The Dawn of a New Era in Syria
“Those who were in Syria during the year 1918 are agreed that it was the saddest and hardest year of the whole war period. Conditions were steadily growing worse, the powers of resistance had been weakened, and hope was expiring. The end of the war still seemed out of sight, and there were uncertain indications that it might be months distant.
There was practically no alteration in the work in Lebanon. The soup-kitchens were enlarged somewhat to meet the increase need. It is curious that during this last year, when the Turks might almost be said to have been in sight of success in the extermination of the male population of Syria, they relaxed somewhat their efforts and permitted philanthropic interference more graciously than at any other time during the course of the war.
What true of Syria is undoubtedly true of other countries the world over.
In Syria to-day the whole theme of national consideration is the Future. The Past we have buried out of sight, and the immediate Present concerns us only in so far as it affects what is to come. Everything hangs in abeyance until the one vital question of Syria’s political fate is solved.
Syria has lain at the point of death, and there were times when it seemed incredible that she should ever rally. She has drawn to the limit upon her physical resources, and it will take a long time to renew her exhausted powers.
A year ago we prayed for the occupation, and we dared not face the inevitable and terribly tragedy that must certainly ensue if no relief came before winter.
“As soon as a child learns to take its first step do we expect that it will henceforth be able to walk alone without further assistance from parents or nurse?”
Death is ahead, but they face it bravely, and without complaint. They are too proud to solicit charity, and yet they are the very ones who, for the sake of the country, should be saved for future usefulness.
The one thing that prevents Syria from rising unaided to her feet is the fact that there is no possible means by which she can provide employment for all who must work to live. The only hope for the country, therefore, lies in assistance from the outer world. Trade with Europe, America and South America must rehabilitate the depleted finances of this impoverished land.
There are many indications that Syria deserves to be consulted in regard to her destiny.
The curse of Syria has always been the religious fanaticism of her various sects. The increasing nationalistic tendency of to-day is, therefore, by far the most hopeful sign that Syria possesses latent elements of strength, and a spark of that divine fire which, if properly fostered, will fame into national enthusiasm and patriotism.
There is only one topic of conversation in all Syria to-day, and that is the political fate of the country. Moslem, Druze, and all sects of Christians, with but one notable exception, are united in their demand for an undivided Syria under an acceptable mandate.
The choice lies between two nations, England and America.
Syria is only one of the many small nations that has staked her future on America’s good faith in abiding by President Wilson’s “Fourteen points” , and so great is Syria’s confidence in America’s loyalty to principle that she is willing to entrust her national existence into our keeping.
There is one arrangement, however, for Syria’s future which will never be acceptable to the people, and that is a settlement which will necessitate the division of her territory. Fear of such a contingency has frequently given rise to the rumor that Palestine was to be constituted a separate state under a separate administration, Damascus another, and northwestern Syria (enlarged Lebanon) yet a third. The slogan of the nationalistic party is first and foremost “Syria undivided”. Any refusal of this demand will lead to unrest, and in time to bloodshed, unless the cause of dissatisfaction be removed.
If, on the other hand, Syria’s right to self-determination is disregarded, and the nation is forced under an administration that is generally unpopular, it is a foregone conclusion that the most desirable types of Syrian citizens will emigrate to other counties. They have suffered too long under a pernicious system of government to risk remaining in the country under such baneful circumstances. Then indeed is Syria doomed!
The present crying need is a complete reorganization of the administration, and the removal from office of those local officials who served under the Turks. They are, almost without exception. “grafters” and “crooks”. In the day of the Turk, they abused their power and preyed upon the people. To-day the same me, or men of the same spirit, conduct the administration along Turkish lines. Syria needs a political house-cleaning, and she has a right to demand that the power of the country should be entrusted to those who are fit to govern, and not to the worst type of political “boss”.
Does America realize the status of Syria to-day? The Syrians represent the highest type of culture and intelligence in the Arab- speaking world, which comprises one-fifteenth of the population of the globe... They might also be considered the leaven of the Orient.
If Syria turns to America with a prayer for assistance shall we lend a deaf ear? Shall we condemn her to exploitation by unscrupulous Powers who have no interest in her welfare, but who labor only for their own selfish ends? Shall we abandon those glorious “Fourteen Points” at the first test of their sincerity? Or shall we use all our influence to see that Syria gets justice?
Light has come, but is still too early to tell whether the sun will rise clear and fair, or whether it will be veiled in clouds. We are watchers before the dawn in Syria, but we do not yet know whether our day is to be one of sunshine or of storm.”
Leave A Comment