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Obama Condemns Syria for 'Outrageous' Violence | Middle East In Transition | English/*
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Inside VOA|Contact VOA News April 23, 2011 Latest News: Select Your LanguageAfan OromoAlbanianAmharicArmenianAzerbaijaniAzeriBanglaBosnianBurmeseCantoneseChineseCreoleCroatianDariEnglish WorldwideFrenchGeorgianGreekHausaIndonesianKhmerKhmer (English)KinyarwandaKirundiKoreanKurdiKurdishLaoLearning EnglishMacedonianMandarinNdebelePashtoPashto - DeewaPersian PortugueseRussian SerbianShonaSomaliSpanishSwahiliThaiTibetanTibetan (English)TigrignaTurkishUkrainian UrduUzbekVietnameseZimbabwe - EnglishNewsProgramsVideoLearning EnglishLive Streams:Latest Newscast|Africa Live|Global LiveNews USA Africa Americas Asia EuropeMiddle EastIsrael - PalestiniansIranIraqHuman RightsMiddle East In TransitionEconomy and Business Arts and Entertainment EconomyMore TopicsEducationEnvironmentHealthNews AnalysisReligionScience and TechnologySports Web FeaturesSpecial ReportsPhoto GalleriesGoing Green Money In MotionNow You KnowOff the Beaten PathThe LinkInteractive YouTubeFacebookTwitter Web ServicesPodcastsRSSMobileNewsletterWebcastsLinks About the USEditorialsRFE/RLRFAPronunciation Guide News|Middle East|Middle East In TransitionMiddle East In TransitionObama Condemns Syria for 'Outrageous' ViolencePresident says Assad has ignored the Syrian people's calls for freedom VOA News?April 22, 2011
Photo: ReutersProtesters hold a Syrian flag during a demonstration in Zabadani, near Damascus, April 22, 2011 Share ThisFacebookYahoo! BuzzRelated ArticlesSyria Lifts Emergency Rule as Forces Deploy in HomsProtests Continue in Syria Despite Move to Lift Emergency LawSyrian Authorities Arrest Popular Opposition Figure, Lift Emergency Law U.S. President Barack Obama has condemned Syria for what he called an "outrageous use of violence" against opposition protesters, after 75 people were killed Friday in a government crackdown on the demonstrations.
Mr. Obama said in a statement that Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has ignored the Syrian people's calls for freedom and has instead chosen "the path of repression."
He also accused Mr. Assad of seeking Iranian assistance in the brutal crackdown against Syrian civilians.
Listen to what VOA's Cecily Hilleary and Steve Bangley discovered after talking to Syrian eyewitnesses on the ground involved in the protests in several cities:
Rights groups and activists say at least 75 people were killed in Syria Friday after security forces opened fire on anti-government protesters who rallied across the country.
The toll would make Friday the deadliest single day of protests in the country since the anti-government uprising began in March.
Witnesses and activists say security forces used live ammunition and tear gas on protesters, who poured onto the streets after prayers and called for President Assad's immediate departure. ?
The deaths were reported in areas including the southern Daraa region, the central city of Homs and communities near the capital, Damascus.
U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon joined Mr. Obama in calling for an immediate stop to the crackdown in Syria.
Friday's rallies against President Assad's government came one day after the president signed a decree ending almost 50 years of emergency rule.? The decree was part of his effort to end anti-government unrest.
There was no immediate confirmation of the deaths by Syrian authorities.? State-run SANA? news says police and security forces responded with tear gas and hoses on Friday after "scuffles" erupted between demonstrators and citizens.
A Facebook page calling for people to join the rallies called them the "Good Friday" protests - a reference to the holy day when Christians say Jesus was crucified and died.? A website image shows Christian and Muslim images together with the words "one heart, one hand, one goal."
Some information for this report was provided by AP, AFP and Reuters.
and discuss them on our Facebook page. Watch? Listen? Email? Print? Comments?Comments (54)22-04-2011Elias Touma(Syria)
The media is making a big mistake by stating that Muslims and Christians will go out. I am christian and syrian and i know that all syrian christians are for the govt and would never go against bashar al assad! this is all propaganda and it is only sunni muslims trying to bring down the govt and they will not succeed. God Bless Syrian and President Bashar Al Assad and all who hate him can leave syrian and live somewhere else
22-04-2011Doctor R(usa)I wish you peace!
22-04-2011Thomas Oubaid(Syria)We hope that Good Friday will continue peacefully.Regarding Elias's comment, not all Christians are with Bashar, nor All Allawites (Bashar's Relatives).
