Al Jazeera's Inside Story

Here is a quick way to get an insight on the context of what is going on in Syria along with a background. For those of you who are more up to date with the developments and talks coming out of there and out of Syrians, this will be interesting.

Paper on Syria

For those of you who might be interested in getting an overview of Syria and more specifically Bashar’s reforms domestically, here is the link to my paper *Click Here*

It provides an overview of the reforms that Bashar has implemented since he came to office and an idea of his vision along with the obstacles he faces. However, there is a whole international aspect to Syria’s position that adds a deeper insight that I had to scratch out given that I was limited with space. The paper is only 10 pages and an easy read.

Checking-in back again!

Hello everybody,

I know I have been gone for a quite a while, but as some of you whom I’ve spoken to during that time know, I was extra caught up last semester as history in the making started to take place on the other side of the world leaving me glued to the news even more during whatever free time I had. Between revolutions and earthquakes it was hard to catch up on everything that is going on and stay informed.

Also, while I still have to complete my last two French courses this summer, which start on May, I have officially finished my last semester at university, i.e. part of an academic year, at the end of Winter 2011 term, which would correspond to Spring back home. Last semester, actually the past two semesters were quite enjoyable and felt like an extra knowledgeable and delightful ride because I tremendously enjoyed my last two International Studies courses, learnt a great deal from work and put together a convenient and agreeable schedule for myself. I would also have to say that it was also partly because I definitely felt more settled, liked my new place and was more aware of the bearings around.

And since the last time I wrote, winter has been slowly and painfully trying to leave us behind. But before I had let it get away I made sure my bucket list for winter was fully checked.

I don’t think you can manage to live in Canada without having to eventually own your own sled.

I also made a cute little snowman

And in light of the revolutions in the Arab world, here is a funny video, in Arabic, I received a while ago from my mum and thought of sharing it with you and as always, please share your thoughts. I have to say that Bassam Kousa is one of my favorite Syrian actors.

I think it is a good reminder that instilling democracy of and by itself, as was done by the “land of freedom” in Iraq is a big mistake. An adopted or forced democracy never works unless people themselves have the aptitude, operational philosophy and mindset that not only allows them to realize democracy’s true purpose, mechanisms and benefits but also allows them to sustain and utilize it.

Syria 06-09

A travel to Syria came up, and certainly in perfect timing. Out of all of my visits to Aleppo, that I can recall, by far this was the most memorable and best of all. I stayed over at Nana’s place as always and had a good time.



This is only but one of the MANY delicious dishes Nana made. I got a picture of this one, for there is a saying one how Aleppo is best known for Kebba. And believe me Nana's would top the best in Aleppo ;) God bless her. We had a very good time together this visit.

The one of the street is one I've been wanting to take fore long, a reminder of the things I notice during my walks.

I stayed in Aleppo the first 2 days, but the rest of the stay was bound to be in Kert.
Middle of June and Kert was blowing with cold winds day and night and to my luck I had the moon in sight when I went to bed, every night.



On our way there...Syria's glorious lands.






Here are some pictures in Kert. I felt fresh, I had a clear mind to think and enjoy life with; to just be. I went for walks mornings and evenings, and had another read of Paolo Coelho’s Valkyires which helped reinforce the positive energy of nature.




:p and I found out that I can pose!


And here is my ideal horizon; nature to infinitely be mesmerized by, to take some wisdom and thank God for this bounfitful earth.




Ah yes, so part of my looking at the horizon happened on the roof. The wind was so strong, I can't remember tying my hair once. I managed to get a picture here, the water tank came in handy.

This is the train that I haven't been on yet, will do soon though. You can't see it from Kert, I took this picture on the way back.

Too see all the pictures, here is the link to the album: http://picasaweb.google.com/rama.isaac/Syria0609?feat=directlink

Letting go of traditions?

