In Syria and Pakistan it is even dangerous to worship freely because Sunni Islamist terrorist organizations don’t view anything to be sacred. The same brutal reality is often inflicted against Shia Muslims in Iraq and in other parts of the world. However, unlike the underground nature of terrorist ratlines in Iraq and Pakistan; in Syria it is nations like Turkey, Qatar and Saudi Arabia which are enabling daily terrorist attacks against the people of Syria. Therefore, the terrorist angle is very different in Syria because it is being supported by outside nations, which support state sponsored terrorism against this secular and independent nation. The followers of the Shia branch of Islam were marking the significance of Muharram which is known to all Muslims. Yet in Pakistan, and other nations, the religious processions which take place are easy targets for Sunni Islamist fanatics. This sad reality meant that Shia Muslims were “easy targets” and for this reason many were massacred by a suicide bomber in Rawalpindi, Pakistan. It is known that at least 23 individuals were killed in the latest Islamist terrorist attack against innocent worshippers. The death toll may increase further but it highlights the daily plight of Shia Muslims in many nations where Islamists have a foothold. Therefore, while these religious people were marching to a mosque and showing their religious piety and “love of God;” the forces of evil struck and killed without any compassion or respect for human dignity. In Syria you have many videos whereby the Free Syrian Army (FSA) and various Sunni Islamists terrorist organizations are launching attacks from mosques and hospitals against the government of Syria. The tragedy in Syria is even more of a crime against humanity because so many outside nations are supporting such evil sectarianism and hatred. Given this reality, outside state sponsored terrorism is responsible for the carnage in Syria, whereby so many massacres have taken place by terrorists which are being supported by Turkey, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and several Gulf nations. France and the United Kingdom are also doing their best to destabilize Syria despite the confused policy of Washington, which appears to be ebbing and flowing in several directions. Turning back to Pakistan then the Taliban quickly claimed responsibility for the attack against Shia Muslims in Rawalpindi and another recent terrorist attack which hit Karachi. This Islamist terrorist group is intent on spreading sectarianism and enslaving women and non-Muslims. Ironically, while the Taliban is destabilizing Pakistan and Afghanistan, the government of Pakistan is releasing senior Taliban figures in this country. Therefore, it is very difficult to fathom the real power processes which are taking place within the government of Pakistan and the armed forces of this nation. Re-focusing back on Syria then it appears that Turkey is intent on “government change in Syria,” irrespective of the cost. This brutal reality means that the government of Erdogan in Turkey went from doing the bidding of Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Western nations like America, France and the United Kingdom; to now being the main stumbling block to peace in Syria. After all, the territory of Turkey is open season for the FSA, international terrorists, covert operatives and enabling attacks to take place against Syria. Sadly, the international community and United Nations are allowing this brazen violation of international law. In Pakistan it is clear that elements of al-Qaeda were given breathing space in this nation and the same applies to others like the Taliban. Ironically, when al-Qaeda and other Islamist terrorist organizations move to Syria, then these Islamists are being welcomed by certain nations in the Gulf and by the government of Erdogan. Until “terrorist proxy wars” are rooted out by the international community and terrorist ratlines are challenged more severely; then sadly, the carnage will just continue in the near future unless certain power dynamics are changed. Therefore, Syria will continue to be blighted by terrorism because of the role of outside nations. Also, the government of Pakistan isn’t doing enough to stop Islamic sectarian indoctrination. The recent massacre of Shia Muslims in Pakistan will soon be followed by fresh massacres in this nation and in other countries, where sectarianism and terrorism are being supported by murky covert forces. Syria meanwhile will continue to face daily terrorist attacks, a brutal economic blockade, a media war and other barbaric realities because the UN and international law doesn’t hold any substance. leejay@moderntokyotimes.com http://moderntokyotimes.com