22-04-2011hamad part 1 of 3(Oman)Friday has become festival day for protests and demonstrations those days . People in Syria have the right to protest peacefully without using violence or weapons which is consistent with what Miss Hilary Clinton calls for . Both side should rein from using weapons or gun to save souls from lost and death . In contrary , protesters must help officers to arrest those fake protesters who meant maliciously to create conflicts between policemen and peaceful protesters deliberately .
22-04-2011hamad part 2 of 3(Oman)No one likes to see victims in both side while President Bashar is launching tangible amendments on the ground . Protesters can protests peacefully , if the situation has not been changed and pursue their essential right . This situation will put huge pressure on Syria government will force them to amend the constitution and change the life of Syrians to be better .
22-04-2011hamad part 3 of 3(Oman)Now each government should understand that the demands of their nations should be fulfilled , if they want to gain the trust of their people . All Arab governments have become realized extremely well that any violation of human rights will be monitored by international society and Human Rights Watch . No one likes to ruin his reputation by his hands except who lost his mind and deceive himself . Media have been delved into any plea to exaggerate any events could happen in Arab countries .
22-04-2011Tahuya(USA)With repressive governments, the only voice that could be heard, except for the government's, are those of the radicals. This gave the false impression that the entire Middle East was radical and fundamentalist. With free expression, all the views of the people will become apparent and I bet, the Middle East is more moderate than it is portrayed. Long live these movements.
22-04-2011Thomas_Thumb(Syria)The Christians are afraid that they will lose the protection of the Allawites; the Allawites of losing their privileged position; the Asaads and Baath party of losing their ability to make millions of dollars by abusing their position. the Sunis are sick of feeling like second class citizens in a country where they are the majority. The Asaads and the Baath party are fools for believing their can carry on like this forever. Even the Roman Empire fell eventually.
22-04-2011Isaac Hamaven(Australia)The Syrian Government is deliberately targeting their own citizens with more than 200 people killed. Where is the international outcry? Where in the UN? Where is the Arab League? Shame on all if them for their hypocrisy
22-04-2011Young(China)I want to know if U.S.A,Britian and France is aware that there is a problem over Syria or because there was no big oil in Syria they still yet calm.
22-04-2011The Syrian government shows it's true fascist tendencies.......it seems they learned their lessons well from the Nazi's before during and after WWII ...Noone on earth knows where this carnage is going to lead.....too many have died already and that is a terrible horror!
22-04-2011Observer(USA)The regime - like many others - is basically a group of gangsters. It is YOUR country, not one man's, a tribes, or a gang of mafiosa. Sickens me to see dictator's portaits all over and regime propped up through thugs, violence and intimidation. Goes for their sponsor state's as wel..
22-04-2011Curtis(USA)Well gee wiz guys it’s going so well in Libya we might as well go on to Syria, Yemen & Nigeria!Sing along with me as I embellish on the lyrics of a WWII song a little:Over there, over there, Send the word, send the word over thereThat the Yanks are coming, the Yanks are comingThe drones are a humming everywhere. So prepare, say a prayer,Send the word, tell the world to beware - We'll be over, we're coming over,And we won't come back till it's over, whenever that is, over there
22-04-2011The Syrian government is the same government that let foreign insurgents to sneak into Iraq to become suicide bombers. It is also the same government that occupied Lebanon and probably had a hand in assassinating Rafic Hariri and funds the terrorist group Hezbollah. Does anyone think it will go peacefully? The only way to get rid of it is the same way the rebels in Libya are trying to get rid of Gadaffi.
22-04-2011Edward(USA)Are Syrian civilians different from Libyan civilians? Where is the leadership of the Arab League and President Obama? This is shameful to only offer verbal encouragement to the freedom seekers while they are being killed by Syrian government forces.
22-04-2011Al(USA)Peace for syria, Bashar please get out of syria and take your fathers remains. He does not deserve to be buried in Syria. We will never forget Hamma!
22-04-2011John(usa)I wonder if Obama and Hillary are watching this slaughter? Probably not because guess what? No oil interests!
22-04-2011lothar(usa)Curtis - Over there was a WW1 song. Dont be dumb
22-04-2011People in Syria and around the world have the right to live as FREE people. They also have the right to CHOOSE their leaders. Hey Assad, step down and let the people go. No one Elected you. You are not a leader if you lead by force and killing people who disagree with you, you simply are a THUG..
22-04-2011Syed Hussaini(USA)In regards to studid remarks of Elias Touma I want to say that its not about Christian, Shia or Sunni its about majority's demand of self rule and self respect and independence from stupid All Allawites Bashar's demon's rule. Elias Touma is the most stupid person I can see where you want Sunni's to leave their land and stay in your house?
