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THOUSANDS OF SYRIAN REFUGEES EJECTED FROM LEBANON CAMP

ISSUED BY MEDIA OFFICE OF THE SYRIAN MUSLIM BROTHERHOODISSUE 1 - MAR 1, 2015

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THOUSANDS OF SYRIAN REFUGEES EJECTED FROM LEBANON CAMP

HUMAN RIGHTS WATCH: ASSAD HAS DROPPED HUNDREDS OF BARREL BOMBS ON SYRIAN CIVILIANS

OBAMA REQUESTS POWERS TO USE GROUND FORCES AGAINST ISIS

SYRIAN MUSLIM BROTHERHOOD POLITICAL PLAN FOR SYRIA OF THE FUTURE

SOCIAL MEDIA

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CONTENTS

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3HUMANITARIAN CRISIS

THOUSANDS OF SYRIAN REFUGEES EJECTED FROM LEBANON CAMPSOURCE: AL JAZEERA Thousands of Syrians have been left homeless after a decision by the Lebanese army to clear the area along the Syrian-Lebanese border.The decision last week, said to affect about 32 informal settlements housing around 7,000 Syrian refugees and labourers, comes as clashes between the Syrian army and fighters intensify around the outskirts of the Syrian town of Zabadani near the Lebanese border.«We have nowhere to go any more; we have no idea where we›ll be sleeping tonight. What are we supposed to do?» Abu Ahmad, a Syrian refugee from Deir Ezzor, told Al Jazeera, standing among the remnants of what used to be his tented home in Wadi Anjar on the

Lebanese-Syrian border.«The Lebanese army came in last night and broke everything; our water tanks, our shelters. Where are we supposed to let our children sleep? Shelter is the most important thing.»The area of Wadi Anjar, which earned the nickname of the «Valley of Problems» due to its hub as a smugglers› haven before the start of the Syrian crisis, sits at the foothills of the Lebanese mountains bordering Syria. Every so often, explosions can be heard from the clashes taking place just kilometres away over the mountainside. It is just one of the areas currently being cleared out: Those living here were told last week they had to pack up their belongings and leave. The army returned again on Tuesday afternoon, issuing a -24hour deadline.

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Ahmad›s camp houses about 200 families, most from Deir Ezzor and Hama, along with labourers who have been living in the country for decades. They are unsure of where they can go next, saying no one is willing to help them any more.On Wednesday morning, dozens of families began dismantling the wooden beams holding up their tents, rolling up blankets, and packing the few utensils and clothes they had, in bags. Plastic water tanks, broken by the army the night before, lay strewn across the ground. Small groups of Syrians gathered around fires in an attempt to keep warm in the harsh cold.«We slept out here last night,» Abu Ali told Al Jazeera, pointing to the ground next to the fire. «We slept outside with our children. Tonight we don›t know where we›re going to be sleeping. If we go to Syria we›ll get killed, and if we stay here we will die. Who is trying to help us? Absolutely no one.»Dana Sleiman, spokesperson for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, told Al Jazeera that «generally speaking, when this

arises, we verify the number of families who will be affected and assess their needs. We prioritise those most vulnerable and relocate them to collective shelters that would be ready to receive them on an emergency basis. This is part of our contingency planning.»Sleiman said the UN was in «constant contact» with the relevant authorities to ensure refugees were given enough time to find alternative shelters - but refugees say the issue is not the amount of notice, but rather the question of where they can relocate to.As refugees pooled their meagre resources to hire pick-up trucks to carry their belongings, many said they expected to drive around until they found somewhere that would let them stay. But their chances appeared slim, as towns and villages have been reluctant to open their doors to more Syrians.«No one is letting us stay in other places; municipalities are shutting their doors in our faces, and we›re being turned away from everywhere,» Mohammad Saleh, another refugee from Palmyra, told Al Jazeera. «It is