This caught my attention as earlier last week when Fares and his parents came over this topic came up and I learnt something new and that is Rural Damascus, "Reef Damas" is now officially a province. This is due to the population growth in Damascus as many rural people from Reef Damas are migrating into the Damascus for a number of conspicuous reasons; education, economic opportunities and better social services.

Damascus as many know is very crowded which is one of the reasons why I don't particularly fancy it, of course, naturally, it is the capital and that is expected. However, the issue addressed in the article about population growth in Syria as a whole and how that is linked to traditions regarding marriage in a relatively young age, and conceiving a lot of children is very important and I'm glad it is being talked about. It seems like there isn’t much forward thinking on how that affects infrastructure and puts a high demand on resources-I watched a documentary a while ago on the dangers of water resources in Syria running scarce due to the high population level. In addition regarding birth control, I cannot believe that its usage is based on the husband’s approval, isn’t birth control a joined decision anyways! I hope he is right regarding the Syrian woman’s awareness of her status and capabilities in society, from what I have seen that is improving.

However you notice here again how he mentioned that the root of this problem is that they address lowering fertility rate as a "Western Idea". It is just disappointing how if one is to regard everything that would provide a much adaptable and resourceful environment to live in, as a Western idea, then we won't move forward. Just like how centuries ago the West benefited from science coming from Arab and Islamic civilizations and developed on them to adapt, then I don't see a problem with it working the other way round so long as our identities are not gone with.

As much as I believe in holding on to some traditions as part of an identity, it is important to realize that culture and its traditions are not static and some things need to be changed or altered as life moves on. When traditions were first adopted, long time ago, it was because they seemed logical then, in that present time and situation, making life adaptable; we live in a new age which requires new forms of adaptation, in some areas, allowing us to progress.

Some Optimism :)

Interesting article...I really do hope that corruption is reduced, also this line is particularly important for me
"هدف الحكومة هو الارتقاء بمستوى المواطن وتطوير آليات العمل في الدولة لخدمته"…especially when dealing with governmental sectors to pay bills!

الأسد: هدف جميع الأديان واحد والمشكلة الحقيقية في عدم فهم الأديان بشكل صحيح

A very good point and one which we often forget, religious revelations were brought to make the world a better place to live in however the contrary seems to happen. Sometimes I wonder if Judaism holds some of the “equality among humanity” morals and values that other religions maintain.

oh and title is the link to the website :)

Syria's First Lady on Gaza

I got this link in an email a while ago, and thought of sharing it with whomever is interested!

http://edition.cnn.com/video/#/video/world/2009/01/10/perry.turkey.syria.first.lady.intv.cnn?iref=videosearch

More D'Alep

Some more pictures of the part of Aleppo I am mostly around, basically the street by Grandma’s house that I walk through every day. The first two are of “Jame3 el ra7man” Al Rahman Mosque, I just have to type it in Arabic, it gives me a feel of how it is pronounced with an Aleppine accent :p every time you take a cabbie to grandma’s house, you would know that you are heading at the right direction when you pass it. I love looking at it while I am walking. Often, in front of it is busy; microbuses stop by and people are going in and out of the mosque. The pictures at the intersection are right after the mosque by “madresat el Franciscan” which is the Franciscan School, left on the picture, oh and it is also a church. This again is VERY old, when Syria was under the French mandate. Anyways so this again, once you’re there, then you’re in the right way to grandma’s house and it is close to Khalo Nabeeh’s house. I pass by this intersection all the time when I go walking to the internet café and to the dentist. I take the turn at the left. Oh and the picture has Aleppo’s famous yellow cabbies and the bus is part of its reformation in public transport services. :)

Some D'Alep

Part of a visit to Aleppo at Grandma’s house is conditioned with an outing with Nana and her groupie :) so yesterday morning, grandma told me that we are passing by Khale Bushra to go for a morning visit and I was happy to comply. Half way through the visit, I wondered out into the balcony and got a feel of the beautiful weather, it is around 8c here. The pictures below are the best I have of actual Aleppo. For those buildings, is exactly what everyone who visits Aleppo would tell you distinguishes it from the other provinces architecturally. Most of the buildings are around 50 or more years old and are made of big stone bricks. I love them. The narrow streets are a tribute of it being an old city, full of civilization and history. This is my Aleppo to you for now :)

