The Fulcrum that is Syria

The oppression of the freedom-seekers in Syria is tyrannical and cruel, from what we hear, but while these events have prominence in the world media I sense the hearts of the majority have yet to be touched.

It may be the lack of visual confirmation of murder and massacre, but there is a sense of unreality about it all  to many western observers. Perhaps, having witnessed national rebellion in countries such as Egypt, Yemen and Libya there is a wearying familiarity about further protests in another distant Arab country, or an assumption that it will resolve itself in time albeit at the expense of some lives and livelihoods.

We would be wrong to be complacent, for two reasons in particular: one is Iranian interest and involvement, and the other is the suspicion that the Syrian government has some kind of a nuclear capability. Both factors make any escalation of the civil conflict dangerous and western intervention most sensitive.

Meanwhile, thousands of people suffer, die or are dispossessed of all they hold dear by those who are meant to protect them in area of the world which is the fulcrum of the battle between light and dark.

Syria's Turkish neighbour has shown nobility and generosity to the refugees who flood to them for succour, and we can help too. Let us dignify the place and the people of Syria with our awareness at least, and to give them our love will add to the light and take it where, for now, it is much needed. Notice, act, but please do not judge.