The
United States was the sole western nation largely anticipated to exemplify a
just and novel approach towards colonialism and the suppression of peoples.
Following the war, these methods were repurposed and employed under different
guises and titles. Consequently, when the oppressed populations realized that
European nations were consistently misleading them, they turned to the United
States.
American
actions such as openly advocating for the rights of weaker nations, terminating
all international agreements containing concealed terms or confidential
clauses, and straightforward diplomacy led people to view the United States as
an equitable country with no aims other than worldwide justice aligned with
fundamental human and national rights. However, after the U.S. endorsed
France's mandate over Syria (despite its awareness of the injustices and severe
tyranny France was imposing there), more truths were unveiled to people in the
East, particularly Syrians. They became aware of previously unknown issues which
either altered or will alter their perceptions of the United States' ethical
standards and benevolent intentions. Moreover, these revelations also cast
doubt on the integrity of other Western countries.
In
truth, the world had hoped that America would serve as a conduit for political
and ethical dialogue and comprehension between East and West. Alas, these
expectations were gravely let down by the Americans. Once considered a friend
by the East, they now view the United States as no different from other western
nations who delight in dominating and enslaving other peoples and lands. Thus,
if Eastern peoples were to distance themselves from America due to recent
revelations, it would be the fault of the United States alone. The East sought
closer ties with America and desired to maintain favorable relations; however,
America severed those bonds of friendship and chose to lose Eastern peoples'
respect and goodwill.
The
United States was the first country to betray President Woodrow Wilson's
principles while its press hypocritically condemned Germany when its ambassador
refused to fly their flag at half-mast following President Wilson's death. The
German ambassador's refusal stemmed from the President's involvement in
European affairs that brought substantial suffering to Germany. More
importantly, it was the American people who should have been reprimanded for
forsaking Wilson and disregarding his principles.
The
United States dispatched an investigative commission to Syria to ascertain
Syrians' opinions and wishes regarding self-determination. The Americans
learned from this commission that any form of protection, guardianship, or
supervision starkly contradicted the authentic aspirations and national
sentiments of the Syrian people. It was unimaginable that the United States
would officially recognize France's mandate over Syria after boasting about its
ethical uprightness and support for humankind. Nevertheless, Syrians should
express gratitude to both divine providence and their circumstances for
withstanding such a painful experience. Eastern nations should glean valuable
lessons from this ordeal.
The
enticing allure of the US dollar seems to have obscured the sight of Americans,
morphing them into ruthless supporters of aggression against other nations' freedom,
regardless of the ramifications of such appalling actions. Consequently, they
have upset peace-loving countries that once held them in high esteem –
countries that believed in an aspect of American loyalty that had become
woefully lacking in the West. The Americans have wounded these nations' pride
and punished them simply for their admiration of the United States. Some of
these countries have lost countless young lives in horrific battles that lacked
any concern for honor. Ultimately, this shameful deed will catch up with
Americans.
I am
uncertain about the justifications Americans offer for their disgraceful choice
to support France's mandate over Syria, though I do know that nothing could
sufficiently excuse this decision in the eyes of others. It is unforgivable
even under unique circumstances, so how can it be acceptable under regular
conditions that transform simple ratification into direct complicity against
Syria's liberty and rights?
From
initial evidence, it seems the United States had utilized ratification as a
means to expand its extraterritorial rights or exclusive benefits provided
through the Capitulations to its citizens. This constitutes a blatant act of
aggression against Syria's freedom since the United States effectively adopted
privileges resulting from said aggression.
Now,
let's examine these advantages and how they serve the interests of both America
and its citizens, convincing the US to willingly categorize itself alongside
hostile countries and accept responsibility for aggression's destructive
consequences before witnesses worldwide and throughout history. Germany, a
nation surpassing America in numerous ways, previously followed this path,
leading to disaster when it provoked global fury after attacking Belgium until
it exhausted military alternatives.
