26/03/2014
On the spirit emerging from the “All Sides Consultation for Political Solution” in Vienna
By Wilhelm Langthaler, Co-convener PeaceinSyria.org
Now that the “All sides Consultation for a Political Solution in Syria” is accomplished and is being recognized by all the participants as a success that deserves continuation, the time has come to draw a balance not only of the conference itself, but also of its wider significance. The very fact that around two dozen people from the most diverse and conflicting backgrounds of Syrian society came together and consulted how to overcome the civil war tearing apart the country is extraordinary. But the spirit emerging from the debates reaches far beyond the objective of this single event, giving hope that a movement for a political solution is gaining momentum.
21/03/2014
Conclusive Declaration All Sides Consultation for a Political Solution Vienna
Initiative for a Political Solution
Syrians coming from most diverse social, educational, political and national backgrounds have gathered on March 8th and 9th in the Castle of Schlaining, Austria, in the framework of an “All Sides Consultation for a Political Solution in Syria” organized by the International Initiative www.peaceinsyria.org.
25/01/2014
Attempting to give the Syrian people a voice in Geneva
by Haytham Manna
"We call together with a large number of forces and national democratic voice for a gathered Conference to restore to the free Syrians their natural right to independent decision-making and to take a political stand together, to build a road map bringing back the role of the political solution as the only way to put an end to the plight faced by the country."
09/01/2014
Support an all sides’ civil society conference in Vienna
International Peace Initiative for Syria
Every day it becomes clearer that the Syrian war cannot be won by anybody with a positive outcome for the Syrian people. With its internal divisions on every side the civil war has reached the state of an unprecedented bloodshed increased by external interventions. Its continuation will only wreak havoc and spread destruction on all levels of society.
31/12/2013
Discussion on the prospective of Syrian Islamism
Actually we deliberately want to stress the reciprocity and similarity of the phenomenon of sectarianism from both sides of the Syrian civil war though the more suitable notion would be communalism built on a specific group identity.
27/12/2013
What’s new in the Syrian war in the run-up for negotiations in Geneva
by Wilhelm Langthaler
1. Chemical arms deal reinstating Assad as an interlocutor of the west acknowledging that he will not be toppled any soon by military means. 2. US-Iran rapprochement. 3. Military advances by the Assad side. 4. Weakening of the popular support base of the insurgency as it falls under Jihadi control. 5. Marginalisation of pro-western military forces. 6. Radical opposition of Saudis to a settlement with Iran expressed in continued support for Jihadism. 7. Assad’s reinforced refusal of any democratic reform or any power sharing compromise with Russian backing.
21/12/2013
by Leonardo Mazzei
The international corporate media decided to maintain low profile, but for weeks Italy is revolting. From the northeast down to Sicily a movement called “Forconi” (dung forks) is rocking the country. Actually the Forconi, originating from Sicily, are only one component of the mobilization lending their name.
27/11/2013
Hoping for an orderly retreat of Ennahda to avoid a return to the old regime
by Wilhelm Langthaler
Tunisia was the starting point of the Arab peoples’ revolt. In the central countries of Egypt and Syria, however, the movement is threatened to subside in repression and violence. Again, it is Tunisia, which gives grounds for hope: Ennahda could withdraw from the government without violence paving the way for early elections. Thus the democratic gains could be saved from the threat of a counter-revolution on behalf of the old elites.
25/11/2013
Global stalemate acknowledged
by Wilhelm Langthaler
The beginning détente between the US and Iran is opening a new chapter of global relations. It is not only a game changer in the Syrian arena but will prompt a re-configuration of the Middle East’s setup. Ultimately it indicates another step towards the multi-polar world – but a modest one confirming US supremacy with indirect rule.
03/10/2013
Lower classes strengthen social but chauvinist opposition
by Wilhelm Langthaler
First: the ruling system has been confirmed though losing consensus. Second: the electoral protest remains within systemic forms. Third: an anti-systemic, let alone social revolutionary momentum continues to be a mere desiderate.