Ketcham Chair in Middle East Studies, Prof. of Gov, Smith College; Nonresident Senior Fellow CMEP, Brookings. Former VP, Center for Applied Research on Conflict, USIP.
https://smith.academia.edu/StevenHeydemann
I understand why they take the position they do. Still, it's sad when those who’ve struggled so long and against such odds for a democratic Syria seem so willing to dismiss democratic principles when the ends seem to them to justify doing so.
And if we’ve heard anyone in the Trump administration indicate that the US will push for a democratic transition in Venezuela—as opposed to demanding control of its oil—I’d like to see the statement.
and a violation of international law, while fully recognizing the illegality, illegitimacy, and brutality of his regime. What makes the perspective of these Syrian friends especially ironic is that what happened in Venezuela falls far short of regime change.
outcome of the current transition—and they will raise their voices to protest, call for democracy, decry the government’s abuses of the rule of law. Perhaps then they’ll understand why it is never naïve to insist that the US capture of Maduro is illegal, unconstitutional,
Soon, I’m sure, they will face circumstances in Syria where the government claims expediency to engage in undemocratic conduct – they’ve happened already. Soon, they will confront the likely consolidation of some form of autocracy in Syria—the most likely
pointed to the joy of diaspora Venezuelans as proof that only those who can’t understand what it’s like to live under a dictator will complain about what the US did in Venezuela. These are Syrians who care deeply about where their country is headed.
Their horrific experience of the Assad regime leads them to a deeply troubling conclusion. When it comes to getting rid of a dictator, the ends justify the means.” One younger friend, with a prominent social media presence,
Some Syrian friends are celebrating Maduro’s ouster, chiding those who express concerns as naïve, at best, and as apologists for a brutal ruler at worst.
Reposted by Steven Heydemann
Reposted by Steven Heydemann
Reposted by Steven Heydemann
They include some of the world’s most prominent and outspoken aid organizations, including Doctors Without Borders:
apnews.com/article/gaza...
www.wsj.com/world/middle...
Reposted by Steven Heydemann, Tom Griffin, Georg Weizsäcker
Reposted by Steven Heydemann, Michael A. Clemens
@rezahakbari.bsky.social
Holding the Assad Regime and its Accomplices to Account: Targeted Sanctions and Transitional Justice in the New Syria
opensyr.com/en/pages/p-40