Anti-Syrian is a journalistic and political term used to describe a political position, which opposes the Syrian regime's interference in Lebanon. Most politicians nowadays described as anti-Syrian, such as Walid Jumblatt and Rafik Hariri, were, until 2004, loyal supporters of the Syrian regime and were responsible for implementing Syria's policies in Lebanon. Politicians such as Michel Aoun, who had spent 15 years in exile and returned only after the Syrians had ended their occupation, are, ironically, described as pro-Syrian for opposing the March 14 Alliance.
[edit] Lebanese Political Position
Anti-Syrian is a political stance that the large parts of Lebanese society hold towards the Syrian Baathist regime, due to its 30-year occupation of Lebanon, and its continuous influence on their country's affairs. The anti-Syrian sentiment culminated in Lebanon's largest demonstration on March 14, 2005, which was to become known as the Cedar Revolution.[1] The Syrian Army withdrew from Lebanon soon after.[2] The politicians of the Cedar Revolution are known as the March 14 Alliance.
Anti-Syrians claim that, unlike terms such as anti-American, a person labeled as anti-Syrian may have no objections to Syrian people or Syria in general, only opposed to Syrian presence in Lebanon. Though following Rafik Hariri's death, dozens of Syrian workers were killed and workers still face strong discrimination today.
[edit] Usage in the Press
bbc.co.uk
- "World leaders and Lebanese politicians have condemned the bomb attack that killed an anti-Syrian Lebanese MP in a mainly Christian suburb of Beirut."[3]
MonstersandCritics.com
- "Anti-Syrian government minister Pierre Gemayel was killed by unidentified gunmen in a Christian neighbourhood of Beirut in November 2006."[4]
- "Anti-Syrian majority accuse Lebanese opposition of coup."[5]
Reuters
- "Anti-Syrian Lebanese Crowds Honor Slain Hariri."[6]
- "Tens of thousands of flag-waving Lebanese gathered in central Beirut on Wednesday to remember Rafik al-Hariri, two years after the former premier's killing, and show support for the anti-Syrian government."[7]
- "June 19 - Lebanese parliamentary elections end in victory for anti-Syrian alliance led by Hariri's son Saad al-Hariri."[8]
The San Francisco Chronicle
- "The event that has neighborhoods turning into bunkers is the planned rally on Wednesday by the pro-government coalition known as March 14, named for the date of a huge pro-Hariri, anti-Syrian protest, one month after the slaying of the popular prime minister in 2005."[9]
United Press International
- "Unions condemn anti-Syrian attacks."[10]
The World Peace Herald
- "The anti-Syrian daily said in a commentary the massive turnout two years after Hariri's assassination proves the pro-government camp is not a just a minority and can take to the streets just as the opposition does."[11]
Washington Report on Middle East Affairs
- "True to his family’s heritage, Amin’s son, the young Pierre Gemayel who was killed this week, was a minister in Fuad Saniora’s anti-Syrian government, itself a product of the parliamentary majority which emerged as a result of popular revulsion at the murder in February 2005 of the former prime minister, Rafiq Hariri—a murder for which Syria and its local allies were widely blamed."[1]
[edit] See also
[edit] External links
[edit] References
- ^ a b Two Views: The Crisis in Lebanon: Who Benefits?
- ^ SignOnSanDiego.com > News > World - From cows to Humvees, American involvement deepens in Lebanon after Syrian withdrawal
- ^ BBC NEWS | Middle East | Anger at new Lebanon MP killing
- ^ Anti-Syrian majority accuse Lebanese opposition of coup (Extra) - Middle East
- ^ At least three killed in bus explosions in Lebanon (3rd Lead) - Middle East
- ^ http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20070214/wl_nm/lebanon_dc_8
- ^ http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20070214/wl_nm/lebanon_dc_5
- ^ Reuters AlertNet - CHRONOLOGY-Events in Lebanon since Hariri's killing
- ^ Lebanon neighborhoods turning into bunkers / Nation on edge as anniversary of Hariri assassination nears
- ^ International Intelligence - Analysis - UPI.com
- ^ Down For Maintenance