It is
well known amongst both Americans and Syrians that there are so few US citizens
residing in Syria that they hardly warrant acknowledgment. Additionally, they
recognize that prior to the US ratification of France's mandate in Syria, these
Americans enjoyed numerous privileges primarily due to the positive perception
that Syrians had of the American people. This admiration stemmed from the
thought that Americans belonged to a nation devoid of unchecked or imperial
intentions, seeking justice between people and nations, not engaging in
aggression, remaining impartial while avoiding favoritism, and refraining from
supporting oppressors. In fact, Syrians granted these American residents
greater respect than any other foreign nationals throughout the country,
irrespective of whether they obtained benefits through imperial advantages.
Many
Syrians once admired and envied the Americans for the respect they garnered
wherever they went. Even the French, who had special privileges under colonial
rule, felt jealousy and sorrow, as they didn't feel as comfortable or welcomed
as the Americans and were often ignored by the locals. What was it that the
Americans lacked during that time, and what extra advantages could their
government have acquired from France in return for approving its mandate over
Syria?
It
appears to me that the only thing missing for Americans in Syria was a reason
to drive Syrians away from them and provoke their hatred towards the United
States. While many attempts to distance the Syrians from the Americans were
unsuccessful, America succeeded remarkably where others failed. They requested
to be detested, and quite frankly, they obtained exactly what they desired. All
we can do now is join in with our popular mir'at al-Gharb saying, "Long
live the American Dollar!"
The
Americans wanted equality with the French in Syria. Let them have their
request; Syrians have nothing to lose while Americans risk losing their revered
position and the trust of the Syrian people. If, in future days, Americans find
themselves shunned by Syrian patriots for disrespecting Syria's dignity, they
will likely blame Syrians for all issues both large and small, accusing them of
being barbaric and savage despite Syrian innocence. What would stop them? Their
dormant consciences? Their hardened hearts? Their tainted emotions? Their
unyielding minds? Their empty humanity? A scarcity of statesmen? No. Nothing
can prevent them.
In
upcoming years, it will be recorded in history that the United States has fallen
from universal morality and humanism, similarly to great France before it. The
United States should know that no matter how prosperous or powerful its dollar
becomes, it cannot obscure historical vision.
The
United States previously attempted to infringe upon Syrian dignity and hurt its
national sentiment when U.S Congress embraced the Balfour Declaration,
designating Palestine as a Jewish national homeland. Syrians patiently endured
that blow. Then came the American endorsement of French colonization in Syria,
which Syrians never believed the United States would do. It seems that America
has a hidden motive beyond its pursuit of extra privilege—it wants to
demonstrate to the world its deficiency of honorable individuals, as nobody in
the country stood up to condemn their government's aggression toward a small,
peaceful nation that had saved countless lives defending the United States and
its flag. From this viewpoint, America has successfully accomplished its goal.
The
United States' support for France's colonial control in Syria is an appalling
injustice and one of the most heinous acts of aggression ever witnessed. It
shouldn't be shocking if it contributes to the decline of the United States.
However, what is strange is that the United States keeps boasting about its
democratic principles and sense of fairness and decency, despite its deplorable
conduct. They assume that the world will be swayed by such hollow rhetoric and
unbelievable assertions. This is a grave miscalculation and significant lack of
foresight on behalf of the United States. In fact, the world no longer views
American financial aid to other countries as humanitarian efforts because the
U.S. has become an accomplice in undermining these nations' liberty and
inherent rights.
The
United States must realize that money cannot undo the harm it has inflicted by
supporting colonial rule in Syria without proper justification after
extensively studying the situation for months or even years. The Americans
should have dismissed this issue, as it held no real significance for them, and
maintained their esteemed position in the hearts of not only the Syrian people
but also Eastern communities and nations at large. Their once-respected
standing in the global community has been jeopardized. Now, what are the
chances we can find someone who will persuade the U.S. to heed the call for
justice and reassess their decision?
The
instant the United States granted approval for France's colonization of Syria,
knowing well beforehand the suffering it would bring upon Syria, historical
judgment was cast, causing America's moral standing to plummet shamefully. The
U.S. will remain trapped in this state until they choose to alter their ways.
Regardless, their endorsement of French colonization will persist as a dark stain
on American history until time ceases to exist.