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Syria, “Civil War”! or International Interest?

“Civil War” is a funny title to describe what is going on Syria. As far as I understand “civil war is a war between organized groups within the same nation state or republic.” If this definition is corrects, what is going on in Syria is so NOT a civil war.

As many media outlets, NGOs and governmental sources repeatedly reported, there are people from all over the world who are fighting, pro or against government, in Syria. War in Syria is not between Syrians. It is far beyond that.

Many reports highlights that rebels from 83 different countries are fighting in Syria. Fighters in Syria hold nationality of many different countries in Middle East and even Europe. People from Libya, Pakistan, Iraq, Afghanistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Belgium, Franc, Chechnya, Iran, Lebanon and many more countries moved to Syria to fight with different motivations.

Seems like there are an international interest in the unrest in Syria and people with different interests find Syria a land to take revenge, participate in holy war, fights for freedom, and so on.

Interestingly this war is financed by world’s most human rights violators. Saudi Arabia and Qatar spent millions (possibly billions) funding and arming the rebels in this country according to Globalresearch.ca.

War in Syria became a one in a kind war that raised an important question about power, credibility and leadership skills of international committees, politicians, and governments.

A war that involves people from all around the world cannot be civil war.

I think Syria has become a land for “some countries” to send their most dangerous criminals and motivate them with “jihadi” title to clean their own lands from terrorists.

In case of Syria, not taking any action to stop terrorist activities is a crime. How many people should be murdered until we wake up and take action?

By Hawraa, Human Rights Activist and Specialist.

On September 19, 2013

Terrorists Attack Mosques

City of Kasra witnessed another deadly day when about 40 died and more than 50 wounded due to two explosions. One September 11th, 2013 two car bombs went off as Shia Muslims exited a local mosque in Kasra city of Baghdad, Iraq. Most of the victims were exiting mosque when the explosions happen.

Iraqi Shia are continually witnessing attacks to their communities and the government failed to protect Shia so far. Thousands of Shia have lost their lives since the start of 2013, and the number is growing every day.

SRW believes the attacks can only have two motivations: the attackers are either opposition to government or belong to anti-Shia terrorist groups. This organization asks those who kill Shia Muslims as a mean to show opposition to government to stop killing innocent citizen and start logical dialog with the government. Also the organization calls on Iraqi governments to protect all citizens.

Burning of Shrine by Extremist

Anti-Shia extremists supported by Saudi Arabia and Wahhabis have crossed the line today in Syria. According to local witnesses the shrine of Lady Sakina, the daughter of Shia’s first Imam, Imam Ali, was burned down in Daraya, Syria. 

Shia Rights Watch have repeatedly warned the anti-Shia groups not to cross the line and do not touch the shrines and holy places, however, they proved that they respect no boundary. 

The shrine of Lady Sakina has attracted many visitors in Daraya, Syria and destroying her shrine in disrespect to the Prophet of God and his family. Daraya, is located in southwest of Damascus and faces Muslim massacres during recent Syria unrests.

S.R.W condemns this anti-religion and anti-Shia act of the extremists and asks all whose who have respect to any religions to step up and defend holy places of Shia by spreading this article and asking anti-Shia groups to stop destroying Shia places of worship.

JOINT STATEMENT REGARDING SYRIA

Shia Rights Watch, Washington DC, Today, in a collaborative effort, some of the most influential Shia Muslim organizations in the United States have released a Joint Statement Regarding Syria, reflecting the views of these organizations and their membership. In doing so, these organizations have firmly released their opinion of opposition to violence against innocent Syrians, in opposition to attacks against the holy sites of the Syrian people, and in opposition to any military strikes against the country of Syria. The Joint Statement Regarding Syria is as follows:

 

PREAMBLE
 
Modern Syria gained its independence from France in 1946, but since has lived through periods of political instability driven by conflicting interests of various groups. Currently, Syria is undergoing a tragic two-year period of violence culminating in atrocious crimes against humanity from conflicting military forces fighting for the leadership of Syria.  Innocent civilians have paid dearly for this ongoing conflict and no end appears in sight for their suffering.  
 
The world has witnessed an increasingly uncontrollable state of war fueled by political interests of several nations on each side and sectarian animosity towards certain communities within Syria.  Terrorist organizations from Arab and South Asian countries have sent thousands of fighters to Syria to fight alongside opposition groups, while the Syrian Government is continuing its brutal military campaign.  It is vital that the world community comes together in an effort to peacefully solve Syria’s humanitarian crisis.
 