22-04-2011(usa)Lothar. Dumb means can't talk... don't be ignorant
22-04-2011Coroner(USA)Assad is afraid and confused so what does he do, he asks his dim witted political peers in Iran for advice. Syria is breathing which is hard to accept since Assad's government is decomposing before his eyes. Make the people happy, and your job is half done.
22-04-2011Coroner(USA)Assad is afraid and confused so what does he do, he asks his dim witted political peers in Iran for advice. Syria is breathing which is hard to accept since Assad's government is decomposing before his eyes. Make the people happy, and your job is half done.
22-04-2011Joe Green(USA)One of the main themes in Bible prophecy is that nations of the Middle East will align themselves against Israel. In that scenario, Syria is the first nation to make a move to destroy the Jewish state and this will, in fact, begin when Israel is at peace (Ezekiel 38:8-11). Syria's quest for peace with Israel but at the same time, preparing for war with the Jewish state, is indeed a page out of Bible prophecy that will be fulfilled.
22-04-2011Freedom(USA)Finally the Syrian People are revolting! More power to the courageous Syrian population. Down with the most oppressive regime in the world; down with the one party governemnt; down with the Assad family and his entourage. Fellow Syrians, keep it up. This is a Golden Opportunity to gain back your freedom from these thugs and killers. Do NOT let up; Do NOT give up! You can bring these murderers down; Get RID of them at once!
22-04-2011Freedom(USA)Finally the Syrian People are revolting! More power to the courageous Syrian population. Down with the most oppressive regime in the world; down with the one party governemnt; down with the Assad family and his entourage. Fellow Syrians, keep it up. This is a Golden Opportunity to gain back your freedom from these thugs and killers. Do NOT let up; Do NOT give up! You can bring these murderers down; Get RID of them at once!
22-04-2011Jack(USA)I hope the Syian people free themselves without assistance from the UN or NATO. Then I hope they discover massive new oil fields under there land and tell the UN and NATO to F'OFF. It would only be just. All are deserving of help, not just those with something the world wants.
22-04-2011Jack(USA)I hope the Syian people free themselves without assistance from the UN or NATO. Then I hope they discover massive new oil fields under there land and tell the UN and NATO to F'OFF. It would only be just. All are deserving of help, not just those with something the world wants.
22-04-2011Concerned Foreign sick of Media Inaccuracies anAs an enlightened foreigner with western education who have spend significant part of my life in the west, I am appalled at the lies, fabrication and total falsehood about the protest in Syria. I have boycotted BBC, CCN and Aljazeera - it is unfortunate that you are also being used as pawns in delibrate misrepresentation of facts. I live and work in Syria and please cross check your facts for the seek of decency, honesty and truth.
22-04-2011Josh(USA)In the USA freedom is getting less and less over the last years I wish we could something like syria here but we dont have the balls to do it.... still freedom is by far better that the rest of the world and I will die defending this great nation from foreign nations .
22-04-2011Johny(USA)All Syrians from all religions and sects are against the fascist regime in Damascus. No one supports the regime except the thugs who benefit from the robbery that has been going on for 48 years. The Syrian people deserve freedom, democracy, the right for self determination and all the basic human rights everyone enjoys in the free world.
22-04-2011(USA)You have my suport
22-04-2011Jonathan(USA/England)It's a shame that the hard working people of Syria are caught up in this struggle for power. Negotiations must be sought between the governing parties, but do not rule out the removal of President Assad's government by force. Once the US, England, France and NATO decide it's time for him to go ... he will ... but we gotta finish up with Libya first then we'll get to you Syria .... take a ticket and wait in line ...
22-04-2011Lynn Carmichael(USA (Silicon Valley))It's not by coincidence that Bashar al-Assad sports a mustache like Hitler's. People everywhere hoped (and prayed) that today's protest would be bloodless. Bashar al-Assad is a CLUELESS leader; he and the Baath Party are BACKWARD, a throwback to another era. But they won't prevail — they are the MINORITY by far. And killing more protesters who want freedom to choose won't help, quite the opposite, it's just adding FUEL to a raging FIRE — so STUPID.
22-04-2011Terry(USA)Contrary to some opinions, I feel is it is a cliche statement that the US only becomes involved in countries with oil interests. The US does not and can not be the police of the world. We all know what harm comes from that. I think every US citizen mourns the loss of life for anyone fighting for freedom and self-rule anywhere in the world. Our prayers go out to the people of Syria and other countries going through this painful, but brave process of self-determination.
