Syrian Persecution of Kurds Intensifies

By Daniel Bart

March 4, 2005, Prodemocracylobby.org

Syria has moved in special security forces all over Syrian Kurdistan and established checkpoints throughout the region. One young woman, Eziza Yezidi, a member of the Yezidi minority community was murdered on February 28 by Syrian security forces. Her two daughters, husband and son-in-law were  all wounded. Thousands of Syrian Kurdish political prisoners languish in Syrian prisons and the corpses of tortured prisoners are released at a
steady pace. More Kurds are arrested and repression is getting worse by the day.

Syria should be very careful about its actions. It is not in a strategic position to oppose America's demands, yet it does. Even if the Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad is not particularly concerned about Syria's national interest, at least those around him should consider the future of the Syrian Alawi community.

Syria would be well advised to quickly heed America's demands as this is the only way to secure the future and security of the Syrian Alawis. Alawi leaders should consider that some friends of the Kurds are also favorably disposed towards the Alawi community and quite concerned about its future.

A peaceful transition to democracy is preferred by the international community and will ensure that the Alawi community is not persecuted by other groups. Influential Alawis should use their last months in power to change direction and introduce democracy now. They would be well advised to follow the Spanish model and give regional autonomy to the Alawis in the west, the Druze in the south and the Kurds in the east. This would resolve many problems and help facilitate a peaceful transition to democracy in Syria.

The fact is that Kurds, Alawis and Druze share a common interest in implementing a Spanish solution. Alawi leaders need to consider the future of their community and it is very much in their immediate interest to prevent any further persecution of minorities.

http://www.prodemocracylobby.org

Daniel Bart
http://www.danielbart.org
+46-73-578 77 20

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