Western support for Syrian rebels fueled growth of Islamic State, Syrian priest charges
October 13, 2014
A Syrian priest has charged that the power of the Islamic State grew out of support given by the US, Israel, and other countries to rebels in Syria.
Father Mtanious Hadad, a Melkite Catholic priest serving in Rome, told the ANSA news agency that continued support for Syrian rebels will neutralize any Western efforts to defeat the Islamic State.
“There are no good or democratic rebels,” said Father Hadad. “All of them hold arms and use them against the separation of church and state.” He said that Western support for the rebels has strengthened the jihadists, at the expense of Christians who are being driven out of the region.
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Posted by: Randal Mandock -
Oct. 13, 2014 3:53 PM ET USA
"There are no good or democratic rebels." A voice of reason and true witness crying out in the darkness. If we want to "win" the latest war in Iraq and now Syria, there is no question that armor and infantry are called for. But why should we send our troops back into the meat grinder? For oil? For "moderate" Islam? For American "jobs?" The "Arab Spring?" Certainly not for those medieval-minded Christians who are so devisive, harsh, and judgmental in matters of morality and personal discipline.
