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Maalula, Christians Forced to Convert to Islam at Gunpoint

Al Qaeda-linked Syrian rebels who seized the ancient regime-held Christian town of Maalula last week forced at least one person to convert to Islam at gunpoint and executed another one after he refused, residents said Tuesday, Agence France-Presse reported.

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Putins direct address to the American people, arguing against military action regarding Syria. He makes a strong argument, but fails to condemn the Assad regime.

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Has John Kerry Inadvertently Prevented American Intervention

John Kerrys rhetorical comment about Assad handing over all his chemical weapons could have unintentionally changed to course of the Syrian Conflict. Within the same day as Kerrys remark, Russia proposed this idea seriously. 

To the majority of people who oppose military intervention, this could appear to be the best solution. It is a way of preventing more chemical atrocities from Assad, and shows diplomacy can and should trump military action.

Whether or not Kerry meant what he said to be taken seriously he appears to have inadvertently postponed any American intervention, a congressional vote and given the diplomatic upper hand to Russia. Obama finds himself in an even bigger quagmire; If he rejects this proposal then he will appear guilty of not trying diplomacy and becoming a gun-ho president like Bush. If he decides to develop this idea - he avoids the war he does not want - but then could seemingly appear to let Assad go unpunished and lose political ground to Putin.

To implement the idea of Assad handing over his chemical weaponry, it would require lengthy negotiations between the Syrian regime, and the members of the UN security council. Therefore closing any realistic window that Obama could have used to attack. 

Although this appears to be a positive step regarding intervention in Syria. It is surely a political nightmare for Washington. What direction do they take now? One thing can be sure, Washington must not be pleased that Moscow has managed to out play them diplomatically.

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A Weekly Round-up of the Syrian Conflict.

As the 'Syrian-crisis' is engulfing social and mainstream media. The situation balances on a knife-point to whether military action is taken or not. Here is a roundup of the events regarding Syria within the last week;

The UN says "more than two million Syrians are now registered as refugees" and the "total went up by a million in the last six months" 

Israel and U.S conducted an untimely missile test in the Mediterranean on Tuesday 3rd.

David Cameron declared "The UK will "lead the world" in getting humanitarian aid to refugees in Syria".

Cameron “announced an additional £52m in aid to help refugees”.

"US servicemen took to social media to voice their opposition to Syria strikes." By wearing their uniform and masking their faces with handwritten messages apposing any intervention.

It was revealed that UK government let a British company export nerve agent chemicals to Syria, 10 months after the unrest began.

President Assad warns that the region will explode if the West intervenes.

Vladimir Putin said “Russia could agree to back military action in Syria if the UN received proof that” the Syrian regime had used chemical weapons.

However he has also continued to warn the ‘west’ against military action.

Russia has sent a warship with ‘special cargo’ towards Syria.

There have been unconfirmed reports online, suggesting that China is sending a warship towards Syria to ‘observe’ the situation.

Germany claim they have intercepted a phone call between a Hezbollah official and the Iranian embassy in which they spoke of Assad having ordered the chemical attack.

A US senate panel approved the use of military force in Syria. "The proposal allows the use of force in Syria for 60 days with the possibility to extend it for 30 days. It prevents the use of US troops on the ground." It will go before congress once they convene.

The G20 summit in St Petersburg highlighted how far apart the international community was regarding Syria. Discussions on the subject only deepened the divide being the opposing countries.

Christians have been forced to flee the village of Maaloula (one of the oldest Christian villages in the world) after it was seized from the Syrian army by the Free Syrian Army and Al-Nusra.

Tens of thousands of people – led by the pope – have held a peace vigil for Syria

John Kerry is meeting Arab League foreign ministers on Sunday 8th, in order “to gather support for intervention in Syria.”

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No To Action In Syria Leaves Britain Increasingly Isolated.