The United States is now involved in a national debate on whether to take military action against Syria. Politicians of both major political parties remain opposed to a military intervention. (See Appendix A) 
 
DECLARATION
 
We, the undersigned, acting under the collective conscience of Shia Muslims in the United States of America and guided by the principles of justice promulgated by the Holy Prophet (sawa) and his immaculate household (Ahlul Bayt) (as), solemnly believe and declare as follows:
 
  1. We unambiguously and unequivocally condemn the killing of innocent civilians in Syria, regardless of race, religion, sect, ethnicity, nationality, or political allegiance. The killing of innocent civilians constitutes an abhorrent and illegal act under all acknowledged principles of war and international law.  It can never be justified by any cause.   
  2. We condemn the kidnapping, torture, and execution of any individuals, and are opposed to any groups that engage in this type of behavior.
  3. We condemn the usage of chemical weapons or any other weapons of mass destruction by any party to the conflict.
  4. We are committed to a Syria that will espouse the values of freedom, human rights, justice, and equality; a Syria that secures the rights of both the majority and the minority, and expresses the viewpoints of all Syrians committed to peace.
  5. The international community must be united in the preservation of human rights and the upholding of humanitarian law. 
  6. Given that certain ethnic, sectarian, and religious communities are smaller in size and unable to protect themselves, it is imperative for the international community to protect minority communities from annihilation at the hands of militants. 
  7. It is imperative that all parties work to ensure that religious buildings, monuments and other important sites of historic relevance are not targeted, desecrated, or attacked in any fashion. The aspects of religion that are important to any of Syria’s people, regardless of whether they are Christian, Shia, Sunni, Kurdish, Druze, Alawite or of any other belief set or group, must be respected. 
  8. We believe in a non-violent solution to the crisis at hand, and support the efforts of international leaders to resolve this issue through diplomacy and dialogue, rather than through violence or other military action. We call for an immediate ceasefire by all parties involved under the auspices of the United Nations, and the preparation for a transitional government that represents the will of the Syrian people.
  9. We believe that such a peaceful resolution cannot be achieved by means of foreign military intervention.  History has taught us on innumerable occasions that foreign military intervention merely accomplishes the addition of another party to the conflict with the tendency of further escalating violence.  Thus, we hold firmly that foreign military intervention would be counterproductive to achieving a peaceful resolution in Syria.
  10. We hold that a military intervention in Syria does not serve the national security interests of the United States.  Past military intervention in such conflicts has proven to generate increased extremist recruitment along with attacks against the United States and its allies.
  11. We believe that a peaceful resolution must be based on the premise of diplomacy with the end goal of facilitating the establishment of a representative government that espouses the values of freedom, human rights, justice, and equality for all Syrians.  Such a government should be administratively aided by the United Nations in order to ensure free and fair democratic elections.
Therefore, we pray to the Almighty for a swift, peaceful, and positive resolution to this conflict, and for an end to the fighting that has led to the horrific deaths of countless civilians and the plight of over two million Syrian refugees.
SIGNATORIES OF STATEMENT
 
  • BAITUL ILM, IL.
  • COUNCIL OF SHIA MUSLIM SCHOLARS IN NORTH AMERICA
  • FREEMUSLIM ASSOCIATION
  • IMAMIA MEDICS INTERNATIONAL (IMI)
  • IMAM SHIRAZI WORLD FOUNDATION
  • IMAM KHOEI CENTER, NY.
  • ISLAMIC EDUCATION CENTER OF ORANGE COUNTY, CA. (IECOC)
  • ISLAMIC HOUSE OF WISDOM, MI.
  • ISLAMIC INFORMATION CENTER (IIC)
  • MUSLIMS FOR PEACE  (MFP)
  • MUSLIM FOUNDATION INC., NJ.  (MFI) 
  • ORGANIZATION OF NORTH AMERICAN SHIA ITHNASHERI MUSLIM COMMUNITIES (NASIMCO)
  • SHIA ASSOCIATION OF NORTH AMERICA, NJ. (SANA)
  • SHIA INTERNATIONAL
  • SHIA RIGHTS WATCH
  • SOULS MARCH 
  • UNIVERSAL MUSLIM ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA (UMAA)
 
APPENDIX A
 
Senator Christopher S. Murphy (D – CT): 
“I enter this debate extremely skeptical that military intervention can improve the situation in Syria, a position I’ve held since the beginning of this conversation, and believe that any action we take should start with increased humanitarian aid both inside and outside the country.”
 
Senator Marc Rubio (R – FL):  
“While I have long argued forcefully for engagement in empowering the Syrian people, I have never supported the use of U.S. military force in the conflict.  And I still don’t. I remain unconvinced that the use of force proposed here will work.”
 
