New Column: Zarqawi's Heartbreak
Read my latest column,Zarqawi's Heartbreak, over here. I make the arguement that a place with a deep reservoir of memory such as old Damascus enjoys societal immunity to the cult of jihadism. I am still doing a tour of Syria: Hama, Salamiyah, Aleppo, Latikiyah, Banyas, Masyaf, and back to Damascus. And this is breaking news: the Tishreen soccer team of Latikiyah (associated with the city's Alawis) has beat Hittin, the Sunni team. So, Alawite youths, some in late-model Nissan SUVs, others in beat-up pick-up trucks, are roaming the city shouting, honking and waving their team's colors--red and yellow. In fact, at least one individual is carrying a large Spanish flag, that is, as you know, red and yellow. Although the spectacle is slightly distracting due to the Spanish royal crest. Fist fights and minor acts of hooliganism are being gossiped about.