The West must make deals with the jihadis. Al-quds al-arabi

"...these jihadi groups pulled the rug out from under the feet of everyone, and now number more difficult in the equation Syrian, and it is too late for any decision Western U.S. to change this fact...." Al-qusa al-arabi

----------------------------------------

This Arab newspaper, al-quds al-arabi (Arab Jerusalem) believes that jihadis supported by Qatar and Saudi Arabia have completelyoput "played" the Americans and Europens and now are such a major factor in the Syrian civil war that the West will have to include them in all plans as furure participants in Syrian government.  pl 

 

http://friday-lunch-club.blogspot.com/2012/08/qatars-al-quds-al-arabi-syrian-national.html-quds

Comments

[David Habakkuk]

Why should it be ‘too late for any decision Western US to change this fact?’ The logical implication of this analysis would indeed seem to be that we are in the ‘same trench as the Assad regime’, precisely because it and the West have common enemies in the jihadists.

Do we stand to lose – in concrete terms – by concluding that we have made a major strategic error, and acting on the basis of this conclusion?

Lacking expertise on the Middle East, I cannot judge whether in fact a classic renversement des alliances at this point would have serious negative consequences. But I would certainly like to see a ‘realist’ demonstration of what these are, rather than more and more obtuse propaganda about the evils of the Assad regime.

[Jim Ticehurst]

Pat...Speaking of Saudi Arabia...and current Gulf states attitudes towards Syria and President Assad...I was interested to read the current storys over at the Gulfnews.com website about the OIC Meeting this week at Makkah..which included 57 countries but has excluded Syria..I assume Syria would be eventually allowed to join if the Syria Rebel Factions are sucessful..

On the Saudi Arabia link..there is a story Headlined Aug 15th.."Syria's Crisis Helps Warm Relations between Riyadh and Tehran"..There is also an interesting Photo with it that shows King Abdullah Bin Abdul Aziz..in Traditional Robes..walking with President Ahmadinejad..who is wearing a White sheet like garment..everyone else is wearing Western style Clothing...Does that White sheet like Garment have any significance ?

Also..there is another Article over there that Says that
President Ahmadinejad was seated at the side of King Abdullah Bin Abdul Aziz to welcome the Leaders to the OIC Summit..(wearing western clothing)..There is another article over there as to what Analysists are saying about what that seating represents..

This meeting was called apparently...to Unify all the Muslim/Islam Groups and factions..so they could find common ground and put aside thier differences..The Gulf news story explains all that was Proposed in Greater Detail..

In light of the Current Israel/Iran War Talk...could this give Iran the Opportunity to back off its posturing..decrease the Current Tension..avoid a War..and allow Saudi Arabia the TIME to carry out the Objectives(UNITY) proposed at the OIC Summit..? I Suspect that the Success of all these Revolutions through out the Middle East ..along with American help..(Viva La Liberation-Democracy Now) has given The Saudi's the assurance that Thier Plan is in the Final Stages..

All they need for that Islamic Unity, I suspect is for the Rebellion in Syria to suceed..and for Iran to Avoid a War with Israel..At Least for Now...

[FB Ali]

Quite apart from the issue of which course, in theory, would be best for the US and the West to pursue, I see no possibility of any such radical switch in reality.

The realization of the significant penetration of jihadis into the ranks of the rebels (and their greater military capability) is now sinking in, and leading to some reduction in the rhetoric emanating from Western capitals. But I doubt if it will cause any change in the actions of the shadowy Western entities let loose upon the Assad regime.

[Charles I]

That ship has sailed, and if it tries to return to port it will be greeted like a boatload of refugees.

[William R. Cumming]

Is my understanding correct that some Muslims view the ALAWITES as non-Muslim?

[turcopolier]

WRC

How many times have I answered this question here? YES! YES! YES! Alawis and Druze are "muslims" in the sanme way that Mormons are Christians. i.e. by their own descriptions. The essence of Islam is monotheism. Alawis are not. pl

[Rd.]

the West will have to include them in all plans as furure participants in Syrian government.  pl 

Perhaps they were included in the 'western' plans all along. Given, the Libyan 'option' may not have been available in the Syrian case, it is/was useful to promote a protracted civil war in Syria. This is not about Assad leaving or promoting democracy in Syria, but if you believe in that, I have a nice piece of land in Florida for you.

This option or protracting the 'civil' war will tie up all the regional actors (Turkey, SA, Qatar, Iran, etc.) and exhaust their resources. It also fans the sectarian/national/religion divide. Iran has continuously warned against this attempt, 'perhaps' the Saudi's are starting to understand this. As for the Turkish leadership, one can only hope they open their eye's before creating a disaster for themselves, the Turkish people and the region.

[William R. Cumming]

Thanks PL!

[William R. Cumming]

Any indication as to the religions of the majority of Lebanese and Syrian Americans?

[Babak Makkinejad]

I agree but there is utility in having Iranian allies destroy assorted Jihadists that are threats to US, Saudi Arabia etc.

If that is the case, then it must also be the assessment that the government in Syria will previal against her opponents; sort of like Algeria against the FIS.

This policy ties up Iran and Syria for while but the net result will be a strengthening of Iranian position in Syria and in Levant.

[Babak Makkinejad]

The white robes are called Ihram clothing (also spelt Ahram clothing) which includes men's and women's garments worn by Muslims Hajj, in this umrah hajj.

I do not think there has been any new grounds broken between Saudi Arabia and Iran.

The near-war situation in the Middle East owes its existence to the policies of Mr. Obama; in my opinion.

In my opinion, Rebels will not succeed in Syria in establishing a new government.

[different clue]

I have no real indications, but I will guess that most of the Lebanese Americans are either Christian (mainly Maronite) descended, or Shia descended. I remember reading many years ago that Nabih Berri spent some years working in a car plant in Michigan before returning to Lebanon to take up leadership of Amal. (My memory might be wrong of course).

[William R. Cumming]

Thanks different clue!