shameful what is happening to us.»Following the deadly clashes between the Lebanese army and fighters in the border town of Arsal last August, many have expressed concern that armed groups could infiltrate their towns from the mountainous region.«They want us to move because they›re afraid it›ll turn into another Arsal, but it›s impossible for fighters to come to this area because the Syrian army has placed mines along the border,» Ahmad said.The head of the municipality of Majdal Anjar, who has jurisdiction over Wadi Anjar, decided in conjunction with the army to withdraw permission for Syrian citizens stay in the area. «The security situation is very serious,» Sami Ajami told Al Jazeera. «Today we›re in a situation where we don›t know who some of the people staying in the camps are. Some are refugees, some are labourers, and others we don›t know.«People have offered to host them on their land, but I›ve said no,» Ajami added. «This area is now a danger zone; people are just coming

in and out of the settlements and we don›t know who they are.»In recent weeks, clashes have intensified between the Syrian army and fighters from al-Nusra Front and Ahrar al-Sham around Zabadani. According to local media reports, the fighters have threatened the main Beirut-Damascus highway in an effort to establish a connection with villages further in the Bekaa Valley, east of Zahle, where many of the refugees from Zabadani reside.The Lebanese army has been involved in several deadly clashes in recent months along the Lebanese border, as fighters in the Qalamoun mountain range have launched attacks on border positions.Hezbollah, fighting alongside the Syrian army, has also clashed with the fighters along the border.«What options are available to us?» asked Khodr, another refugee in Wadi Anjar who did not give his last name, as he packed up the last of his bags. «Look at the way they are treating us; do we become terrorists?»

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6MUSLIM BROTHERHOOD

THE MUSLIM BROTHERHOOD (THE MUSLIM BROTHERHOOD POLITICAL PLAN FOR SYRIA OF THE FUTURE)The Muslim Brotherhood has an ideology rooted in tradition but with a renewed methodology. Since its establishment in the middle of the 14th Hijri century, the Brotherhood has always represented a progressive movement. Many of the ummah›s scholars have considered its founder, the martyr Hasan al-Banna, as one of those who reintroduced Islam in the last century. This was due to his foresight and wisdom concerning its rulings, objectives and

means of accomplishment. Our plan for the future Syria begins from the concept of reform derived from the Book of Allah and the Sunnah of His Prophet (blessings and peace be upon him), and is guided by the general objectives of the Shariʽah. These texts will be reviewed with the purpose of reconciling the Islamic outlook and the present realities of Syria, taking into account the nature of its resources and capabilities and steadily

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progressing toward that goal. The Muslim Brotherhood today is going through a process of revitalisation – reviewing the past, assessing the present and envisioning the future. Its methodology is based upon the following principles: 1. The belief that Islam is a comprehensive religion including all aspects of life. Its laws encompass every dimension: spiritual, cultural, economic and political – taking into account the understanding of priorities in relation to its objectives, and weighing benefits against detriment within the context of its operations. And this is based on the concept of gradual progression in presenting the divine way of life and applying it to present situations. 2. Clear differentiation between the sacred texts of the Qur›an and Sunnah, which are permanent and unalterable, and the ijtihad of Islam’s early and later scholars, which is open to discussion and adjustment, and is not considered to be sacred. 3. The belief that justice is one of the objectives of the Islamic Shariʽah, and that shura (consultation) is the best way to sound decisions, and that political tyranny is a form of aggression against the dignity and rights of humanity. The Brotherhood believes that Islam, through its moral values and just legislation, is the basis for establishment of a sound government that could realise the best interests of the people in this world and the next. 4. The encouragement of moderation and balance and of discussion with wisdom and persuasiveness when inviting to the way of Allah. The Brotherhood views other Islamic movements and workers with respect and appreciation, consulting them about matters of religion and cooperating with them in all that is good and right. 5. Collaboration with other national movements and parties in promoting the best interests of the nation. Intellectual and political discussions promote interaction – essential within all sectors

