The nation of Syria is following the Iraq model of Sunni Islamic terrorism. Once more, prior to Western involvement and regional nations getting involved, terrorist attacks on this scale in Iraq and Syria were extremely rare, if non-existent. However, after the American led invasion of Iraq then Sunni Islamic terrorism filled the vacuum. Syria, likewise, after being condemned strongly by America, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, the United Kingdom, France, Qatar, and a few other nations; is now facing the same Sunni Islamic terrorist nightmare along with covert operations. Syria which is secular and where various Muslim and Christian sects resided in peace alongside Druze neighbors until recently, is now feeling the force of outside meddling. Therefore, outside nations are instigating sectarianism and terrorism via the usual “ratlines” and are causing mayhem. In areas under the control of the Syrian government all faith communities reside in the usual peace. This is a clear indicator of which side is supporting sectarianism and which side supports national unity and sovereignty. The government of Syria agreed to political changes, allowed monitors from the United Nations, and supported the Annan peace plan. Yet, outside meddling keeps on funding terrorists and the so-called Free Syrian Army (FSA). However, the FSA “isn’t so free” because it is doing the bidding of outside forces and cleansing Christians and Alawites in various areas under their control. Internationally, the Russian Federation is doing its best to seek a compromise and to kick start a process whereby peace returns to Syria. Yet, outside nations like Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Turkey, along with covert operations from Western nations opposed to the sovereignty of Syria, is funding terrorist attacks, mayhem, carnage, and sectarianism. Therefore, the Annan peace plan and the Russian Federation have been betrayed and media manipulation is being laid open by the brutal reality of the so-called opposition, which only seeks a military solution and power by the rule of fear. The Lebanese navy recently prevented more weapons from entering Syria but clearly many ratlines are going through Turkey and other nations. This means that the armed forces of Syria have no option but to protect the people of Syria from deadly terrorist attacks, outside meddling, and covert operations which threaten the sovereignty of this nation. Indeed, if America is against terrorism like it states, then where is the harsh condemnation of opposition forces which keep on causing carnage because of frequent terrorist attacks? Every leading religious figure, irrespective if Sunni Muslim, Alawite Muslim, Orthodox Christian, Druze, and so forth; have equally condemned outside meddling and terrorist attacks against the Syrian people. Minorities are not fleeing the vast majority of Syria under the control of central forces. On the contrary, Alawite and Christian minorities are fleeing from Sunni Islamic terrorists and the FSA – it is difficult to differentiate between Sunni Islamic terrorists and the FSA. After all, they both support the same brutal methodology and are supported by outside agents which seek to weaken Syria. The latest terrorist attacks have killed at least 40 people and more than 170 people have been wounded. TV reports have shown the carnage, therefore, no nation which supports decency can keep quiet about these ongoing terrorist attacks. Nations supporting the terrorist ratlines and the FSA should be held accountable for bringing so much carnage to the people of Syria. The so-called opposition which is funded internationally is showing the entire world that it is nothing more than a terrorist and mercenary movement which will do anything to obtain power. Individuals who were against the current government must firmly distance themselves from the FSA and all terrorist networks. Indeed, all Syrians who support sovereignty should support national unity against the threat of outside meddling and sectarianism. One witness in Damascus told the BBC that “I heard the two explosions clearly from my house. The whole of Damascus heard them. They were very, very strong – the biggest explosions I have ever heard. At first, I thought they were air strikes.” Sadly, the brutal reality witnessed by this individual will continue to happen because of the actions of outside nations which have instigated this carnage. Therefore, the ratlines that have created this mayhem should be held accountable. leejay@moderntokyotimes.com http://moderntokyotimes.com