Syrian people need blankets not missiles

He who is not merciful toward others will not receive mercy. The situation in Syria is horrible. Winter storms came on time but this is the winter we feared: Unbridled aggression against the Syrian people. Not one of the 25 million Syrian citizens has escaped the crimes of the regime, which is preventing food, fuel and medicine supplies from reaching those who need them most. There are five million people who suffer more than the rest because of the cold weather, hunger and lack of housing. Some even live in caves because they haven’t received blankets from aid organizations. Many are without bread or heating. We appeal to all Arab governments and regional and international organizations not to allow the Syrian people perish from slaughter or hunger. The least that can be done is to provide the minimum for staying alive: Housing, tents, food, clothes and blankets. We lowered our expectations. We just want bread and wood to save millions from deadly cold and hunger. In the beginning, we called for international interference to stop Assad’s troops and security agencies and the genocide they are perpetrating. Then we asked for Stinger missiles only to fight Assad’s air force, which has been bombarding towns and cities for the last 16 months and burying people alive. With all these severe circumstances, Assad and his ally, the Iranian, as well as his temporary harsh winter don’t think that Syrians are ready to raise the white flag and accept a return to the iron grip of the regime. Most Syrians, including millions who face death because of homelessness and hunger, will not trade their blankets and bread for living under the Assad regime again. This is an obvious and definite truth. Returning to the old days is not a choice, despite the price they have already paid. Those who believe they can realize their political plans by exploiting the Syrian tragedy are mistaken. Meetings in Geneva and official visits to Moscow will change nothing for the Syrians as they have decided to fight until the regime falls. Looking for a peaceful solution, which allows Assad to rule or simply to serve as a symbol of the state, is of no more use. Transferring part of the authority, and looking for an honorable way out for Assad and the pillars of his government are no longer options. This feeling is in the heart of those in refugee camps in Jordan and Turkey, those in their besieged districts in Daria, Hama, Homs, Daraa and other ruined parts of Syria. The only option for Assad is to leave. The best solution for this calamity is to support the Syrian people through the difficulty of this harsh winter. Then they will be able to overthrow the Assad regime. The views expressed by the author do not necessarily represent or reflect the editorial policy of Arabstoday.