Syria defines 'peace process'

A.P. photo/ SANA -- Syrian Pres. Assad on left, U.S. envoy Mitchell on right

Syria’s President Assad defined “peace process,” at the “Arab Parties Conference” in Damascus.

He said that it includes not only diplomacy, but primarily “resistance,” including violence.   He said that victory requires Arab unity in conjunction with allies such as Turkey and Iran  (www.imra.org.il, 11/11).

Arab statements often require a double translation for Western audiences.  The first transaction, the one into English, may be difficult enough, if not fluent usage.  A second translation is required, because Arabs think differently from Westerners, having a different language root, culture, and values. 

Assad’s definition of ”peace process” is an example.  He defines it the way I have explained the Arabs view it, as combining diplomacy, war, and other means, and ending in conquest rather than genuine peace.     

Another example is his notion of Arab unity.  Iran is dividing the Arabs.  Iran and Syria are trying to dominate the other Arabs and bend them to their more bellicose stances.  Iran’s seeks religious and national domination, Syria seeks power and influence.  Experts find that Assad’s minority sect, Alawite, is akin to Iran’s major sect, Shia.  Apparently, the Syrian majority sect, Sunni, concurs.