Senator Ted Cruz (R – TX): 
“We should be focused on defending the United States of America. That’s why young men and women sign up to join the military, not to, as you know, serve as Al Qaeda’s air force.”
 
Senator John Boozman (R – AR): 
“It is almost certain that limited strikes will not destroy Assad’s ability to continue to murder his own people, with or without chemical weapons, and it will absolutely draw the U.S. down the path of greater involvement in the conflict.”
 
Senator Tom Harkin (D – IA): 
“We should not rush into what may become a new open-ended war without broad international backing or a full understanding of the ramifications.”
 
Rodney Alexander (R – LA 5): 
“At this time, Congressman Alexander does not feel it is in our best interests to take military action,” his spokeswoman, Jamie Hanks, said.
 
Representative Justin Amash (R – MI 3): 
“At the end of the day, it’s our resources and our sons and daughters who end up fighting these wars. It’s time to start saying no to other countries, that they need to start taking responsibility for themselves.”
 
Representative Michele Bachmann (R – MN 6): 
“I am adamantly opposed to President Obama starting another war in the Middle East and plan to vote against military intervention in Syria.”
 
Representative Paul Tonko (D – NY 20): 
“There’s no denying that people being gassed, youngsters being gassed, is horrific, immoral and unacceptable, but I think we need to move with caution because of many dynamics.”
 
Representative Kurt Schrader (D – OR 5): 
“I remain opposed to authorizing the unilateral use of U.S. forces — limited or not — without strong international support and clear, attainable objectives.”

JOINT STATEMENT REGARDING SYRIA

Shia Rights Watch, Washington DC, Today, in a collaborative effort, some of the most influential Shia Muslim organizations in the United States have released a Joint Statement Regarding Syria, reflecting the views of these organizations and their membership. In doing so, these organizations have firmly released their opinion of opposition to violence against innocent Syrians, in opposition to attacks against the holy sites of the Syrian people, and in opposition to any military strikes against the country of Syria. The Joint Statement Regarding Syria is as follows:

