diatribe against the only Jewish state of Israel.
I have a friend in Norway, a retired Norwegian diplomat, who reads this site on a regular basis and who accuses me me of making unfounded comments regarding Norway as being the most anti-Semitic country in Europe today. So I would like to solicit the views of any Norwegians who visit this site and and ask them to comment on on whether they agree with me or do not and, if so, why.
McG:
Here is a piece in JPost (not by Gerstenfeld) about Aftenposten talking about Norway’s shrinking Jewish community.
http://www.jpost.com/JewishWorld/JewishNews/Article.aspx?id=257022
Yes, it is a great line and there is even more into it: Israel, as the Jews before, serve as a universal litmus test for the villains of the world, all over History. When the Church degenerated and became repressive (as in the dark ages etc.) there was the Inquisition (as different from the US now, where Christianity returned to itself and it is best-friends with Jews and Israel) and when Germany became Nazi, its hitorical low-point, it had the Jews as its central target (as diffrent from the times it came back to itself, in the Adenauer period, who was a good friend of israel) – to cite 2 most known cases from History. When Iran became what it is now: reprssive to its own people, fanatic and a de-facto (military-clerical) dictatorship it placed israel as its central target. Then, the Hezbollah is the most vicious anti-Israeli Arab force now and it has caused an immense damage to its own country, which was before its rise the jewel of the Arab world.
Fascinating
http://www.propagandistmag.com/2011/10/14/thin-veneer-norways-anti-semitism
the actual cables here:
http://aebr.home.xs4all.nl/wl/aftenposten/09OSLO114.html
“I have a friend in Norway, a retired Norwegian diplomat, who reads this site on a regular basis and who accuses me me of making unfounded comments regarding Norway as being the most anti-Semitic country in Europe today.”
It almost seems like your friend is quibbling over semantics rather than focusing on the major issue. Whether Norway is 1st, 2nd or 3rd in the Jew-hating sweepstakes (they’re battling it out with Spain, Portugal and Sweden these days, as Greece, formerly at or near the top of the list, decided Jews were not so bad when compared to the re-incarnation of the Ottoman Empire), the real issue is whether or not the anti-Semitism is severe enough to corrode Norway’s culture, drive out her Jews and diminish Norway’s standing in the Western world.