(AFP)
Posted on 12/25/2011 5:35:33 PM PST by SunkenCiv
Escaping a city wracked by incessant violence, Syrian Christians from Homs flocked to a nearby monastery on Sunday to celebrate Christmas away from a place that "has gone mad."
The Saint George de Mishtaya monastery, parts of which were built in the sixth century, lies in a lush valley some 50 kilometres (30 miles) from Homs which has become a major frontline in the uprising against the regime.
The famous Krak des Chevaliers, a remarkably well-preserved Crusades-era castle, is visible across the valley, and the green, peaceful region serves as the cradle of Christianity in a country that is now threatening to unravel.
"At the start, the unrest didn't affect certain neighbourhoods of Homs, but today madness has seized the city," said Rami, 37, who crossed herself as the bishop passed along the aisles of the church, blessing those in attendance.
Rami, who lives with his wife in Homs, said armed men are now visible "everywhere" in the city...
"The last time, an armed man asked for my identity card and in seeing my name swore that I had been very lucky. 'If you had been an Alawite, I would have cut you through,' making a gesture with his thumb," recalled the engineer, who also has a shop in the city centre.
(Excerpt) Read more at google.com ...
(AFP)
The last paragraph in the excerpt should come as a relief to many.
Assad is the lesser of evils over there?
Nope. All Muzzies are equally evil. But as I often say around here, the nice thing about a Muzzie civil war is, everyone wins.
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