PREAMBLE
Modern Syria gained its independence from France in 1946, but since has lived through periods of political instability driven by conflicting interests of various groups. Currently, Syria is undergoing a tragic two-year period of violence culminating in atrocious crimes against humanity from conflicting military forces fighting for the leadership of Syria.  Innocent civilians have paid dearly for this ongoing conflict and no end appears in sight for their suffering.
The world has witnessed an increasingly uncontrollable state of war fueled by political interests of several nations on each side and sectarian animosity towards certain communities within Syria.  Terrorist organizations from Arab and South Asian countries have sent thousands of fighters to Syria to fight alongside opposition groups, while the Syrian Government is continuing its brutal military campaign.  It is vital that the world community comes together in an effort to peacefully solve Syria’s humanitarian crisis.
The United States is now involved in a national debate on whether to take military action against Syria. Politicians of both major political parties remain opposed to a military intervention. (See Appendix A)
DECLARATION
We, the undersigned, acting under the collective conscience of Shia Muslims in the United States of America and guided by the principles of justice promulgated by the Holy Prophet (sawa) and his immaculate household (Ahlul Bayt) (as), solemnly believe and declare as follows:
  1. We unambiguously and unequivocally condemn the killing of innocent civilians in Syria, regardless of race, religion, sect, ethnicity, nationality, or political allegiance. The killing of innocent civilians constitutes an abhorrent and illegal act under all acknowledged principles of war and international law.  It can never be justified by any cause.
  2. We condemn the kidnapping, torture, and execution of any individuals, and are opposed to any groups that engage in this type of behavior.
  3. We condemn the usage of chemical weapons or any other weapons of mass destruction by any party to the conflict.
  4. We are committed to a Syria that will espouse the values of freedom, human rights, justice, and equality; a Syria that secures the rights of both the majority and the minority, and expresses the viewpoints of all Syrians committed to peace.
  5. The international community must be united in the preservation of human rights and the upholding of humanitarian law.
  6. Given that certain ethnic, sectarian, and religious communities are smaller in size and unable to protect themselves, it is imperative for the international community to protect minority communities from annihilation at the hands of militants.
  7. It is imperative that all parties work to ensure that religious buildings, monuments and other important sites of historic relevance are not targeted, desecrated, or attacked in any fashion. The aspects of religion that are important to any of Syria’s people, regardless of whether they are Christian, Shia, Sunni, Kurdish, Druze, Alawite or of any other belief set or group, must be respected.
  8. We believe in a non-violent solution to the crisis at hand, and support the efforts of international leaders to resolve this issue through diplomacy and dialogue, rather than through violence or other military action. We call for an immediate ceasefire by all parties involved under the auspices of the United Nations, and the preparation for a transitional government that represents the will of the Syrian people.
  9. We believe that such a peaceful resolution cannot be achieved by means of foreign military intervention.  History has taught us on innumerable occasions that foreign military intervention merely accomplishes the addition of another party to the conflict with the tendency of further escalating violence.  Thus, we hold firmly that foreign military intervention would be counterproductive to achieving a peaceful resolution in Syria.
  10. We hold that a military intervention in Syria does not serve the national security interests of the United States.  Past military intervention in such conflicts has proven to generate increased extremist recruitment along with attacks against the United States and its allies.
  11. We believe that a peaceful resolution must be based on the premise of diplomacy with the end goal of facilitating the establishment of a representative government that espouses the values of freedom, human rights, justice, and equality for all Syrians.  Such a government should be administratively aided by the United Nations in order to ensure free and fair democratic elections.
Therefore, we pray to the Almighty for a swift, peaceful, and positive resolution to this conflict, and for an end to the fighting that has led to the horrific deaths of countless civilians and the plight of over two million Syrian refugees.
SIGNATORIES OF STATEMENT
  • BAITUL ILM, IL.
  • COUNCIL OF SHIA MUSLIM SCHOLARS IN NORTH AMERICA
  • FREEMUSLIM ASSOCIATION
  • IMAMIA MEDICS INTERNATIONAL (IMI)
  • IMAM SHIRAZI WORLD FOUNDATION
  • IMAM KHOEI CENTER, NY.
  • ISLAMIC EDUCATION CENTER OF ORANGE COUNTY, CA. (IECOC)
  • ISLAMIC HOUSE OF WISDOM, MI.
  • ISLAMIC INFORMATION CENTER (IIC)
  • MUSLIMS FOR PEACE  (MFP)
  • MUSLIM FOUNDATION INC., NJ.  (MFI)
  • ORGANIZATION OF NORTH AMERICAN SHIA ITHNASHERI MUSLIM COMMUNITIES (NASIMCO)
  • SHIA ASSOCIATION OF NORTH AMERICA, NJ. (SANA)
  • SHIA INTERNATIONAL
  • SHIA RIGHTS WATCH
  • SOULS MARCH
  • UNIVERSAL MUSLIM ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA (UMAA)
APPENDIX A
Senator Christopher S. Murphy (D – CT):
“I enter this debate extremely skeptical that military intervention can improve the situation in Syria, a position I’ve held since the beginning of this conversation, and believe that any action we take should start with increased humanitarian aid both inside and outside the country.”
Senator Marc Rubio (R – FL):
“While I have long argued forcefully for engagement in empowering the Syrian people, I have never supported the use of U.S. military force in the conflict.  And I still don’t. I remain unconvinced that the use of force proposed here will work.”
Senator Ted Cruz (R – TX):
“We should be focused on defending the United States of America. That’s why young men and women sign up to join the military, not to, as you know, serve as Al Qaeda’s air force.”
Senator John Boozman (R – AR):
“It is almost certain that limited strikes will not destroy Assad’s ability to continue to murder his own people, with or without chemical weapons, and it will absolutely draw the U.S. down the path of greater involvement in the conflict.”
Senator Tom Harkin (D – IA):
“We should not rush into what may become a new open-ended war without broad international backing or a full understanding of the ramifications.”
Rodney Alexander (R – LA 5):
“At this time, Congressman Alexander does not feel it is in our best interests to take military action,” his spokeswoman, Jamie Hanks, said.
Representative Justin Amash (R – MI 3):
“At the end of the day, it’s our resources and our sons and daughters who end up fighting these wars. It’s time to start saying no to other countries, that they need to start taking responsibility for themselves.”
Representative Michele Bachmann (R – MN 6):
“I am adamantly opposed to President Obama starting another war in the Middle East and plan to vote against military intervention in Syria.”
Representative Paul Tonko (D – NY 20):
“There’s no denying that people being gassed, youngsters being gassed, is horrific, immoral and unacceptable, but I think we need to move with caution because of many dynamics.”
Representative Kurt Schrader (D – OR 5):
“I remain opposed to authorizing the unilateral use of U.S. forces — limited or not — without strong international support and clear, attainable objectives.”

