Syria: Assad is going to lose Turkey (videos)

Video below: The Syrian army shell a mosque in Deir al Zour. A minaret takes many hits and the top part of the structure falls to the ground.

The Turkish newspaper Hürriyet has published a surprising and provocative article “Syria intervention not off table” in which Hürriyet’s Daily News Editor-in-Chief Murat Yetkin writes of Turkey’s changing attitude towards Syria. A Turkish official speaking on condition of anonymity has stated that Turkey isn’t ruling out international intervention in Syria if the Bashar al-Assad regime doesn’t stop using violence against its own people. Considering that Turkey has been a long-term friend of Syria, this represents quite a change in attitude. While this is still a long way from any sort of military intervention, it is a clear signal that the Turkish government has recognised that the Assad regime has stepped over the line in its crackdown on its own people.

The source also said that a letter from Turkish President Abdullah Gül to Assad delivered by Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoğlu on Tuesday was considered by Ankara as an “ultimatum” to Damascus that, if violence by Syrian troops continued, Assad would no longer be able to rely on Turkey’s friendship.

The same article goes on to explain another and more telling reason for this change in Turkey’s stance. Recently the Iranian government has openly declared its support for the Syrian regime. This unnamed government source says that Syria is currently ruled by a religious minority that is close to the Shiite majority in Iran. A further escalation of violence could lead to sectarian fights which could spill into other countries. Such a statement is similar to an assessment by the Obama administration that civil war in Syria is altogether possible. (NY Times)

On Saturday, tanks swept into the coastal town of Latakia and activists reported much gunfire. This comes after Friday’s day of protests when large crowds defied the government across the country by demonstrating and calling for Assad’s dismissal and execution. Reports estimate that 14 people were killed on Friday when security forces clashed with protesters. Five protesters were reportedly killed outside Damascus, one in Homs and two in Hama, four in the major northern city of Aleppo, one in Deir el Zour, and one in eastern Idlib province

Published on Aug 12, 2011 by Euronews

Syrian army reportedly targets Friday protesters

Witnesses say thousands of people have once more taken to the streets in Syria after Friday prayers. They claim the protests were large and widespread. However Syrian state television described them as small and sporadic. Activists claim at least eight people have been shot dead by the army. Unrest was reported in the restive central city of Homs, the capital, Damascus, and Aleppo and Idlib near the border with Turkey.

Uploaded by france24english on Aug 12, 2011

Bashar al-Assad – Syrian troops open fire amid fresh protests

Bashar al-Assad – Syrian security forces opened fire on tens of thousands of protesters in several towns and cities Friday, with protestors shouting, “We will not kneel!” in defiance of President Bashar Assad’s regime.

Published on Aug 10, 2011 by AssociatedPress

Raw Video: Mosque Shelled in Syria Violence

A besieged Syrian city came under fresh artillery fire early Monday as a deadly military assault left President Bashar Assad’s regime increasingly isolated.

[This video shows the shelling of a mosque in Deir al Zour. A minaret takes several hits and the top falls off.]

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