"Between treacherous chants and pseudonymous identities, Syria has become a web of deception, woven by necessity by both sides for protection against the entrenched regime. But Syrians have been unaccounted for as individuals for decades. Long ago, our features were erased in a sea of empty faces that mirrored only one face. We became a pixilated canvas that created a collage of the leader’s image. Our voices formed one unified mouth only capable of expressing (fake) declarations of love and devotion. We never really mattered to the regime, and so, we forgot to matter to ourselves. Today, the Syrian people not only fight every day for their survival, but to prove that they matter. They resist to prove they exist."

—

The Real Me and the Hypothetical Syrian Revolution - Part 1 by Amal Hanano via Jadaliyya

Amal Hanano has been nailing it on Jadaliyya these past few weeks. She gives a perspective on the situation in Syria that only a Syrian can give, and that is absolutely crucial in understanding what is happening. It’s really shameful that so many people have drawn conclusions and hard-lined stances on Syria without even absorbing the position of a Syrian. You cannot base your assumptions on graphic videos alone, or UN resolutions, or press releases.

Listen to the people enduring this conflict. They have a voice, and so many have died in the process of wanting to be heard.

I really recommend giving this a read, and anything else of hers. 

(via sharquaouia)

I second this: read all her things.

(via sharquaouia)

Tags: Syria