Stand back and let them get on with it

Submitted by Bart Benschop (Australia), Apr 29, 2013 at 11:30

Dear Sir,

Mr. Al Assad is the President of Syria. He holds this position legally under Al Shari'ia and is accepted by the Syrian Ulema. Mr Al Assad is an Alawite, a Shia sect. The opposition is Syria is Sunni. Under Al Shari'ia Mr. Al Assad has the duty to kill anyone who defies his rule. This is a Syrian issue. Whenever such a confrontation takes place under Islamic rule and espacially when it is under Arabic rule these conflict get very vicious. These conflicts are not wars, they are simple power struggles. Just as in the US during elections there is a power struggle between parties, the same in Arabia. Because under Al Shari'ia a democratic system is not recognised the only way to settle is through fighting till the other party is killed or is brought down to beseeching for their life..

This fight is condemmed by Turkey, the neighbouring states, the Arab League and the UN which are all Sunni controlled. When Chemical Weapons are deemed to have been used and when these weapons are deemed to have been used by the Syrian Government that is still a Syrian issue. When Non Muslims get themselves involved is this kind of power struggle it always ends up in a mess. Libya is an excellent example. The best thing that Non Muslims can do is to help any victims of this conflict as for example Israel is doing but not get involved unless the conflict oversteps the borders of Syria. Mr. Al Assad maybe unlovely but it is important to understand that he never wanted to be President of Syria and that Syria is a very difficult country to rule.

I have widely travelld in Syria over some sixty years. Syria is an amazing country that has been very tolerant to different Muslim sects and non Muslims. In the past I have seen Muslims pray in a Christian Church, praying for Jesus to intercede on their behalf with Allah because they feel safer using an intermediate. I have seen Muslim women going to Nuns to ask advice on how to get pregnant with a son. I have had my camera stolen and went to report it to the Police in Aleppo. The Commissioner of Police took me to a camera store and bought me a new one. I have travelled in very remote mountain regions looking for Christian ruins and being guided by simple shepherds walking for miles together and proud to show me something of their heritage.

What is happening in Syria is tragic but there is very little non Muslims can do to change this. It is difficult to accept but the best way is to stand back and let them get on with it.

Kind regards,

Bart Benschop

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