Posted on 10/23/2005 11:05:21 AM PDT by Aristogeiton
...In chilling detail, often reading like a paperback thriller, the United Nations report traces months of plotting by top Syrian intelligence officials - including President Bashar al-Assad's powerful brother-in-law - and their Lebanese proxies that included constant surveillance of Mr. Hariri's movements and the forced recruitment of a fake assassin to make a "suicide tape" to hide the real hands behind the bombing that killed Mr. Hariri in February...
(Excerpt) Read more at nytimes.com ...
We have known for some time that the Syrian government is an enemy in our campaign for liberty in the Middle East. Who but an enemy would support and finance the guerillas who wreak havoc on Israeli society? Who but an enemy would encourage and aid the insurgents sneaking into Iraq? Who but an enemy would deliberately intervene with the administration of justice?
A government must look after its subjects, like a gentle parent. It must protect and provide for them, offer pertinent advice, and moderate when conflict grows out of hand. A government must not stand by and refrain from intervention when inequity and disorder develop under its watch. To allow such problems to persist unmitigated is simply unconscionable. To support and facilitate this anarchy belies the most basic tenets of humanity.
A government must not ignore conflict on its doorstep, but must react by pacifying, not exacerbating the problem.
Rafik Hariri was a symbol of greatness to the Lebanese people. Born to poor parents, he worked hard, making success where he could not find it. He made opportunities for himself, and became an extremely prosperous, self-made businessman. But he did not stop with his own success. He continued serving his country, as prime minister, for ten years.
Hariri remained devoted to his people, and steadfastly opposed Syria’s overt political and military domination of Lebanon. This effective occupation persisted for three decades, constantly grinding the Lebanese people under the disdainful boot of the Syrian government. With Hariri’s assassination, Syria only affirmed its predisposition to rash and disastrous action, and its inability to govern itself responsibly and effectively.
The United Nations’ report regarding the assassination is clear in its implications of the Syrian government. This despicable act of terrorism could never have succeeded without the direct involvement of high-ranking Syrian officials. Indeed, among the key conspirators were the chief of military intelligence and the president’s brother. Blame is also cast upon the Lebanese security forces. Considering Syria’s obvious influence over Lebanon’s government, is this a surprise?
Not only have Syria’s officials denied involvement in the assassination, they have blatantly and deliberately attempted to mislead investigators and obstruct the issue's clarification. Why would they resist, if they had nothing to hide?
The time to act is long past. We should have stopped Syria's defilement of justice long ago. Hopefully, though, it is not too late to make a difference. Let us not waver in our resolve, but take the action we must, and ensure that we will leave the world a better place than we found it.
Aristogeiton
"The United States of America is perhaps the most flagrantly irresponsible nation on Earth."
IB4TZ?
Go White Sox!!!!
Sorry...
"but must react by pacifying, not exacerbating the problem"
We all know how well pacifism works. [ \ sarcasm ]
A government must not ignore conflict on its doorstep, but must react by pacifying, not exacerbating the problem.
Pacifying? You have got to be kidding me...
We interrupt this thread to bring you an important off-topic announcement.
White Sox played a good game yesterday. The 'Stros had chances but couldn't capitalize (that's been the story all year). Ugh, two leadoff doubles wasted. Great job by the Chicago Pen to preserve the win.
Tonight should be another great game. Here's hoping it goes more to my liking this time
We now return you to the regularly scheduled thread.
IBTZ?
We aren't that nice. Never have been. That's a good thing.
Pettitte. Against Buehrle. Lefty v Lefty. Roy-O is scheduled for Game 3, and Brandon Backe is Game 4. If the Rocket is seriously hurt, then who knows who gets Game 5 (if necessary)? Either Pettitte on short rest of Zeke Astacio.
Wandy didn't do too bad considering. Lots of walks, but gave up only the homer to the thorn in Houston's side, Joe In-Crede-able. The goal is to split on the road. Let's see if the 'Stros can git 'er done tonight.
The UN report shows how the Syrians never thought anyone was going to investigate. They thought their dominance of the Lebanese government was going to protect their shananigans as this was enough to protect them after similar assassinations in the past. The vehicle used in the bombing came from Syria! I love it! Lebanese everywhere are rejoicing for their newfound freedom and honor Hariri for his martyrdom. They also understand that without George W. Bush holding the Syrians' feet to the fire and putting pressure on them, they would never have left, as the massive demonstrations in Lebanon wouldn't have happened.
Better be Andy or we're screwed.
The United States is the greatest nation in history of men. Like no other nation in history, the United States has brought freedom and justice to hundred of millions of people around the world including the 50 million people who lived for many years under oppression and terror in Afghanistan and Iraq as well as 4 million people in Lebanon. Syria time is up and soon the Baath terrorist regime will join that of Saddam and Taliban regimes in the ash heap of history. Soon the Syrian people will join the people of Iraq, Lebanon, and Afghanistan in their march for freedom and democracy.
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