Spotlight, Report of Violation against Shia Muslim

Washington DC — Shia Rights Watch is releasing a report “Spotlight” that looks at Human rights violation against Shia Muslims in eight countries on September 6, 2013.
The report reflects extensive investigative work that SRW staff has undertaken during last two years often in close partnership with human rights activists.
Spotlight highlights the Shia Muslim rights violations in:
·         Saudi Arabia
·         Bahamian
·         Pakistan
·         Egypt
·         Malaysia
·         Indonesia
·         Syria
·         Iraq
Journalists, researchers, and human rights advocates interested in obtaining a copy before the release of the report may contact the organization directly.
SRW, founded in Washington DC, in 2011, is a non-profit, non-governmental entity which defends Shia Muslim rights around the world.

Shop Owners are New Target

Three Shia Muslim shop owners shot killed in Karachi, Pakistan. Ejaz Hussain, Zaheer Hussain, and Mohammad Zaman all shit killed at their own shops. After Shia professionals, shop owners are next target of the anti-Shia groups.

Pakistani Shia have always been victims of anti-Shia terrorist act and yet the government was not pressured by international committee to protect Shia citizen and prevent violence.

Eight Unclaimed Bombings

Mideast Iraq ViolenceSRW condemns the increasing Shia killing in Iraq and urges the government to take immediate actions to protect its citizen.

Eight unclaimed bombings in Iraq claimed the lives of at least 50 people in Shia populated area of Baghdad on September 3rd, 2013.

Increasing violence in Iraq’s Shia area has claimed more death compared to all other unrest areas in the Middle East, even Syria.

16 Member of Shia Family killed by Anti Shia Terrorist

6 children , 8 women and 2 men from one shia family killed by Anti Shia terrorist in Iraq

According to Reuters, Gunmen shot dead at least 16 members of a Shia Muslim family before blowing up their two neighboring homes south of the Iraqi capital overnight, police and medics said. ( 6 Children and 8 Women were among the dead people)

The attack took place in the town of Latifiya, around 40 km (25 miles) from Baghdad, in a volatile area known as the “triangle of death”.

It was not immediately clear who carried out the attack but Sunni militants who view Shia as apostates have been regaining momentum in their insurgency and striking with a ferocity not seen in years.

“We were sitting in our house when some gunmen opened fire at us through the windows,” said a teenage girl wearing a red headscarf and dress, seated on the bed of her 6-year-old brother in a hospital ward. Both their heads were bandaged.

“My father stood and moved toward the door. They shot him dead immediately. They shot my sister dead. They were shooting randomly.”

Outside the hospital, people thought to be relatives of the victims wept as they waited to receive the bodies of the dead, which included women and children. One woman struck her head in grief, crying “God is Greatest!”

About 800 Iraqis were killed in August, according to the United Nations, with more than a third of the attacks in Baghdad.

Late on Tuesday, a series of car bombs across Baghdad killed nearly 60 people in predominantly Shi’ite districts, police and medics said.

Separately on Wednesday, a suicide bomber attacked a police headquarters in the northern city of Mosul, killing five policemen. A roadside bomb also struck a patrol in Tarmiya, north of Baghdad, killing five soldiers.

———-

Shia Rights Watch, death count data base shows increase of attacks on past two months. Lack of security and increase of Anti Shia terrorist preach to uneducated people is one of the causes on killing Shia Muslims.

Immediate Call to Saudi Arabia to Stop Nasser al-Omar

ommShia rights Watch expresses its strongest disapproval of the freedom of “clerics” who use their power to call for hatred and murder. Wahhabi clerics have continuously called for killing Shia Muslims and their governments have been supporting them. There are many Shia Mulsims who have lost their lives because of the motivational talks of clerics.

According to AlKhabarPress.com another Saudi cleric named Nasser al-Omar announced a fatwa against Shia Muslims when he was asked about his solution to save Islamic nation [from Shia] since Shi’ism is more danger than Christianity and Jewish.

He said Shia have only two options, they can convert to “Islam” or be killed if they decided to keep their believes.

AlKhabarPress.com stated Al-Omar motivated its reader to:

First slaughter all their men. “Slaughter Shia until there are rivers of their blood”.

Second inmate their females. If virgin let the BEST “Mujahedeen” enjoy them [sexually]. If not virgin but beautiful reserve for the rest of the “mujahedeen” and the rest of the females can be given to the rest of the men [who are not considered “Mujahedeen”.

Last group are Shia children. Capture them and teach them “true” Islam and train them to be soldiers so we can use them in wars.

Nasser al-Omar concluded by suggesting burning all Shia publications and demolition of all their mosques and centers.

SRW believes such human right violators must be punished for the violence and hatred that they spread in the society. This organization calls on Saudi Arabia kingdom to immediately stop Nasser al-Omar and others who call for violence. No human rights violator should feel safe to publicize its violations, says SRW.

UN Complaint