The Syrian Civil War, which began as an uprising to overthrow the Assad regime, has devolved into a proxy war, with Turkish-backed jihadist forces serving as the main anti-Syrian opposition. Could the Islamic State have become this powerful without Turkey's assistance?
In Homs there are Orthodox, Armenian, Maronite, Catholic and Anglican Christians who lived happily together with their Muslim neighbors long before the birth of my adopted homeland. All preserved their rituals, culture and languages throughout the ages.
Given the conflicting interests and lack of military experience on the part of the coalition's members, there is ample reason to conclude that this alliance lacks substance.
America's one-party system on foreign policy and war comes with consequences. Don't discount the reality of a military draft with either Trump or Clinton, especially with low Army recruiting numbers. Only Bernie Sanders opposes perpetual quagmires in the name of defeating terror.
Double standards in any relation, particularly in the war on terror would not be in the interest of anyone. Muslims and non-Muslims should end the blame game and they should leave their differences aside and unite against this common enemy.
On Christmas morning, millions of children woke up early to see what was under the Christmas tree (no doubt, merchandise from a certain movie set "a long time ago" was well-represented). But millions more woke up to a very different reality filled with fear, instability and misery in parts of the world where conflict, civil war, and massive refugee displacements rage. And that's to say nothing of the xenophobia, scapegoating and ugliness that have taken hold of our political culture here at home. No matter what tradition we come from, as we enjoy the last moments of the holiday season with our loved ones, let's remember those around the world for whom Peace on Earth isn't just a holiday greeting, but a dream that is tragically out of reach.
(Co-written with and signed by fourteen other VIPS listed below) MEMORANDUM FOR: U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry, and Foreign Minister of Russia ...
The American mainstream press has both neglected and disparaged Pulitzer-prize winning journalist Seymour Hersh recently for reporting on how, for more than two years, senior U.S. military leaders subverted President Obama's strategy to overthrow Syrian President Bashar Assad, with some attacking Hersh for having the temerity to rely on unnamed sources.
As we approach the holiday season again, I am reminded of my Christmas in Syria, standing aside people of many faiths in the city square around a single tree. But, to be honest, my Christmas in Damascus was more than just that the one day of dazzling lights and holiday cheer.
CARE was a charity created to feed the hungry in Europe. People in the United States would buy CARE packages of food and they would be delivered to a hungry family overseas. The von Trapp family were among those who helped by purchasing these life-saving parcels.
Peace on earth, goodwill towards men (women and children), except if they're migrants, refugees, or asylum seekers, who the media worldwide have, for the most part, failed to cover accurately, fairly, in a balanced way, and ethically.
Black words are purposely chosen for maximum impact. They cut deep, linger in the air, and endure in one's consciousness.
These developments suggests that not only did the nuclear deal not temper Iran's foreign policy, IRGC leaders appear to be more empowered to manifest their military capabilities.
Once again, China has revealed to the world its willingness to seek greater involvement in Middle Eastern affairs. This has manifested through its recent offer to host talks between the Syrian Government and opposition groups as a crucial breakthrough in the Syrian peace process.
There is no alternative to peace in Syria. That is the best route to defeating ISIS. Let's make a beginning with a nationwide ceasefire. It's time for Syrians to settle differences at the negotiating table, rather than on the battlefield.
This week marked an historic milestone: More than 1 million refugees and migrants fleeing the global disorder of civil war, poverty and persecution this year landed on Europe's doorstep. It is the largest crisis of displaced people since world war ravaged the European continent seven decades ago. (continued)