Last night the Houses of Parliament voted against a military strike in Syria. The vote in questions was whether or not, in principle, to use military force against the Assad regime. With another vote to be held after the UN inspectors release their findings. The 'no' vote from the British parliament indefinitely rules out all military action. President Assad must be overjoyed, Americas number one ally has deserted them in the eleventh hour. Britain have lead America along, in pushing for the arms embargo to be lifted, vehemently backing the rebels, increasing our militaristic rhetoric against Assad over the last few days. Only to at the last moment, turn our backs on our most valuable ally. America and Britain's 'special relationship' has come into harsh criticism, especially in the wake of Iraq and Afghanistan wars. It should not been looked upon so cynically. America came to us for help because they held us in such high regard and felt we were invaluable allies. We hold a unique power through our relationship with the US. We are the country that links Europe to America, this country is the number one ally of the most powerful nation in the world. The damage to this 'special relationship' could have disastrous consequences for our role in the world. Britain are stalwart supporters of morality, a country that endeavours to do good in the face malice. These are characteristics that lead us to victory in the two great wars, to eradicated evil from our continent. Although in this instance we have turned our backs on Syria and given Assad succour to do as he pleases. David Cameron is being touted as having lost control, but Cameron is decisive and a man of his word who has backed the Syrian rebels and opposed Assad from the very beginning. His position on the matter has been clear from day one. The vote against military action in Syria does not show a successful democracy but a broken political structure that is divided by selfish party politics. Ed Miliband saw an opportunity to get one over on his political rival in a selfish attempt to propel himself into power and popularity without a care to how his actions will effect Britain in the future and the fate of the Syrian people. He acted selfishly for his own political gain and once again proved he is a man of little character, and substance. This was not a victory for democracy, but for ignorance. Ignorance to the repercussions Britain, Syria and the world will face for Milibands greed. This vote increases our isolation, we are losing favour within Europe through our desire to leave to EU, we have damaged our relationship with our best friends. England are beginning to look very lonely, trapped on our island as the world moves around us. Since Britains empire was gradually dismantled we have struggled to find our new place in the world. We are no longer the super power we once were, we are not as influential within the international community as we once were. Our influence in Europe is dwindling amid our empty threats to leave, and our relationship with the worlds strongest power has taken a sucker punch. Britain needs to take a long hard look at itself and decide what it wants its role to be within the world. Do we want to be a country that has a say on how the world works or do we want to turn our backs on it and ignorantly hide away on our island. Serious soul searching needs to be done, and quick, before we digress and lose everything this country has achieved. Before we get left behind.

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Egypt's Disarray

The situation in Egypt since the ousting of Mohammed Morsi is deteriorating rapidly. On one hand there are the Anti-Morsi protesters who wanted the President removed from power. Then on the other hand there are the Pro-Morsi supporters who wish him to be reinstated. Nearly a month has passed since the Egyptian military removed Mr Morsi from power and there appears to be no solution in sight to the growing violence within the country.

President Morsi was democratically elected. The military in Egypt claimed they were acting for Democracy by overthrowing the government. They need to respect and adhere to the values of democracy by regaining their credibility and in earning the trust and faith of the Pro-Morsi supporters. The continuation of violence against them and threats to crush the Pro-Morsi rallies will not achieve this and only create a deeper rift between the two groups and plunge the country into greater disarray, 

The US Secretary of State - John Kerry - said that the Egyptian authorities need to "respect the right of peaceful assembly and freedom of expression". A core value of Democracy, that is currently being ignored. 

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I am Bradley Manning

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Appalling Treatment of Marte Deborah Dalelv

Marte Deborah Dalelv is a Norwegian women whom when on a Business trip to Dubai - which belongs to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) - was raped after a night out with her colleagues.

As is the norm after such a horrendous event takes place, she reported the incident to the police. Who in response "proceeded to confiscate her passport and seize her money" (BBC News, website, 2013). They then also charged her with; having sex outside of marriage, perjury, and alcohol consumption tells (The Daily Mail, website, 2013). Consequently she has been issued a 16 month prison sentence.

It is barbaric, primitive and shocking that a country in the modern world would act with such sexist truculence. The UAE continuously comes into criticism for their Human Rights and attitudes towards women. For a rapist to be convicted the offender himself must confess or, there be four male witness' to testify against the attacker.

It is concerning that the UK appear to be snuggling up to a country with such a poor reputation by attempting to sell 60 Typhoon Aircraft in a £3bn deal (The Guardian, website, 2013). It could be brought into question the credibility and morals of the UK government when selling such arms to a country that falls within the “High Risk" section of the "Human Rights Risk Atlas 2013" according to the (Huffington Post, website, 2013). If Ms Dalelv was a British citizen, the arms deals with the UAE would surely be condemned.

The UK should be careful when picking friends. Hopefully Marte Deborah Delelv is cleared of all charges and progress can begin to ensure that the UAE and other Arab and Middle Eastern States are safe for all women.

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BBC News. 2013. Dubai sentences Norwegian woman who reported rape. [ONLINE] Available at:http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-23381448. [Accessed 21 July 13].

The Daily Mail. 2013. The Norwegian woman, 24, jailed in Dubai for reporting that she had been raped. [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2370369/Pictured-Marte-Deborah-Dalelv-24-jailed-Dubai-reporting-raped.html. [Accessed 21 July 13].

The Guardian. 2013. UK cuddles up to Gulf states - hidden dangers ahead. [ONLINE] Available at:http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/defence-and-security-blog/2013/apr/29/uae-human-rights-arms. [Accessed 21 July 13].

