Who and what is a terrorist?

The label "terrorist" is one of the most exploited and hypocritical political terms used in our modern time. 

It is regularly used by our government to describe the targets of our CIA's drone attacks (who mostly turned out to be innocent civilians) or those who oppose our foreign invasions. It is used by Israel to describe Palestinians who oppose its illegal and brutal occupation of their land. It was used by the psychotic Qaddafi to describe brave Libyans who demanded freedom. It is used by the butcher Assad to describe and slaughter Syrians who revolted against his dictatorship for freedom and democracy. It is what Al-Sisi calls pro-democracy Egyptians who oppose his military coup. It is how Bahrain labels Bahrainis who demand equal rights and democracy. It is what China calls persecuted Uighurs and Tibetans who demand basic human rights. It is what India calls the occupied people of Kashmir for demanding freedom...

There are certainly groups such as Al Qaeda, Jewish Defense League, KKK, Neo-Nazis, and many others which have engaged in terrorism and deserve to be labeled "terrorist". However, by falsely accusing their legitimate opponents of being terrorists, governments that are actually engaging in terrorist-like behavior seek to dehumanize those opponents in order to justify human rights violations and murder against them and their communities. The manipulation of the term also leads to the trivialization and normalization of real acts of terror committed by such governments or actual terrorist groups and individuals. 

Therefore, next time you hear the term "terrorist", remember that it could be about a real terrorist, a freedom fighter, a pro-democracy activist, or some browned-skinned collateral damage.

Thirteen Ways Government Tracks Us | Common Dreams

Published on Monday, April 9, 2012 by Common Dreams

Thirteen Ways Government Tracks Us

by Bill Quigley

Thirteen Ways Government Tracks Us | Common Dreams

What's going on in Syria - A short video

The video that got me banned from the "ArabCalendar" group. Who fears the truth?

In response to an email sent by an Arab American to the ArabCalendar about the recent rally held by Assad and his supporters in Damascus in which it was claimed that about a million supporters were in attendance, I sent an email with a video link showing the exact image of the whole rally which could not have included more than a couple thousand people. The video was shot and leaked by an eyewitness.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2QsXgLiepHk

Obviously, to those who do not believe in the importance of the truth and freedom of speech, the message was deemed unacceptable.  The "ArabCalendar" group’s pro-Assad moderator censored the email and removed me from entire the group list.  

It is in response to this widespread culture of control and censorship that the Arab Spring has started in the Arab World and it is for that reason it is being opposed by a few who share such dictatorial mindset.

The purpose of sending the video link was to educate those who are being misinformed by Assad’s propaganda machine, including his shameful supporters here in the US.  Such misinformation cannot continue forever. 

Truth, democracy and freedom are going to prevail in the Arab World and within the Arab community, very soon.

  

Below is the actual email

------------------------

From: Hussam Ayloush
Sent: Thursday, January 12, 2012 9:36 AM
To: 'ArabCalendar@yahoogroups.com'
Subject: Re: Pres. Assad & his people

In response to Ghassan’s email about Assad addressing a million Syrian supporter.

Pres. Assad & his people

Posted by: "Ghassan H. Elias" ibn3akkar@yahoo.com

Wed Jan 11, 2012 1:23 pm (PST)

الرئيس الأسد يلتقي السوريين في ساحة الأمويين ..وعائلته كانت بين الجماهير
الصورة تتكلم
11/01/2012
شوكوماكو - خاص
قال الرئيس الأسد مخاطبا مئات أكثر من مليون شخص احتشدوا في ساحة الأمويين  دعما لمسيرة الاصلاح التي يقودها .
أردت ان اكون معكم الأن لأنني انتمي لهذا الشارع وعلى من يريد ان يخاطب الشارع عليه أن ينزل الى الشارع ويخاطب الشارع من الشارع،

See for yourself the real “million” of Butcher Assad’s supporters.

فضيحة المسيرة المؤيدة الحاشدة المليونية في ساحة الأمويين والمجرم بشار الأسد يلقي كلمته 11 1 2012

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2QsXgLiepHk

Shame on anyone who still supports this despicable murderous despot.

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A Video Tribute to the Arab Spring

One of the most rewarding recent moments of the ongoing struggle for freedom, justice and dignity was the liberation of Libya by its people. The images from Tripoli, like the earlier ones from Tunisia and Egypt, are a triumphant reminder that the Arab Spring is not just for Syrians -- it's for all oppressed peoples anywhere in the world. In this spirit, we have created a short video tribute to the Arab Spring.

Music: "Watani Ana" by Malek Jandali (used with artists' permission)

This is a presentation from the Syrian American Council (SAC), a 501c3 not-for-profit that promotes human rights, civil liberties, and democracy for Syria.

Website: http://sacouncil.com

The Syrian Revolution for Freedom - (The best english video)

Influenced by the Arab Spring and over four decades of Assad family repression, on March 15, 2011, Syrians launched peaceful pro-freedom protests against the brutal dictatorship of Bashar Assad. The protests soon turned into a nationwide nonviolent revolution for freedom, justice and dignity. This 7-minute documentary offers the necessary background and overview to understand the Syrian Revolution for Freedom. Watch the video, share it, and support the Syrian people’s struggle for freedom.