As many already know I went to Syria back during Ramadan. Many people had many split views on going. But the fact was anyone I talked to in Syria all told me to come.
When I first got there I was truly shocked. I am one that does not watch Aljazeera or any of their allied stations but I didnt think that I was entering normal Syria when I hit Damascus.
Life was completely normal. People were going to work and staying out all night enjoying themselves.
The one difference I felt was Friday. I was at my uncles house all day, we didnt leave. No one left during the few hours around Salat. (Be safe than sorry.) I remember that day staying on the news. 2 police officers died in the suburb just next to us. Yes I was staying in the Ref Alsham (Damascus Suburbs) for the first few days. Where the majority of the problems supposedly happened. When I turned on the TV to AJA supposedly there was a protest outside the balcony where I was staying. Definitely did not happen.
People weren't lying when they said it is true bullshit by the media.
The problem in Syria when I was there, not now a month later, is not demonstrations. Because these are exaggerated, there is no revolution in the terms of Egypt or Tunisia. There is not an armed rebellion in the terms of Libya.
Though the outside is interferring with the media and sanctions.
The main obstacle for reforms is the people themselves.
There are extremest on both sides... I experienced it myself within my own family.
~One cousin was so extreme he would make statements that he doesnt care if everyone that is against the govt to be arrested. He doesnt care for any kind of change at all.
~Another cousin who is against the govt said he hopes all those who are for the government get killed when the regime falls.
Needless to say neither of these two sat with each other. These r the minorities but these rifts within an household have made the major rift in the country. And their views cannot be altered and they refuse to find a middle and they refuse join in any dialogue.
I noticed those that were in the middle - not extreme; just want reforms. They do not want either extremes and they dont want a complete change in the regime either.
These are the silent majority. One of them being an uncle of mine (he's 35 years old): he actually demonstrated in the beginning. Then he told me he stopped for 2 reasons: 1. He was promised reforms and believes they will come 2. He saw with his own eyes demonstrators he was friends with start taking guns. He did not want to be part of any of that.
I asked him how long will he wait for the reforms: He said until the country is safe again do I expect full implication of reforms. Until they it will be very gradual.
My family makes up for over 20 aunts and uncles (total) and all have at least 3 children. So understand I get all different points of views in just 20 minutes of sitting with them.
A sign of some reforms was when people within my village were released from jail on bond until their court date. 4 people charged with paying people to go out in demonstrate. (They were apparently ratted out by their 5th partner in crime.) They will be getting a public trial.
As Ramadan came to a close it was obvious that there was no revolution but an armed insurgency/rebellion within the borders.
Syria is not in much trouble they will pull out of this in the end. But the damage between the people is what needs to be worked on.
