Louay Hussein: Political Opposition a Step Behind the Syrian People From L-R:- Syrian opposition members Hassan Kamel, Louay Hussein and Mona Ghanem, give a press conference in Damascus, on September 2011, during which they announced the formation of a party called "Building the Syrian State". (Photo: AFP)
By: Anas Zarzar <http://english.al-akhbar.com/author/anas-zarzar> [1] Published Monday, December 12, 2011 *Damascus* - Fifty-one-year-old Louay Hussein was one of the first opposition figures to be detained after the outbreak of the Syrian uprising for issuing a statement of solidarity with the people of Daraa, a city in southwestern Syria. In June, he succeeded in organizing the Semiramis Conference the first opposition conference in Syria. In September, he co-founded Building the Syrian State group in Damascus, along with other Syrian intellectuals and activists. *Anas Zarzar (AZ):* After almost nine months since the outbreak of the Syrian uprising, do you agree that the opposition is now divided mainly among the Syrian National Council (SNC) and the National Coordination Committee (NCC), with the absence of an active role of independent opposition figures on the ground? *Louay Hussein (LH):* I believe that this is merely a media game. Ever since the outbreak of events, various media outlets have created this picture at the behest of those who run or fund these outlets. There are thousands of opposition figures in the Syrian uprising who are not members of any political party or movement or any public gathering. The media focuses on the SNC and NCC despite the fact that there is a large segment of the Syrian opposition dissatisfied with their performance. *AZ:*Syrias Foreign Minister Walid Muallem called on all opposition figures, whether in Syria or abroad, to hold dialogue with the regime in several press conferences. He said that he guarantees their safety. What is your response? *LA:* Walid Muallem is in no position to guarantee anybodys safety. For the past 11 years, the Syrian authorities and the various state security forces have not been accurate in their words and deeds. They are definitely not responsible for any statement issued by any official group. For instance, the killing of people on streets in the past nine months has always been accompanied by statements banning the security services from shooting people. If I get detained tomorrow, Walid Muallem will have a ready justification in order to convince everyone that my detention is legitimate, as happens every day with all political detainees and activists. *AZ:* Did you receive invitations to join the SNC or the NCC before you co-founded Building the Syrian State? What is your view of their performance? *LH:* I did not receive any invitations neither personal nor as co-founder of Building the Syrian State to join either of the two opposition groups. However, there were a few serious attempts by these groups to attract some of our cadres. Regardless of ideas, principles, and demands advocated by the SNC and NCC, I consider this division in the ranks of the opposition as absolute negative. It contributes to the creation of political fiefdoms that are far from what a proper opposition should be like. A few days ago, some opposition figures paid a visit to distant Syrian regions like Qamishli and Hasaka and borrowed money in order to return to Damascus. This indicates that it is impossible for them to travel to Arab or European capitals and meet various media outlets in order to be recognized. Most of the political opposition groups that have emerged lately will disappear even before the disappearance of the regime itself. The overall activities of the SNC and NCC have had little effect. So far, they have been unable to act or have actual impact on the ground. Both blocs are at least one step behind the people. This article is an edited translation from the Arabic Edition. Anas Zarzar Tags - *Section*: Interviews & Portraits<http://english.al-akhbar.com/section/interviews-portraits> [2] - *Category*: Articles <http://english.al-akhbar.com/category/articles> [3] - *Tags*: syria <http://english.al-akhbar.com/tags/syria> [4], Syrian uprising <http://english.al-akhbar.com/tags/syrian-uprising> [5], Syrian National Council<http://english.al-akhbar.com/tags/syrian-national-council> [6], National Coordinating Committee<http://english.al-akhbar.com/tags/national-coordinating-committee> [7], Building the Syrian State<http://english.al-akhbar.com/tags/building-syrian-state> [8], Opposition <http://english.al-akhbar.com/tags/opposition> [9] [image: Creative Commons License]<http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/3.0/> ------------------------------ *Source URL:* http://english.al-akhbar.com/content/louay-hussein-political-opposition-step-behind-syrian-people http://syrianrevolutiondigest.blogspot.com/ The New Lebanon! *The world has waited too long it seems, the window of opportunity for ousting the Assad regime at the minimal possible cost for all is closing rapidly, if it hasnt already. Now we have to deal with the prospect of lebanonization in Syria, and just in time for Christmas! Thank you Santa!