On the Khan al-Asal Massacre, 2013-07-22 -23

The Syrian Future Movement…

In these challenging times our blessed Syrian revolution faces, it seems as though it cries out to God, saying: “To whom do I turn? To a coalition and opposition that scorn me, or to a murderous regime that has claimed authority over me?”

We see numerous negative behaviors clouding the revolution’s atmosphere, stabbing the revolutionaries from behind through actions that have no connection to religion, let alone morality. The latest of these incidents is what happened in Khan al-Asal a few days ago, which shifted us from the position of attackers (those demanding their rights) to the position of the attacked (those defending themselves).

I would like to ask the Free Syrian Army’s general command: if you acknowledged that those who committed the massacre were undisciplined groups outside of your command, where is your role? Does this not reflect negligence on your part and even a failure to uphold the military authority entrusted to you by the coalition?

At a time when we see a noticeable retreat in your role, especially on the Homs front, we also observe your lack of control over the dispersed weaponry scattered here and there. Do you not claim there’s a shortage of weapons? Your role should be to contain such groups and take control of the weapons they use for murder and destruction.

We call on the Free Syrian Army’s General Command, under the coalition, to dismiss the commander of the region responsible for Khan al-Asal, hold him accountable, and likewise hold the Chief of Staff accountable. Otherwise, the coalition bears full responsibility.

We inform you that even more severe challenges lie ahead, ones that may target you as well, Free Syrian Army Chief of Staff (as the hired killer “today” sees you as a tempting target—you will remember this). And the story of Riyad al-Asaad is not far from your memory.

We in the Syrian Future Movement do not understand how military operations are managed remotely or how frontline commanders follow the activities of revolutionaries and fighters from hotel windows or through mobile devices. And then we ask: Why does the regime advance while the revolutionaries fall back? This is to be expected—the killer is determined to commit his crime and complete his mission, while the defender of his rights is lost in luxurious beds, served by attendants with cups, jugs, and pitchers, enjoying their choice of fruits and meat of birds they desire.

Where are the voices of scholars, associations, and religious authorities to condemn this act morally before condemning it legally? Aren’t all human lives equal in rights? (How can you judge otherwise?)

And where is the National Coalition’s role in identifying the locations of these groups within Syria, isolating them, and sending messages for them to leave Syria or face accountability and trial?

The National Coalition formed a fact-finding committee—where has this committee’s work led? When will they share their findings with us, so that the people do not lose faith in their revolution and we do not lose the silent majority, who view such brutal acts as decisive factors?

The Syrian Future Movement has condemned all—or most—of the Syrian regime’s crimes, and we denounce the international silence regarding what is happening in Syria. Today, we condemn the actions of these groups, whether their motives are nationalistic or religious. We denounce this heinous criminal act, categorizing it as organized terrorism against individuals and society.

We call on all opposition freedom fighters to hold an urgent session to study these abnormal phenomena and examine ways to limit and reduce them before they bring down the revolution and destroy the victories we have achieved.