Nearly Half Million Syrians Protest in Flashpoint City

[Guest guest]

http://www.voanews.com/english/news/middle-east/Syrian-Forces-Storm-Protest-in-D\

amascus-Suburb-125202189.html

July 08, 2011

Nearly Half Million Syrians Protest in Flashpoint City

Near a half a million protesters jammed the streets of the flashpoint city of

Hama in an anti-Syrian government rally on Friday, as the U.S. ambassador

traveled there to show American solidarity with protesters.

Rights activists told Western news media that crowds in Hama topped more than

450,000 - one of the largest gatherings since the uprising began four months

ago.

Activists in Syria also say security forces have raided a Damascus suburb to

quell an overnight protest against Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. Security

forces reportedly fired bullets at civilians participating in the demonstration.

The Reuters news agency reported at least four dead in the siege and numerous

injuries.

Ambassador leaves

In Hama, the Associated Press reported that U.S. Ambassador Ford left the

city by midafternoon as crowds swelled.

An activist in Syria told VOA that Ford was given videos from residents showing

alleged human rights violation by Syrian forces. The ambassador's presence

attracted notice from residents, who she says threw flowers at his motorcade to

show their appreciation.

The Syrian foreign ministry said Thursday that Ford's presence in Hama without

prior permission constitutes " clear evidence " of a U.S. attempt to " increase

tension and damage Syria's security and stability. "

In Washington, State Department spokeswoman Nuland said Ford met with a

dozen people on Thursday in a visit designed to show solidarity with protesters.

She said Ford has hoped to stay in the city until late Friday and that the U.S.

embassy had informed the Syrian government that an embassy team was travelling

to the city.

Families fleeing

Earlier, a Syrian activist monitoring developments in Hama told VOA in a

telephone interview that dozens of families fled the city Thursday fearing a

military crackdown. She said security forces have surrounded Hama with tanks,

and that troops have detained more than 100 people.

The activist confirmed reports from rights groups that at least 25 people have

been killed and more than 40 wounded in Hama in recent days. Troops had pushed

through improvised barriers and roadblocks set up by Hama residents after

massive anti-government protests last week.

United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon urged Syria to stop the deadly

crackdown. Ban asked the Syrian leadership to grant access in the country to

U.N. aid workers and a fact-finding mission.

Rights groups say Syrian security forces have killed at least 1,400 civilians

since mid-March while trying to suppress the anti-government uprising. The

Syrian government says terrorists and Islamist militants have killed hundreds of

security personnel during the same period.

[Guest guest]

Other sources put forth much lower numbers and they are probably correct. This is a country that without a strong man will probably very quickly devolve into slaughter, much like happened in Lebanon and will likely happen in Iraq once the US forces are weak enough.

In a message dated 7/8/2011 1:10:31 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time, no_reply writes:

Nearly Half Million Syrians Protest in Flashpoint City