Despite her early excellent anti-war work, Coleen is now an example of someone who refuses to listen to or read progressive Syrian voices to understand this conflict.  Her understanding is U.S.-centric, unable to see the world through the eyes of others. Syrian dissident Yassin al Haj Saleh says, for western "anti-imperialists": "We, rank-and-file Syrians, refugees, women, students, intellectuals, human rights activists, political prisoners  do not exist."

Coleen has not discussed Syria with Syrians.  She does not read progressive Syrians.  She reads and quotes non-Syrians.  It is an arrogant, chauvinist attitude to dismiss ALL Syrians and assume one can be an authority on the Syrian conflict by picking and choosing articles from the internet.

I have always opposed U.S. military intervention.  I have discussed Syria with MANY people from Syria and the Middle East.  I have not always agreed with them.  "Beaming" at someone does not mean you agree with everything they say.