of society – as a means of unification and not censure and division. All constructive efforts are encouraged, whether cultural, social or political. The Brotherhood appeals for agreement on the following: a) The adoption and practice of values of tolerance, coexistence and upholding human rights. b) The acknowledgement of racial, religious, sectarian, cultural, intellectual and political differences, and right of expression for each of them within a framework of constitutional limitations acceptable to Syrian society. c) An agreement that all citizens are equal before the law, endorsing women’s rights and affirming their equal status with men in a human and civil capacity. d) The rejection of violence as a means of inducing change, and the use of discussion to influence in areas of intellect, politics and culture. e) The rejection of dictatorship and one party autocracy, while affirming the right of the population to freely choose its political system. f) Referral to the ballot for political decisions and reliance on the instruments of democracy. g) Beginning from the principle of national unity, and placing national interests before individual and private advantages. h) Adherence to the Arab affiliation and the legislation of Islamic civilisation. i) Opposition to the Zionist project with its political, cultural and economic aspects. 6. The Brotherhood is eager to benefit from the experiences of others. All believers seek wisdom; it is not monopolised by any one nation or generation. 7. The best interests, security and stability of the nation can only be attained through the freedom of parties and groups to work openly and transparently. And that requires the establishment of general freedoms and the promotion of discussion within society rather than suppression. It requires coexistence rather

than elimination of opponents. The Brotherhood resorted to secrecy only due to the persecution it faced, and this reflected badly upon the entire country. Natural growth and constructive energies cannot emerge except in an atmosphere of freedom and justice. 8. The condemnation of terrorism, whether practiced by the state or individuals. A clear definition of ‘terrorism’ is required so that there remains no justification for attacking the weak and innocent. On the other hand, resisting occupation is a right sanctioned by Islam, as it was sanctioned by all divine legislation as well as international agreements. People have exercised this right to liberate their lands in every time and place. 9. From the time it was established in Syria in 1945, the Muslim Brotherhood represented a national element reflecting a broad popular current. It had interactions and dealings with all other political, social and cultural groups. The Brotherhood was part of the political and intellectual movement in the national arena. The earlier generation of leaders who founded the Brotherhood were predominantly intellectuals and university professors. Their message was one of openness and objectivity, and they participated in developing the political structure of Syria and in the political dialogue between socialism and Islam. They also contributed to the enrichment of religious dialogue between Muslims and Christians and endeavoured to bring the

various factions of Islam closer together. Names submitted by the Muslim Brotherhood for election in several provinces contained those of Christian citizens and of political and intellectual independents. Until the late seventies, and despite the secrecy imposed upon it after the 8th of March, 1963, the Muslim Brotherhood remained committed to the method of invitation and peaceful dialogue in accordance with the Qur›anic principle: «Invite to the way of your Lord with wisdom and good instruction.»16 But unfortunately, after the 8th of March, a brutally repressive regime was imposed upon our Syrian homeland which practiced every kind of despotism and deprivation against political parties in general, but singled out Islam and those committed to it for the most ruthless persecution. Under the banner of socialism, Islamic beliefs and legislation were targeted, and under the slogan of eliminating backwardness, religious Muslims were fought and deprived of many political, intellectual and social positions, and even their basic rights as citizens. One of the most obvious effects of this course of action was that in 1978 more than 700 teachers were dismissed from their jobs only because of adherence to their religion. These unjust internal policies coincided with attempts to appease and reach a truce with the Zionist enemy by signing an agreement to disengage military forces and recognise the enemy, in

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spite of continuing assassinations of Palestinian resistance leaders in Lebanon and the atrocities of Tell az-Za’tar and Karantina. All this led a small group of angry youths with no connection with the Brotherhood to declare themselves «the Fighting Brigade» and involve themselves in acts of violence against significant members of the regime. These operations were generally welcomed by the population in view of the repressive political and intellectual situation so long imposed on the Syrian people. Attacks by those groups were intensified in June, 1979 with a massacre targeting students of the Artillery School in Aleppo. Despite the fact that the Brotherhood immediately condemned this attack and denied in an official statement that it had any connection with the perpetrators, the regime persisted in blaming it for this attack as well as for previous acts of violence. Subsequently, the Minister of Interior issued a statement vowing to hunt down Brotherhood members both in Syria and abroad. From that time, the government pursued an extremely brutal policy against our group and its supporters, and we found ourselves caught up in a cycle of violence in which we had played no part, but which had been ignited by government policies. This eventually led to a widespread popular uprising in all sectors of society as revealed by the position of Trade Union members and the cases presented by attorneys who

