Syria Support Movement solidarity with the Syrian people
Mar 24, 2015
A massive new propaganda campaign against Syria is underway. The goal seems to be to confuse the public, distort the situation and create public support for a US/NATO attack on Syria with imposition of a “No Fly Zone”. This is how the invasion of Iraq began. This is how the public was made to go along with the US/NATO air attack on Libya.
We all know the result. Western ‘regime change’ in Iraq and Libya destroyed the security, health, education and living standards of the Iraqi and Libyan people. The interventions resulted in mayhem and an explosion of sectarianism and violence in the region. Now the Western/NATO/Israeli/Gulf powers, supported by a potpourri of liberal interventionists, want to do the same in Syria.When will they ever learn?
Elements of the new propaganda campaign include the following:
- Physicians for Human Rights (PHR) has accused the Syrian government of targeting civilians in rebel held territories and using chlorine gas bombs. The evidence is remarkably thin: assertions plus second hand reports and video, partially supplied by Jabhat al-Nusra (Al Qaeda in Syria). We note that PHR issued similar alarms, later found to be false, regarding Libya. If PHR is objective, why have they never condemned the US invasion of Iraq nor the US use of depleted uranium, which has resulted in a dramatic increase in birth defects? If they are objective, why have they said nothing about rebel attacks on Syrian medical facilities such as the suicide bombing of Al Kindi Hospital?
- Regarding the use of chlorine gas in bombs, this makes no sense from a military standpoint since explosives are much more effective. However the charges serve as a convenient pretext for international intervention since the chemical was mentioned in recent UN resolution 2209.
- Over the past year much publicity has been generated by a photo exhibit allegedly showing victims of torture and murder by Syrian authorities. It was recently displayed at the United Nations. The true identity of the photographer code-named “Caesar” is secret, which prevents investigation of his real identity. The explanation that he needs to “protect his family” is illogical since his family left Syria and his identity would be known by the Syrian military in any event. Adding to the lack of credibility, the details of the photographs are withheld. A small sample of the photographs was “verified” by a law firm under contract with the government of Qatar. Since Qatar has been a major supporter of the armed opposition, there is an obvious conflict of interest. The conflict is compounded because the same law firm in 2011 represented the current Prime Minister of Turkey, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, who has also been prominent in funding and supporting the rebels in Syria. The secrecy and lack of details about the photographs prevents any investigation into their validity, determination of responsibility for the deaths. and what the circumstances were. It is not even clear that the deaths took place in Syria.
- Avaaz online petition calling for a “No Fly Zone” in northern Syria. Avaaz makes bold charges against the Syrian government relying on the dubious “evidence” listed above. Avaaz did the same thing regarding Libya. We note that Avaaz and PHR have both been substantially financed by one billionaire (George Soros) whose foundation president has referred to Iran and Syria as “enemies”.
- Syrian American Council and associated organizations including Syrians Organizing 4 Syria call for No Fly Zone and direct US intervention against the Syrian government. With heavy funding from unknown sources they are lobbying hard in Washington and around the country. What is the success of no fly zones except in producing death, mayhem and failed states?
It’s time for all of us keep our skepticism at the ready and to push back against propaganda about Syria. A “No Fly Zone” would result in escalation of the conflict and vastly MORE deaths. Haven’t we invested enough in war and death?
Syria Solidarity Movement
If you wish to support the work of the Syria Solidarity Movement with your donations, please go to
All donations are US tax exempt.
