Today is the anniversary of the beginning of Syria’s revolution. So far eight to nine thousand people have been killed and countless wounded. 230,000 have fled their homes. The opposition has planned rallies to mark the day, although the Syrian army is bolstering its presence in opposition strongholds, making it difficult. Activist Adel El-Omari said: “It is clear that they have tightened the siege because they are worried about what people will do for the anniversary.”
One of the latest pieces of news out of Syria is the revelation of the contents of the Assads’ emails, as obtained by the Guardian. There are several thousand of them, revealing the Assads’ lives of casual luxury, ordering apps off iTunes while their country erupts.
Photos: Homs. Feb 15th. Satellite photo/AP, Idlib. Feb 26th. Rodrigo Abd/AP, Bab Tudmor, Homs. Feb 25th. Stringer/AFP, Idlib. March 10th. Rodrigo Abd/AP, Al-Qusayr. Feb 24th. Alessio Romenzi for TIME.[Al Jazeera, AP, Guardian]
It would be really nice if my ignorant classmates were aware of something bigger than themselves for a change.
Congratulations to Tunisia and Egypt for successfully revolting against their oppressive governments. As for Libya, Algeria, and Bahrain - they still need our help. Do whatever you can to support their awe-inspring uprisings.
The protestors in Libya are being gunned down in the streets, bombed, arrested, and killed. People’s struggles against tyranny should show us that we are all brothers and sisters. We are all citizens of the world. Here are some ways that you can help:
1. Informing: Informing people about an issue is possibly the most basic of activism and of a movement. Tumblr, twitter, facebook, all are good ways of spreading the word and gaining support for the movement. Another thing to do is contact local media such as newspapers (Letters to the Editor about the Libyan movement, for example).
2. Aids: Find a human rights type of group or organization around your local area. Go ask if they are doing anything for Libya. If they are, ask if you can help. Donate supplies, time, and money into the operation. If they aren’t, calmly explain why you think supporting the Libyan movement is important and try and get them to organize a project to send aids.
3. Action: This can be as little as making a bumper sticker for your car saying that you support Libya. Actually doing something in the forefront of your local community about it instead of in the background might be a lot more helpful and efficient.
People of the world, please do not stand by and let Muamar Gaddafi kill the people of Libya for merely trying to voice their request for democracy, as many countries have done successfully. By signing this petition you are urging the United Nations to intervene, and to do the best they can to convince Muamar Gaddafi to step down as leader of Libya. Medical aid is requested, as is media coverage in Libya. Gaddafi will massacre the masses if we remain silent. Please act quickly, time is of the essence.
This is the pre-Gaddafi flag of Libya. Stand by it and the brave people of the uprising.
