Finally, after many years of ignoring the repression and violence which are the real causes of the Middle East tragedies (in plural, on purpose), leading politicians and journalists get their pens out to discover what has been known for a long time:
Støre in Dagsavisen: SYRIA IN BREACH OF INTERNATIONAL LAW
Dagsavisen 2012 08 02
NTB, Not Online
“The strategy of the Syrian regime in Aleppo and Damascus is contrary to international law; severely inflicting hardships upon civilians”, says FM Jonas Gahr Støre.
Lately, the civil war has raged in Syria’s two major cities, Damascus and Aleppo, formerly spared from the worst acts of war.
“What is clear, is that this is the regime’s strategy for cities and towns, first massively bombing with aircraft and artillery, later on moving in military personnel, contrary to international law, as it targets the civilians”, Støre says.
On yesterday, the FM met with Major General Robert Mood, until recently the leader of the UN’s observer force in Syria.
“He presented us with a main picture of Syria in which the political processes has broken down; and there is little dynamics left in Kofi Annan’s peace plan. Meanwhile, the violence rages on”, Støre said.
Syria
MOOD NOT SURPRISED OVER ANNAN RESIGNATION
Nettavisen 2012 08 02, NTB
«It is not a surprise Kofi Annan folds the cards as UN and Arab league envoy to Syria», states Major General Robert Mood.
Until last week, the Major General was the leader of the UN’s unarmed observer corps to Syria.
The Norwegian holds as his opinion the resignation of Annan is a serious warning to the UNSC, the countries of the region and the parties (involved) over taking greater responsibility to estop the sufferings to the Syrian people.
“The responsibility over the plan’s failure lies with the parties on the ground, those nurturing violence and a UNSC acting paralyzed”, says Mood, holding as his opinion Annan is deserving of great praise over his efforts.
HUMAN RIGHTS TRANSGRESSIONS IN ALEPPO
Dagsavisen 2012 08 02 p 18
Ingrid Salvesen/NTB, Not Online
Peaceful demonstrators have been shot, tortured and executed. The Syrian regime has committed crimes against humanity in the major city of Aleppo, Amnesty states.
However, rebels most likely have committed serious breaches of human rights. Human rights organization Amnesty International presents the report “All out repression” on yesterday, based on investigations made in Syria’s largest city, Aleppo, in late May.
Systemic.
It describes in detail a number of systemic breaches of human rights made by the regime; concluding with them being crimes against humanity. Also, Amnesty refers to rebels maltreating and killing opponents they have captured. Videos published on the internet appears to confirm the extrajudicial executions.
Horrible torture.
The Amnesty report documents Syrian security forces and the pro-regime Shahiba militia routinely firing at peaceful protesters. Both protesters and innocent onlookers have been killed and wounded. Security forces are stated to have been hunting the wounded; as well as health care workers treating them. Family members have been under pressure to sign declarations over the protesters having been killed by “armed terrorists”, the report states. Arrestees are also stated to have been systematically and severally tortured and subjected to threats while in captivity. Several activists tells of fears over being tortured to death if captured; the same is stated concerning health care staff.
Dagbladet 2012 08 03 p 18
Jan Erik Smilden
Summary.
Quoting AL Jazeera, Jan Erik Smilden writes on human rights abuses in Syria. Additionally, the article refers to Kofi Annan’s resignation, and also to alleged US aid to the rebels.
Dagsavisen 2012 08 03 p 18
Åshild Langved
Summary.
On the refugee situation internally in Syria, as well as in the neighboring countries due to the civil war in Syria.
This article also refers to the alleged US aid to the rebels.
Middle East issues.
HERE, THE SUNNI AND SHIA MUSLIMS ARE FIGHTING
Dagsavisen 2012 08 02 p 16, 17
Åshild Langved
Summary.
A long and well researched article on the Sunni-Shia divides and conflicts; not only in the Middle East but also in the remainder of the Muslim world, including Pakistan and Indonesia.
For once, neither USA nor Israel receives the blame over conflicts in these parts of the world.