defended the accused. The regime attempted to pacify the situation through meetings held by the former prime minister, Mahmud al-Ayyubi with representatives of national, political, popular and official movements, but to no avail. The policies of bloodshed pursued by the government caused a national crisis which left none unaffected. This was undoubtedly an exceptional phase within the history of the Brotherhood, however, and it has no effect on its original program or its brilliant history. In fact, throughout the crisis our group never failed to extend a helping hand to alleviate damage and restore national unity. This has been confirmed by the many offers for national development and initiatives proposed by notables both within and outside of Syria. The Brotherhood then took positive steps in affirming its original principles with a rejection of violence and support of new political horizons through positive and constructive dialogue. Those who reviewed its positions and policies during the time of crisis believe that reconsideration from one side is insufficient. All parties concerned must participate so that the desired reparation can be accomplished on a national level. This requires an end to policies of oppression, extermination and marginalisation, and participation in sessions for national reconciliation and for a new national era, leaving behind all the sufferings and errors of the past.

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HUMAN RIGHTS WATCH: ASSAD HAS DROPPED HUNDREDS OF BARREL BOMBS ON SYRIAN CIVILIANS SOURCE: IKHWAN SYRIA PRESS

In a report released on Feb 2015 ,23, Human Rights Watch said that Assad militias carried out hundreds of new indiscriminate attacks with air-delivered barrel bombs, killing and injuring thousands of Syrian civilians by this inhumane weapon.The barrel bombs are large containers filled with explosives and projectiles that can indiscriminately hurt civilians and are prohibited under international law.Human Rights Watch documented the attacks in Aleppo governorate in northern Syria and in Daraa governorate in the south based on witness statements, satellite imagery analysis, and video and photographic evidence. Although the United Nations Security Council condemned the attacks in a resolution adopted a year ago, it has not responded directly to the new wave of attacks.Human Rights Watch said it examined satellite imagery, Human Rights Watch identified at least 450 distinct major damage sites in 10 towns and villages held by rebel groups in Daraa and over 1,000 in Aleppo between February ,22 2014, and January 2015 ,25.HRW interviewed a humanitarian worker “Samih,” who witnessed four barrel bombs dropped in residential areas in Dael, located on the road between Dara’a and Damascus. Two barrel bombs struck schools, one hit the

road leading to Tafas, and the fourth hit a small school bus, killing and wounding about a dozen children, including Samih’s nephew and niece, who both lost their legs. Samih said the village was held by rebel fighters he described as from the Free Syrian Army, but he said no fighters were based in the village.Samih told Human Rights Watch he was at home during the attack but he saw the helicopter in the sky that dropped the barrels. He said he went to the nearby field hospital shortly after the attack to assist the injured. In all, 11 people were killed, including 7 children, and 28 people were wounded, he said:Most of the dead were children who were in the service [small school bus] hit by the barrel.… There were 16 in the service … Bisan Khalil al-Kankari, 10, was killed.… Three other kids from one family … [my niece] lost both her legs below the knee … [and my nephew] was injured in the face and lost both of his legs.In a report released on February 22, the Syrian Network for Human Rights reported that 6,163 civilians, including 1,892 children and 1,720 women, have been killed in Assad barrel bomb attacks since the passage of UN Security Council Resolution 2139.Human Rights Watch urged the Security Council to impose an arms embargo on Assad regime, and to act to stop ʽAssad indiscriminate bombardments including barrel bombs.

