Syrians Voice Anger Over Gaza
The Arab public, often silenced by its own repressive governments, is finding its voice.
The protestors here and elsewhere in the Arab world hoped their cries would influence Arab and European countries into pressuring Israel to stop the attack on Gaza, which Palestinian officials say has left more than 700 people dead.
Hamas, which has the backing of Iran and Syria, called off a six-month cease-fire late last month, accusing Israel of breaking an agreement to ease the blockade on the Gaza Strip.
Today's progression, dubbed the "march of the million," was peaceful, unlike a previous one a few years when protestors condemning the U.S. invasion of Iraq managed to reach their target — the American Embassy in the upscale Abu Rumaneh street, breaking the gate and windows and burning American flags.
The demonstrators represented a cross-section of Syrian society. Men, some in military-style uniforms, women, students, poor laborers and wealthy businessmen all carried banners denouncing what they called the Israel's "killing policy" and chanting anti-Israeli slogans.
"Gaza is the land of Arab dignity," one banner said. Eighteen-year-old Samir Othman, holding the banner, shouted support for the continuing Palestinian resistance as the procession tramped through the jammed streets of the capital — the longest-inhabited city in the world.
Syrians have staged silent vigils almost daily. They light candles and wave Syrian and Palestinian flags.
Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has been the most outspoken Arab leader in his condemnations of Israel during the recent fighting, more willing than others to reflect the popular anger that has risen with the Palestinian death toll.
The slogans heard on the streets of Damascus today were a measure of the anger in the Arab world. "Keep up the fight, you heroes, and we will give you the support," shouted Saad Abdullah, on the shoulders of fellow teenagers.