Rising Anger

"A number of Arab regimes are expressing their extreme anger at the large number of people killed or injured at the hands of Syria’s repressive security forces, The level of their anger rose when the number of victims crossed the 'two-thousand martyrs' barrier a few weeks ago. We would have said that this position was a truly 'humane' one infused with a pan-Arab sentiment had these regimes been forced to sit for what we can refer to as 'the Syrian test.' Our problem with these regimes – or, rather, their problem with those of us who do not take their credibility seriously – is that they have not been put to this test or have passed it in a very unconvincing manner. We have seen their tanks in the streets. We have heard their threats to use force to break up any popular action of whatever sort, and at whatever price. We have seen victims falling, killed or wounded. And their number far exceeds – relatively and proportionately –that of the ongoing massacre in Homs, Rastan, Der'a, Duma and other burning Syrian hot points of tension. Even if we consider those cases where an alleged  'peaceful transition' towards democracy is taking place that we hope would offer a model to all the different  states and societies caught up in the Arab Spring, we note that this was in no way peaceful. In fact, it was very costly by any standard and a copious amount of precious blood was spilt in the streets and public squares. In Egypt, for example, over a thousand martyrs fell within three weeks alone. Most fell within two or three days. As for ‘green’ Tunisia, the starting point for the Arab Spring and the country that fired its opening shot, it was painted blood-red. It lost hundreds of martyrs and wounded within a period of no more than two weeks. And had the rulers of Egypt and Tunisia the chance to play the army card in the appropriate manner, blood would have risen as high as people’s necks-- not only their 'knees' as the saying goes. Some of our regimes understood this 'piece of wisdom' early on, and acted on its basis. The Syrian regime sided with its brother Libyan regime. It reportedly provided it with all the support it could to prolong its survival. Damascus also supported the [Saudi-led] Gulf Defense Shield forces’ entry into Bahrain in a gamble that risked a 'strategic alliance' [with Iran] that stood firmly and determinedly against this intervention. Similarly, both Algeria and Libya have backed Syria. Sudan has also backed President Bashar al-Assad in Arab forums. In fact, the rulers targeted by the peoples in the public squares and arenas that bear their names have expressed mutual support and backing for each other. They all acted on the basis of the dictum that advises the white bull to avoid the fate of its brother black bull after abandoning the latter to slaughter. [The white bull is also slaughtered and subsequently eaten]. They exchanged advice and mutual support. "And what brings those who exchanged this advice together most is that they all fear a similar fate.  They are now sowing the seeds that they will later reap,