* *Monday 12, 2011* *Todays death toll:* 21, including 4 women. Most of the dead fell in Homs City. Meanwhile clashes between insurgents and loyalists in Idlib, Hama and Deraa/Hauran and Rural Damascus continue. *Links * *THE STRUGGLE FOR SYRIA IN 2011<http://www.understandingwar.org/report/struggle-syria-2011> * *Syrian opposition: Massacre could follow deadline<http://edition.cnn.com/2011/12/12/world/meast/syria-unrest/> * *Syria unrest: Local elections held despite fighting<http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-16135298> * *Inside Syrian regime, hard-liners gain upper hand<http://www.csmonitor.com/World/Middle-East/2011/1212/Inside-Syrian-regime-hard-liners-gain-upper-hand> * I am not afraid of democracy in action, I am afraid of democracys inaction, because that gives ample opportunity for all sorts of vile deeds to take place with impunity. Indeed, this is whats happening in Syria today. *The Assad regime has rebuilt its killing machine with Iranian and Russian support, and is continuing its crackdown against the people.* Left to their devices, with a divided opposition abroad, and international leaders that seem incapable of making up their minds, the revolutionaries are trying their own solutions to the dilemmas they continue to face. One way or another, they have settled on an approach to resistance that is a combination of militarization and civil disobedience, and are slowly beginning to organize themselves into more intricate networks that are gradually emerging as alternatives to the political councils formed by traditional opposition figures and groups, which have so far failed to rise to the levels of expectations and challenges. Even the Free Syrian Army and its leader have come under severe internal criticism of later due to the rapprochement with the Syrian National Council, a development that reflected negatively ion the image of Col. Riyadh Al-Assaad and made him look weak. This is complicating immensely the process of integrating the proliferating local resistance chapters emerging all over the country into a united whole. Meanwhile, the battle for Syria goes on. And for the revolutionaries, it is still a battle for freedom and against tyranny and corruption. But considering how long it is taking for the international community to react, this is likely to become a proxy war as well pitting all and sundry against each other. Syria is fast becoming the new Lebanon of the Middle East. *News from the Front * The *Free Syrian Army* in *Kinsafra Village* in Jabal Al-Zawiyeh Region in Idlib Province Not exactly a small or quiet affair http://youtu.be/UCfqBUdwrR0 The village stands on the top of the highest point in Jabal Al-Zawiyeh, and today, its inhabitants raised the independence flag there http://youtu.be/S_xMcNzKBYo And the defections continue http://youtu.be/EtowR_4SI1Y , http://youtu.be/jaavdrntkEQ Insurgents in *Rural Damascus* form a new fighting unit *Suqur Al-Sham* http://youtu.be/oeK9pnUqRv0 Developments in Rural Damascus continue to be underreported, even though they are no less extensive than those taking place in Deraa, Hama and Idlib. In fact, the regime might have lost more troops here in the last 3-4 weeks than anywhere else. As insurgents get more organized, the challenge to the regime is getting more and more serious. A natural gas pipeline running near the town of *Rastan* in Homs Province explodes. Locals say, this was the result of pounding by loyalist army troops, official media blames the explosion on insurgents http://youtu.be/1YyAeyN9eU0 The explosion as seen from nearby *Talbisseh* http://youtu.be/qWBPkFjnsgE *Hama City* is back under fire http://youtu.be/tC9z-4c4r3k *Homs City* continues to be under fire with renewed pounding in Bab Tadmor http://youtu.be/RZTCyRpa6Ro In *Baba Amr* a family made up of a father, a mother and a baby boy is martyred http://youtu.be/LcxZxCVk6vQ In *Bab Dreib*, locals retrieve the body of a martyr http://youtu.be/K4UMOlwWNPs Still in *Bab Dreib*, we are told this scene shows local defectors repelling an attempt at invasion by loyalists http://youtu.be/-RgkPt9O5-Q As part of their daily routine, cars and bicycles rush through the intersection to avoid being fired at by snipers http://youtu.be/BoxFBe7PWA8 In *Jib Al-Jandali*, nighttime shelling destroys two cars http://youtu.be/2QI6vl6L7UA In *Dael* in Deraa/Hauran Province, a tank passes the time by firing at the residential