The Huffington Post. 2013. Human Rights Risk Atlas 2013: Maplecroft Releases Annual Ranking Of Countries At Risk Of Human Rights Violations. [ONLINE] Available at:http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/12/13/human-rights-index-2013-maplecroft-human-rights-violations_n_2287960.html. [Accessed 21 July 13].

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The Kremlin's Homophobia Could Open the Pathway to Segregation Within Russia.

  When a country can see its power dwindling, the most effective way to recreate a sense of purpose is to find a common enemy to blame. The Nazi Party blamed the Jews for Germany’s economic and military demise that came from their surprising defeat in World War One. North Korea blames the US and the South for most things. President Assad blames “Western Imperialists”. Vladimir Putin of Russia blames the West and the ideals it spreads. In Nazi Germany the Jews gradually had all their rights removed, an action that appeared to mirror public opinion. Putin now stands in position where he looks to strip western ideals out of his country at the cost of the rights of his citizens.

Putin is set to make it illegal to spread “propaganda of non-traditional sexual relations.” In effect it will be illegal to promote anything relating to same-sex relationships. Breaking this law carries a large fine. However more concerning is the law passed moments after the above mention legislation was announced. It is a three year prison sentence to those who “offend religious feelings”. Considering Russia is a highly Orthodox Christian country, spread same-sex ‘propaganda’ could easily be deemed as offending ‘religious feelings’. Foreign travelers to the country who break the law regarding homosexuality could face fifteen days imprisonment, fines and then deportation.

Consequently the passing of this anti-gay law would prevent people from expressing their sexual freedom. This only creates discrimination and segregation. Same-sex relationships will have to be conducted in utmost privacy, homosexuality would become repressed as there would be no legal way to express it. It is also outlawed in Russia for children to be adopted by any foreign country that has legalised same-sex marriage. There are also credible rumors that children of same-sex parents may be removed (Stephen Fry, website, 2013).

Harrowingly, society within Russia reflects this new legislation. Only 16% of Russians say homosexuality should be accepted claims (The Atlantic, website, 2013). There were a number of violent clashes between gay-rights activists, pro-Kremlin and pro-orthodox supporters the day in which this legislation was announced (USA Today, website, 2013).

There is no attempt here to compare the Kremlin to the Nazi Party, this piece of writing merely draws attention towards similarities in early public opinion and laws against the Jews and homosexuality within Russia today. The systematic retraction of rights Jews suffered and social segregation bares a haunting similarity to the Anit-Gay laws that are to be imminently passed in Russia and the consequences that it could bring.

The “Jewish Question” within Nazi Germany was far more complex than summarised here, and there certainly will not be the same extremism in Russia as in Nazi Germany. However the affect on homosexuality within Russia could be catastrophic. The draconian law change is appalling and only serves to segregate Russia from the global community. Instead of moving the country forward Putin is sending it backwards because of his distrust of the West.

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Stephen Fry. 2013. Fine words from Harvey Fierstein. [ONLINE] Available at: http://stephen-fry-me.tumblr.com/post/55503966397/fine-words-from-harvey-fierstein. [Accessed 18 July 13].

  USA Today. 2013. Russia OKs bill banning gay 'propaganda'. [ONLINE] Available at:http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2013/06/11/russian-gay/2411939/. [Accessed 16 July 13].

  The Atlantic. 2013. Why Is Russia So Homophobic?. [ONLINE] Available at:http://www.theatlantic.com/international/archive/2013/06/why-is-russia-so-homophobic/276817/. [Accessed 16 July 13].

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Why "same sex marriage" needs a YES!

Coming from a Christian family the debate on same sex marriage has caused much discussion. I found myself trying to find a middle ground between my liberal 21st century opinions and the faith that has had an underlying factor in my up-bringing.

My feelings towards same sex marriage were very ambivalent right up until the day where parliament would vote on potentially the greatest issue of equality this country has seen for many years

I understand the Christian belief. Marriage is clearly defined in the Bible as an act between a man and a woman. A Christian’s right to democratically defend their belief of marriage should be respected and not branded with accusations of homophobia.  The religion of Christianity should be cherished and protected although religion gets a negative press it is the source of so much beauty and peace.

However shouldn’t the equality of humanity be just as protected? If not more? The argument I faced a lot is; “But marriage is a Christian ideal”. The frank answer is, no. It’s not anymore. You don’t have to get married in the eyes of God, many heterosexual couples don’t. Surely same sex couples deserve the same equality as heterosexual couples. If a same sex couple however wanted to get married in front of God then surely that is an issue they can take up with their God themselves. I however do though believe that churches should have some kind of legal backing to be able to politely decline.

Whether you are Christian, Sikh, Atheist or of any other belief you should not discriminate against some based on such a trivial difference of sexuality.

At the end of the day it should came down to this; could you look someone in the eye and say “you can’t have the same rights as me and other people because your of your sexuality.” With all that said, I’d vote in favour.