Malik Al-Abdeh: Founder-member of the Movement for Justice and Development (est. 2006) which is a leading force in the Damascus Declaration opposition coalition in Syria. Professionally, I’m an ex-BBC journalist and a King’s College, London and SOAS alumni. Currently serve as the Chief Editor of the pro-democracy satellite channel Barada TV.
And before a few commenters jump up to enlighten me about U.S. State Department funding for Barada TV, don’t bother. I find the content of al-Abdeh’s analysis much more interesting than the ways in which others might attempt to tarnish him. (He also happens to be listed on a site called The Plot Against Syria — a thoroughly entertaining and ridiculous “exposé” of the uprising claimed to be led by “a conspiracy of evil persons” following directions from AIPAC!)
So this is my challenge to anyone who feels inspired to comment: try and say something about the substance of al-Abdeh’s analysis — an analysis that needless to say I find both persuasive and enlightening, which is why I’m posting it. (H/t Brian Whitaker)
An interesting presentation. His closing statement, that Syria must inevitably play the role of “political football” following the overthrow of the present regime, deserves scrutiny. In citing regional powers which can be expected to combine or compete for influence over the country, he conspicuously fails to mention Israel, the EU or the US. I’m also unclear as to what he means by “international will” in this instance. Which nations or bodies represent this will, and what measures does he think justified in pursuit of their consensus? Frankly, I don’t know why the man claims to have been reluctant to declare his views until now. The despotism of the Assad clique has never been popular in the West, nor indeed, within Syria itself. He’s not exactly alienating himself from his audience in taking a stand against this brutal dictatorship.