neighborhood http://youtu.be/K2DvK-golSA Loyalist troops storm the community and do battle with defectors http://youtu.be/ZwCkwyhUIf0, http://youtu.be/T9iMSqcly3Y In *Sanamein* in Deraa/Hauran Province, protesters shout the people want the arming of the revolutionaries http://youtu.be/FRaHCI8XbGA In *Jouret Al-Shayah Neighborhood* in Homs City We dont want it peaceful anymore, we want guns and bullets http://youtu.be/FRaHCI8XbGA Troops move through *Downtown Damascus* on their way to Rural Damascus, where the insurgency is heating up http://youtu.be/z8nr359lwtw In place like *Qatana*, where convoys of loyalists patrol the suburb all through the nigh http://youtu.be/qlUvIe_gw4s *Funerals* took place in *Douma* (Damascus City) http://youtu.be/XqQdC9VljCg, http://youtu.be/d_wr696PvHg *Tafas* (Deraa) http://youtu.be/zs_SC6GtxT0 *Khan Shaikhoon* (Idlib) http://youtu.be/6eRnI5KcRJU , http://youtu.be/RZTCyRpa6Ro *Hilfaya* (Hama) http://youtu.be/hD7RZght9S4 *Houleh* (Homs Province) http://youtu.be/8doVXcyWGNs In *Teir Malla* Suburb in Homs Province, a mass funeral http://youtu.be/uerQ4G8QaX0 *Kafrenboudeh* (Hama) http://youtu.be/WTDTVIcejh0 *General Strike* continues to be observed: *Deir Baalbah* (Homs City) http://youtu.be/9QCoPlqAYwI *Hadir* (Hama City) http://youtu.be/18JJ6IQojZc *Areeha* (Idlib) http://youtu.be/S8VGgTXDc2U *Sarmeen* (Idlib) http://youtu.be/cbIK6pPzD20 *Hbeit* (Idlib) http://youtu.be/OLTFiz5MymU * Harrah* (Deraa) http://youtu.be/E-not01LMhI *Hraak* http://youtu.be/XsAge0a8iKI *Nasseeb* http://youtu.be/IQOpIE8xjk0 *Qadam*(Damascus City) http://youtu.be/oc0aloNvzjU *December 12 * *HOMS CITY*: Demonstrations took place in *Baba Amr* http://youtu.be/8aTjqrPfZwQ *Deir Baalbah* http://youtu.be/zyEcstwv0Eo , http://youtu.be/tIZxEnRw57I *Khaldiyeh* http://youtu.be/1IZCRuWmOto * Inshaaat* http://youtu.be/JwXtPBMyiPU Night http://youtu.be/71RFdaW-rs0 *Bab Dreib* http://youtu.be/1n4usgUEyrs *Bab Houd* http://youtu.be/1Sr4W-11zVg * Ghoutah* http://youtu.be/EmDBnAoL6Ts *Jouret Al-Shayah* http://youtu.be/FxjOhx36PiU *Karm Al-Shami* http://youtu.be/qwL5CiuASeI * Bayadah* http://youtu.be/KZT5cCzPg68 *Qoussour* http://youtu.be/y3XsYKuJ8Dk *Shammas* http://youtu.be/gkj4HumtMk0 *Waer* http://youtu.be/V3omwailT1s *Wadi Al-Arab* http://youtu.be/_HYyuvBn7eA *HOMS PROVINCE*: *Houleh* http://youtu.be/2zIUctkcc6U , http://youtu.be/uoa0fnhZfFg *Zaafaraneh* http://youtu.be/iX3PZEpBcYY , http://youtu.be/vNunbk8KNnk *Qseir* http://youtu.be/mDsanJzdzp8 *Tadmor*(Palmyra) http://youtu.be/r5zVkP15A7U *IDLIB*: Demonstrations took place in *Fateerah* http://youtu.be/wh7EQxf30E0Students in *Marr Hourmah* paint the independence flag on the walls of their school http://youtu.be/Vx8M41adw-o Troops pass through *Kafroumah* http://youtu.be/q-FuQgvNMUY But as soon as they leave, protesters come out http://youtu.be/R4ozZgau8WY *Marrat Masreen* http://youtu.be/DZOp_hXZBtY *HAMA*: *Khattab* http://youtu.be/UqitOzT8oWM *Souraan* http://youtu.be/u9-5gBsVWLU *Hama City* (Bab Qibli) http://youtu.be/EPt3Tx1xI8o (Frayeh) http://youtu.be/JjSWOfGdJA8(Hamidiyeh) http://youtu.be/YZZBqxK3Eds *RURAL DAMASCUS*: *Qarrah* http://youtu.be/E7PWYSOqR88 *Dmeir* students demonstration http://youtu.be/ktNgUFI31vo *Arbeen* http://youtu.be/BAnVmkW6BmE *Kanaker* http://youtu.be/ncqlrmpiD2Q *Wadi Barada* http://youtu.be/qTpY1s2WU1c *Harasta* http://youtu.be/AAhSA7KRpx8 * Zamalka* http://youtu.be/98Xo71kKmB0 *Kisweh* http://youtu.be/eVvbyixPEUA * Qudsayyah* http://youtu.be/zkRJU0hJM3Y *Hamouriyeh* http://youtu.be/BCFK8C9P9_4 *DAMASCUS CITY*: *Kafar Sousseh* http://youtu.be/suLDvT2bi4U *Rukneddine* http://youtu.be/fVrr1Ba66l0 *DERAA/HAURAN*: *Nahteh* http://youtu.be/wy-UsvQgu3s *Hraak* http://youtu.be/LrqlffMJzI0 *Abtaa* http://youtu.be/YdfuNe6cg68 *Deraa City*(Sabeel) http://youtu.be/BxSCnRTWIPE Night http://youtu.be/LKbVfIuIqMQ *Mleihah* http://youtu.be/YMK4bd7kmyI *Tseel* http://youtu.be/Hguti8ashPU *ALEPPO*: *Marei* http://youtu.be/3BK6CNvOeWs , http://youtu.be/QcUfgO-wxKw *Atareb* http://youtu.be/V_ngetLQ2tw *Qubtan Al-Jabal* http://youtu.be/e1FjtLEROhI *HASSAKEH*: *Amoudeh* http://youtu.be/kk6wHpJoujE *Malkiyeh* http://youtu.be/_9p78KRuIhY *DEIR EZZOR*: *Qrayah* http://youtu.be/3SMzl_UXIyI *Shaheel* http://youtu.be/q6ZbgPMPfKU *Asharah* http://youtu.be/0oXeUnoNWOk Posted by Ammar [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ --------------------------------------------------------------------------- LAAMN: Los Angeles Alternative Media Network --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Unsubscribe: <mailto:[email protected]> --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Subscribe: <mailto:[email protected]> --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Digest: <mailto:[email protected]> 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