            

Arriving to Aleppo Land

I have come to Aleppo, Syria, numerous times, yet I have never left a repertoire or a brief description of any of my visits. Even though I’ve been coming here quite often recently and within short intervals, every visit is always unique in its own way and always leaves me with different experiences, thoughts, and feelings, which really makes it a fun and interesting place to be. Also as many know, Syria and Aleppo is where I would like to say “my heart belongs” and what completes my identity, it is a land I love.

Well this time I didn't come for a vacation, but rather to see a dentist and hence did not come with any exquisite plans. In addition, having to pay for many expenses last month, I had to lessen my budget this time, therefore, not having the chance to do very much. I basically came here to just finish what’s needed and see grandma. So there is nothing particularly exciting here, just thought of sharing some of the things little things that happened with me.

Hmm well my flight here was a pleasant one, it was an early morning flight and I did not have much sleep the night before which you can say took care of 2 hours of the flight, leaving an hour and a bit for reading. Ah I guess after experiencing a 13hours flight, 3 hours is more than tolerable.

So the first thing I notice, as many other fellow Syrian friends would is the Aleppine accent :D and that’s when I know I reached. Long time ago, when I was much younger and only occasionally came to Syria, I would feel like I am in a new place/country, now I just feel like I am in my home land and it feels great!

Well ironically however, this time, 3 Emirati men were in flight and as soon as I stood in line at passport control, I could hear them chit chatting behind me. I tell you it felt wrong, for a moment I felt like I was back in U.A.E., what on earth were they doing here, although I knew it was a stupid question to be asking, I know how people from all around and especially the Gulf come to beloved Syria, I just wasn’t used to seeing them around with their costume and accent.

The next thing that happened was that the police men were “requesting” the people to stand in line and wait behind the red line on the floor until the person getting their passport stamped was done. YES I thought, there is hope, I was very proud. AND the police man would “kindly” ask them to stay within the line every time they came out of it. You see some people just need reminding.

So I was standing in line and this lady behind me kept grudging to the lady in front of me about 'why is the police man taking with the person at the cabin, getting their passport checked', and she kept on complaining. I just don’t understand why people are always in a rush, and the point of her rattling. Apparently there was something wrong with the man’s passport. Anyways and you will be happy to know that 2 women took my turn, they actually came from the line next to mine to the cabin I was waiting at. THE NERVE. I was mad and wanted to ask them to go back, but I just brushed it off, thinking they at least stood behind the red line, plus they were old, but I promised myself that the next time it happens I would tell them off.

I got to the cabin and the following routine has to happen; police man shuffles through my passport, asks me a couple of questions, jokes around, and finally lets me go :p I guess I only do need these scenarios to be assured I am in the right place :p

I have to tell you, the most thing I look forward to as soon as I get to Aleppo, is my exit from the airport doors to the bustling road outside. I get that vision or feeling that you see in movies where a big door suddenly opens to a scene of a bustling, busy city at daylight, filled with people and cabbies running about doing their thing. And so I had that moment, I took in a full gasp of Aleppo’s beautiful crispy morning and by the time I took my second step a cabbie man ushered me to a taxi and off to grandma’s I was.

As usual, I was welcomed by a healthy, loving and smiling grandma, telling me that the house got brighter with my arrival :D to which I was flattered! I tell you; even if I am not hungry, deep down I am always looking forward to the food she has prepared for me. What do you know there was Me7shi, nothing I can completely sucker up for than that.

And the following happens, we fill in each other with all that’s recent, basically which is mum and then mum and then mum :p lol and everyone else of course. Well just in case you’re curious, I did have a full fledged Aleppine meal and an extremely delicious one. There was salad, Molekhia, Frikae and Me7shi bel bergole and Laban :) ah yes I know…eat your heart out!! :D