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Syria shouldn’t be demonised

Ignore the hype: Syria shouldn’t be demonised

William Dalrymple

Wednesday, 24th October 2007

The Asad regime is not as wicked as US sources argue

Now over half of these Christians — at least 500,000 people — have fled, unable to remain in the face of the violence and abductions. Wherever I went in Syria on a recent visit I kept running into them — bank managers and engineers, pharmacists and scientists — all living with their extended families in one-room flats on what remained of their savings, assisted by the charity of the churches: ‘Before the war there was no separation between Christian and Muslim,’ I was told by Shamun Daawd, a liquor store owner who fled after he received Islamist death threats. ‘Under Saddam no one asked you your religion, and we used to attend each other’s religious services and weddings. After the invasion we hoped democracy would come; but instead it was just bombs and kidnappings. Now at least 75 per cent of my Christian friends have fled. There is no future for us in Iraq.’

All this does not of course excuse the repressive policies of Asad’s regime. But in a region where repression is the rule rather than the exception, it is important to remember that the rights and wrongs are rather more complex than the neocons are prepared to acknowledge — or perhaps even realise. The invasion of Iraq turned a prosperous secular state into a terrorist playground and a jihadi training centre. It would be good if we could avoid repeating the mistake.

William Dalrymple’s books include From the Holy Mountain, a study of the Christian minorities of the Middle East. His most recent, The Last Mughal, published by Bloomsbury, was awarded the Duff Cooper Prize. www.williamdalrymple.com.

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André Hattingh

October 25th, 2007 6:54am

I have loved the Speccie for more years than I have digits but I really think the Editor should have "Fisked" Dalrymple's article!

Howard Rogers

October 25th, 2007 10:29am

Great piece. This article (along with those by the brilliant Emma Williams) help dispel The Spectator's new reputation of being just an outlet for the propaganda of Washington extremists. Can we have more from Mr Dalrymple?

john fletcher

October 25th, 2007 5:57pm

A really first rate piece of journalism. Written, refreshingly, from a position of knowledge and common sense, not ignorance and prejudice.

David Williamson

October 25th, 2007 6:39pm

I also enjoy the Spectator, but sometimes the Editor lets articles through that belong more in the Guardian (no doubt to give the impression of balance). Mr Dalyrymple is outa date on the situation in Iraq, where the terrorists are dying or running, rather than playing and training. Can we have more Theodore and less William?

Bob Shead

November 24th, 2007 6:32am

William Dalrymple's article hits the nail exactly on the head - an excellent article. Having lived and worked in Syria from 82-87, I can confirm that there is a great deal of religious tolerance. There were 83 different practicing religious faiths in Syria, and the first time in my life I attended a synagogue was in Damascus for an Iranian jewish friends wedding - the guest of honour was the then Syrian Minister of Defence!! For the US to even consider destabilisation of the Syrian Government is totally crazy! Words fail me!!

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