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Inquiry & Analysis No. 879
Syrian Opposition Targets Iranians In Syria, Threatens To Harm Iranian Regime
By: L. Barkan*
Having long accused Iran of extending assistance, including military assistance, to the Assad regime, the Syrian rebels have begun to act against Iranians in Syria and to regard them and the Iranian regime as legitimate targets. The largest incident occurred on August 4, 2012, when militants from the Free Syrian Army (FSA), the largest organ of the armed Syrian opposition, kidnapped 48 Iranians outside Damascus. The FSA also claims to have assassinated an Iranian diplomat, though the Iranians deny this. In addition, the armed and political Syrian opposition has threatened to harm Iranians staying in Syria and to target the Iranian regime itself. So far, incidents and statements of this sort have been few, but they may represent the beginning of a growing trend.
Inquiry & Analysis No. 878
Contradicting Statements On The Mission Of Slain Prominent Australian Sheikh Mustapha Al-Majzoub In Syria
By: Mansour Al-Hadj*
The following report is a complimentary offering from MEMRI's Jihad and Terrorism Threat Monitor (JTTM).
As the death of prominent Saudi-born Australian Sheikh Mustapha Al-Majzoub is being confirmed by his family, there have been conflicting statements about the nature of his mission in Syria. While his family and friends insist, at least to the media, that he was killed while carrying out humanitarian and charity work, statements made by him and his father, and reports from media outlets affiliated with the Free Syrian Army (FSA), tell a completely different story about his mission in Syria.
In a statement posted on muslimvillage.com, Al-Majzoub's family wrote: "Sheikh Mustapha was killed by a rocket attack on Sunday August 20, while carrying out humanitarian and charity work to help the people of Syria." On August 22, 2012, Al-Majzoub's father told Australian news channel ABC that his son "was doing his duty when he died." In the report, the father said through a translator that his son was killed while trying to help injured people when the location was hit by a series of bombs. He added, "I am proud of what my son did and I am proud of all the Syrian people who are against the regime and asking for their freedom. This is a duty, not a volunteer work."
The father provided more details about his son's death in another program aired on ABC. According to the report, Keysar Trad of the Islamic Friendship Association, who spoke to Sheikh Mustapha's family, said that Sheikh Mustapha's father told him that his son died after a rocket, fired from a jet, hit him while he was in a small town on the outskirts of Latakia. Mr. Trad rejected the possibility that Sheikh Mustapha might have been taking part in the fight, telling ABC that "no, he is not a military person. We're not aware of any military training or role that he could or may have. All we know of him is he was a man of God."
MEMRI TV Clip No. 3546
Lebanese Journalist Ibrahim Al-Amin: Lebanese Opponents Of Hizbullah Are Israeli Collaborators Unless Proven Otherwise
Following are excerpts from an interview with Lebanese journalist Ibrahim Al-Amin, editor-in-chief of the Al-Akhbar newspaper, which aired on Al-Manar TV on August 17, 2012.
Ibrahim Al-Amin: "No Lebanese patriot, who wants what is best for his country, can be against the weapons of Hizbullah and the option of resistance."
MEMRI TV Clip No. 3545
Lebanese MP Nadim Gemayel: Hassan Nasrallah Is Lying; Hizbullah Is Involved In Miqdad Clan Lawlessness
Following are excerpts from a TV program featuring Lebanese MP Nadim Gemayel, which aired on Murr TV on August 18, 2012.
Nadim Gemayel: "People from the Miqdad clan appeared on TV, and held conferences, in which they threatened everyone. They should have been arrested. We don't need legal proceedings. We need government decisions..."
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