In Syria, Spring Ain't Sprung
Here's a insightful cartoon about the terrible events in Syria where the refusal of the dictator Bashar al-Assad to face up to calls for reform, in the wake of the Arab Spring, has left much of this ancient country in ruins.
In some places even the ancient ruins of Syria have been destroyed, of course, in Palmyra for example where the fascists of the so-called Islamic State remain in power to this day.
War Crimes in Syria (19/03/12)
I suppose there are worse things that could happen to you - than having your hand cut-off as a punishment.
But not much worse - surely.
Yet that appears to be what happened top Zaher Al Hariri who went to a state hospital in Syria - after security forces fired shots at a peaceful pro-democracy rally - which the young man attended in Deraa city.
A bullet injured Zaher's fingers but instead of patching him up and treating his wounds - Syrian security forces intervened and his right hand was brutally amputated.
Presumably as a gruesome threat - a medieval punishment and warning - to other people protesting about the Bashar al-Assad regime.
Zaher has now escaped Syria and fled to neighbouring Jordan - where he is receiving treatment for trauma from the French aid organisation - Medicins Sans Frontieres.
The countries responsible for propping up the Syrian government - notably Russia and China - should be ashamed of their actions.
Because innocent civilians are being maimed and murdered by the Syrian army.
But not much worse - surely.
Yet that appears to be what happened top Zaher Al Hariri who went to a state hospital in Syria - after security forces fired shots at a peaceful pro-democracy rally - which the young man attended in Deraa city.
A bullet injured Zaher's fingers but instead of patching him up and treating his wounds - Syrian security forces intervened and his right hand was brutally amputated.
Presumably as a gruesome threat - a medieval punishment and warning - to other people protesting about the Bashar al-Assad regime.
Zaher has now escaped Syria and fled to neighbouring Jordan - where he is receiving treatment for trauma from the French aid organisation - Medicins Sans Frontieres.
The countries responsible for propping up the Syrian government - notably Russia and China - should be ashamed of their actions.
Because innocent civilians are being maimed and murdered by the Syrian army.
