﻿ "How to Encourage Liberty in Syria," by Ford Prefect - Syria Comment

“How to Encourage Liberty in Syria,” by Ford Prefect

How to “Democratize” Syria
Essay by Ford Prefect
Sept. 2007  













Comments (4)

ausamaa said:

The above is logical and reasonable, and it sure will be very nice to have a really democratic Syria even in the full sense of Western Democracy. But Nations paths are usually determined by three things: The Means and Resources availlable to their societies, the degree of Socioeconomic Development they have reached, and the existential Threats confronting those nations.

So in the end it is a matter of Prioritizing. The end product will be dictated by the growth of the society’s growing sense of the need and the ability (readiness) to move towards real Democracy (?), guided by a socialy-sensetive Authority, and conducted in within a strategic environment conducive to allowing such changes to take place in a natural and progressive manner.

As was said: There is nothing more powerfull than idea which time has come. For me, the “Idea which time has come now” is
beating back the brutal attack on the Arab Nation and the containment of the 60 years old threat presented by implanting Israeli in the midest of this area. Anything else, becomes secondary to this Priority but without neglecting the importance of the need for socio-cultural-economic development.

At best, we can look for a balancing act coming in steps. Unless the Nation “thinks” otherwise. ASk the Syrians on the street what is their HIGHEST priority are now and you will have the answer?:

1- Defeating the current attack and maintaining the safety of the Nation?
2- Containing the Israeli?
3- Dump all else for the sake of a free capitalist path?
4- Opening the doors to full poitical-parlementarian freedom?

My guess? the answers will be in this order: 1, then 2, then 3 with 4 coming last. The human Pyramid Needs theory I guess.

With a final comment being that niether Syria, nor its people, nor its “regime” operate in a safe and free international vaccume where conflicting interests can force a nation to Change its Prioreties and even block its Natural Path of Development. And that is precisly why Israel was implanted here. NOt to blame all on the “usual” Israeli factor, but in order of not to underestimate it and to keep it mind at least.

Which is in a way similar to the conclusion of article above.

October 1st, 2007, 6:59 am


Ina Khan said:

This article approaches what it refers to as ‘Western Democracy’ as a given. What is Western democracy, I would ask, and in how is it of any value, applicability or interest to the countires of the Middle East, and namely Syria?

What is more pressing for this article to make any sense is a clearer definition of ‘modernity.’ How do Syrians resist modernity as the article suggests? Does it mean ‘Western’ definition of modernity?

I definitely agree that ‘importing’ or ‘exporting’ social and political solutions is simply futile, ex. Iraq today. Each society has a specific socio-historical context, from which it can generate change. But I am puzzled at how this article can suggest that, yet still not understand that probably people in Syria do not want, understand or value what the West terms ‘modernity’ and ‘democracy.’

It is legitimate to analyze Syrian politics and social life, but for any analysis to be valid, it should start by paying a particular attention to how Syrians identify themselves, and what their vision of their country looks like.

October 1st, 2007, 2:35 pm


wizart said:

What was the political ideology of Dr Nuredine Atassi in 1980?

Just curious to know if anyone knows why Atassi was sent back to jail after being released in 1980? What was the negotiation about?

How long was he out for and did he support the Islamic uprising?


P.S: Atassi was the third president of Syria from a traditional Sunni family and the Golan was lost one month after his visit to the U.S in May, 1967. I wonder what he said at that security council meeting and if it had anything to do with Israel’s 67 war.

April 21st, 2008, 1:07 pm


wizart said:

سافر إلى الولايات المتحدة وألقى خطاباً أمام الجمعية العامة في 18 أيار 1967م.

The Golan was invaded June 5, 1967 shortly after returning from the U.S.


What did Atassi say or didn’t say at the U.N on May 18, 1967?

April 21st, 2008, 7:30 pm


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