Tag Archives: Geneva II

How’s That Globalization Working For You?

Syrian Za'atri Refugee Camp. Photo by U.S. Department of State [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

Syrian Za’atri Refugee Camp. Photo by U.S. Department of State [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

Is the world really globalized? For the most part, it seems so. Until it comes to the Americans.

We have talked about the problem with the media in a previous post. No clearer example can be used to illustrate this problem than with the events since the grinding halt of real news in this country after the breaking story of a governor’s alleged involvement in a traffic jam.

This has obsessed the news media to the saturation level equal to that of Super Storm Sandy.

Meanwhile, most Americans do not know that a state of emergency has been declared in Thailand, which allows the government to use military forces to defeat the peaceful protestors in Bangkok.

In Kiev, warnings have been issued by the government that it is perfectly legal to replace the rubber bullets they have been using against the protestors with live ammunition.

Geneva II talks have convened for discussion regarding Syria. On the eve of those talks, the UN and several Human Rights organizations are reviewing a War Crimes Report proving the Assad regime’s atrocities unequaled in horror since 1945.

The released War Crimes Report appeared in an article in The New York Times with a report from Robert Mackey, presenting evidence of war crimes and crimes against humanity carried out in Syria by the Assad regime in a systematic campaign of torture and carnage.

If America wants to grow up and play ball with the rest of the world by talking about “globalization,” may we suggest starting with finding out what is going on?

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Geneva II Missing One Invitation

On Wednesday, January 22, world leaders will convene for peace talks known as “Geneva II” and whose primary goal is to find a way to deal with “the problem of Syria.” Syria has been embroiled in civil war and absolute destruction in the wake of unrest throughout the region.

Photo by By Jan Bojer Vindheim (Own work) CC-BY-SA-3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Saleh Muslim. Photo by By Jan Bojer Vindheim (Own work) CC-BY-SA-3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

It appears the invitation list reads as a “Who’s Who” among the world’s leaders. Yet, somehow, absent from that list is the most crucial voice that could help open the door for the peaceful resolution sought that would be best for all parties involved, most specifically that of the Kurdish Syrians and their neighbors. A “Missing Invitation” should be extended on an emergency basis to include Saleh Muslim, leader of the Democratic Union Party, an alleged Syrian affiliate of the Kurdistan Worker’s Party, and the most powerful member of the Kurdish opposition in the Syrian civil war.

In a recent article appearing in Armenian Weekly, International correspondent and recognized expert in reporting on Kurdish issues, Amberin Zaman, observes, among other reasons, “why Turkey and the United States say they won’t engage with Mr. Muslim and the PYD is because the latter has refused to join the Istanbul-based Syrian opposition and to take up arms against the Assad regime. Turkey’s foreign minister, Ahmet Davutoglu, made it clear that this is why Ankara has frozen dialogue with Mr. Muslim.”

If the Geneva II talks are to be successful both in intent and outcome, engaging Mr. Muslim would be the most logical means to achieve these goals. How is it possible to fairly determine the fate of a people labeled as “adversaries” if they are not allowed to participate in the discussion, but are expected to acquiesce to the outcome of policies decided upon? Why would those who refused to take up arms not be allowed to further discuss peace? Why would a people who have been victims of genocide and systematic cultural and practical extinction for the last 90+ YEARS not want to seek a means to an end? To exclude the Kurdish voice is allowing the policies of assimilation for governments who will only perpetuate the cycle which has proven to be unsustainable to peace. The PKK is a symptom of these policies.

In the interest and integrity of the Geneva II talks, we recommend that Saleh Muslim be included.

Editorial Comment: As I began covering Syria and broadened to the issues affecting the Kurdish people also in Turkey, Iraq and Iran, I have been willing to shed misconceptions and replace my ignorance for an appreciation of a peaceful, beautiful people whose story must be told. Begin with more information and further reading by visiting the American Kurdish Information Network. Be sure to watch the videos as well as read the information provided.

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