22-04-2011Koz(USA)Freedom of assembly and peaceful gatherings are the rights af the syrian people
22-04-2011Inhisnaame(Worldcitizen)Anyone remember Seattle? When people try to protest in the United States, the Police come out in force and I remember the day in Ohio when college students protesting the Vietnam War were surrounded with National Guard troops and fired upon! Five were killed. And let us not forget that Martin Luther King jr speech, " I have a dream" was allowed, only if they came in buses and immediately left. In 1932 Veterans were set upon by tanks and a baby died from the military
22-04-2011SRL(USA)One common thread is obvious from what everyone is saying is that the ability to express yourself without fear of reprisal is paramount. The government or person who can protect that ideal will find legitimacy. All others are tyrants that do not deserve support of the governed, but who will no doubt use violence to perpetuate their illegitimate claim to govern.
22-04-2011Herb(America)How many times have people in the US tried to protest policies only to be set upon by the police ? Are you all so naive as to think that if we began a protest here in America against; corruption, fixed gas prices, unfair rent laws, and lack of jobs, that the police would attack us just like they did on Seattle?
22-04-2011Waleed(Syria)The US must pressure Syria to let the international media to go in, we cant stand still and people are being killed.....one big statement against Assad from Obama will rock the syrian street....the US government have the keys, but they want to keep Assad.....
22-04-2011Lynn Carmichael(USA)It's not about oil in Syria, but its critical, strategic location. Outrageous violence today.
22-04-2011Richard B from Philly(US)I don't care what your fanatic believes are, killing any body that is unarmed is wrong and will be judged
22-04-2011Mark(USA)Hope the fire spreads to Iran!!!
22-04-2011Bobby Dee(West Virginia, USA)The US needs to say 100% out of Syria. President Obama's comments yesterday may have made the protestors too bold.
22-04-2011Chris(U.S.)These things happen from time to time in history. Sadly the economic downturn is global, many have to do with less.
22-04-2011Pollenhead(FLORIDA)Time to send in the drones.
22-04-2011simo(morocco)Let Syrians settle their own problems by themselves... Why should u dictate and judge without any real knowledge of Syrian people culture,traditions and civilization,drunk with propaganda serving the interests of zionists,western greedy forces,who disguise in angels while they don't care for anything else but the continuity of their power and hold of the world resources...Iraq,Afghanistan.nowadays Iran,syria....When will u see the truth and keep your judement for yourself???
22-04-2011ballast(australia)Elias Touma,Although there maybe christians who are strong supporters of Bashar's regime,it would be foolish to claim they are all the same.
22-04-2011LouieThis is the Beginning of the End for Dictatorship and Autocratic rule in the Arab World. The people, the masses are fed up, they have reached their limits, they are sick and tired of the incredible injustice, the abuse and neglect, while the ruling powers bask in unimaginable wealth, glory and power.. Sorry guys it's over!People of the Arab World, Stand Strong!!, It's "Your" turn now to control your destiny!!May God's grace be with each and everyone of you...
23-04-2011oldcarman(USA)THis is funny since the people I know tell me that the Muslims fighting the government are not educated, peaceful people, but have been fomenting attacks on Christians to drive them out of the country or deprive them of life. The western media doesn't have a clue!
23-04-2011Al-Iraqi(Iraq)Assad's policy to rule or die ! If he stays in power ,he will live until 80 and give Syria to his sons to keep milking the country and oppressing it's people This people cannot stay slaves . Freedom will prevail eventually .Change is not easy . will be hard and painful after 50 yrs of black dictatorship, it must start sometime . I think it is starting now .Elias Touma , I am a Christian too , I suggest you either join the wave of change or leave Syria with your Assad Bashar the Butcher
23-04-2011Esteban(Canada)My hart goes out to the families of the victims. I wish you peace and an end to your suffering. As for the Assads... well, we have a saying...the apple never falls far from the tree! And the rotten apple has ruled far too long. The son is just as cruel as the father and the hole family is corrupt and evil. They deserve the same faith as the Caucescus in Romania...Freedom to the syrian people. May God give you strenght
23-04-2011Abou Ali(Australia)Governments & Presidents( Bashar Assad ) should learn from other experiences( Egypt/Tunisia ).To the people of Syria : this your chance to build a new country...democratic, open, free and fair. United you can do it, all of you: Sunnis, Alawites, Christians, Druze, kurds...everyone .No revenge no hard feelings of the past you have to look to the future...otherwise you will get no where
23-04-2011(USA - Part 1)Why is it so difficult for the slow witted to grasp the differences between the situation in Libya and Syria that they have to be spoon-fed understanding? Libya has no neighbors hostile to the West bordering them capable of making the task difficult. Syria has Hezbollah in Lebanon, Iran and Shiite movements in Iraq.
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