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1111HUMAN RIGHTS

ALEPPO BARREL BPMBS BEFORE SECURITY COUNCIL RESOLUTION AND AFTER

ASSAD REGIME BOMBARDMENT OFOPPOSITION-HELD DISTRICTS IN ALEPPO

12INTERNATIONAL NEWS

OBAMA REQUESTS POWERS TO USE GROUND FORCES AGAINST ISIS

SOURCE: MIDDLE EAST MONITOR 12 FEBRUARY 2015

US President Barack Obama asked Congress to give him new powers to use ground forces to carry out limited operations during emergency situations against the Islamic State (ISIS), a White House official said.The Anadolu Agency reported White House spokesman Josh Earnest as saying: «President Obama wants to maintain the ability to act in emergency situations, and in some cases, as a quick reaction to emergencies that may require military action, including combat troops on the ground.»Ernest explained that Obama rejects «any kind of large-scale and long-term commitment to operations similar to what we saw in Iraq and Afghanistan in the past.»He pointed to the possibility of using ground troops «to rescue US hostages».The White House spokesman stressed on the need not to impose «too many restrictions on the Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces who needs flexibility to be able to respond to emergency situations that arise in a messy military conflict like this», referring to the situation in Iraq and Syria.He noted that giving the President the authorisation will enable him to take quick military action without seeking further powers from Congress.

13SOCIAL MEDIA

twitter

ياسر سعد الدين

Imagine that one of Assad ‘s barrel falls on New York or Paris, what will happen?! Assad rains us with tens of barrels daily#AssadHolocaust11:28 AM - 13 Feb 2015

@yasser_saedخالد الدخيل

Syrian victims of Assad’s regime in 4 years is more than threefold those who’s fallen in Arab Israeli wars in 60 years #AssadHolocaust2:44 PM - 13 Feb 2015

@kdriyadh

محمد مختار الشنقيطي

A river of human blood in the streets of Douma, Syria yesterday..#AssadHolocaust

11:23 AM - 13 Feb 2015

@mshinqiti

Ikhwan Syria English

#Assad’s #BarrelBomb at #Douma. Assad criminal militia#Douma_Exterminated #Syria #دوما_تباد

3:41 AM - 10 Feb 2015

@IkhwanSyriaEn

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ياسر سعد الدين

The world cries when ISIS executes a western which is good,but the world doesn’t care on daily#AssadHolocaust!! Double standards!!

11:23 AM - 13 Feb 2015

@yasser_saedمحمد مختار الشنقيطي

In Syria, a whole nation is to be extermi-nated while the world is busy with few #ISIS thugs#AssadHolocaust

9:44 PM - 14 Feb 2015

@mshinqiti

Abu Adib

33 years ago today “the largest slaughter of the modern age” began in the city of Hama. #Hama82 #82مجزرة_حمــاة

2:24 PM - 2 Feb 2015

@sarabianyبرنامج عنزة ولو طارت

The biggest terrorist in the world.#AssadHolocaust

12:28 PM - 13 Feb 2015

@3anzehWalo6aret

twitter

SOCIAL MEDIA

Ikhwan Syria English

@BarackObama and #Assad take a selfie with barrel bombs #USProtectsAssadBarrels #Syria

11:57 AM - 28 Feb 2015

@IkhwanSyriaEn

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د ـ أحمد موفق زيدان

Syrian revolution faces double vetoes Rus-sian one to protect Assad & American to de-prive arming rebels #USProtectsAssadBarrels

12:41 PM - 27 Feb 2015

@AhmadmuaffaqWAFA ZAIDAN

US supports Iran not Assad.US doesn’t sup-port Houthis but supports Iran! Like support-ing the devil but not the satan#USProtectsAssadBarrels

11:26 AM - 27 Feb 2015

@Wafa_Zaidan

twitter

15SOCIAL MEDIA

MOLHAM ALDROBI

Fighting terrorism is important for a safer world, but the compass should be directed rightly to the roots, look for Bashar Assad, the root of all roots.

February 8 at 1:32pm

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EDITORIAL BOARDOmar Mushaweh Mohammad AbdullatifAnas AlwanMalik AlsibaiAhmad Alhaj Mustafa Ghiath AlsoryMUSLIM

BROTHERHOODSyria

Issued by Media Off iceof the Syrian Muslim Brotherhood

Ikhwansyria.com IkhwansyriaEn IkhwansyriaEnInfo@ikhwansyria.com