A R A B I C A ارابيكا

TARGET: MINARET
A Syrian television station showed footage of the Othman Mosque in the besieged eastern city of Deir a-Zor, now reportedly occupied and subdued by the Syrian military. The top of the minaret has been blown off as gunfire crackles and artillery booms in the background.

This stunning clip shows the desecration of the minaret. Filmed by a man in a nearby building, Syrian tanks repeatedly fire on the minaret as the person filming murmurs, "Allahu akbar." At 2:29, the top third of the minaret falls from its base. Shouts of "Allahu akbar" are heard in the background immediately afterwards. Outraged commenters below the YouTube clip universally implored God to condemn, avenge and even kill those responsible for the destruction of the minaret. One writes, "I wonder what the opinion of the religious leaders working for the government think of this?" Another vows that "a new minaret will be built on the principles of justice and freedom."

DAMASCUS DEFIANT
The international community is growing more vocal in its criticism of the Syrian regime's use of violence against unarmed civilians. But the government remains defiant, holding to the same narrative it has promulgated since the uprising began in March. Syrian Foreign Minister Walid Mouallem told a delegation of envoys from Brazil, South Africa and India, all currently occupying rotating seats on the UN Security Council, that pressuring Syria puts the country at risk. Mouallem followed the government line precisely in the meeting, blaming "armed groups' for the uprising and praising the Syrian army for "restoring security and stability." Mouallem stressed the government's commitment to reform and dialogue.

REGIONAL REACTION
Egypt's Foreign Minister said the situation in Syria is "moving toward the point of no return" in what Al Arabiya called "the strongest statements to date out of Cairo regarding events in Syria." Foreign Minister Mohammed Amro called for "an immediate ceasefire," and urged reforms to begin as quickly as possible. Turkish Prime Minister Recep Erdogan went even farther, saying that Syria is turning its weapons toward its own people.

August 11, 2011

photo credit: illustir