Syrian diary. Chapter 8: people flee to Europe because ...

(by Andrea Cucco, Giampiero Venturi)
02/24/16

http://www.difesaonline.it/geopolitica/reportage/diario-siriano-cap8-la-gente-fugge-europa-perch%C3%A9

S. is an entrepreneur. Judging by the car park under the seat of his Damascus society, even successful. He has friendly and elegant manners.

When we enterd into his office hre welcomed us with an Italian espresso. After weeks of concoctions it is the most familiar way to start an calm interview, nothing more than a meeting between people who want to tell and who to listen.

Society of St. handles import-export and treats various kinds of products: from clothing to spare parts, from food to industrial components. Up until five years ago he was with European, Turkish, Chinese ... Today only the Chinese because since the war's turnover was almost halved.

The market most affected by the conflict was that of Europe from which came technology and healthcare equipment. The country that has lost the most was Italy from which came not only furniture and food but also plants. With the suspension of diplomatic and trade relations, for example, it has failed the delivery from Italy of an industrial bakery.

Meanwhile it's raining outside. The normal crowds of Damascus also depend on the weather conditions. Even in this bad weather ... A wet setting makes the road beyond the parking lot even sadder. S. answers all questions with warmth. He wanted to talk. He talks about Syria and compares it to other countries.

The Russia?

It is now the protagonist on the military level but not on the commercial one, never has been, spare parts, moreover, are not there ...

The China?

A forced choice on the war economy. But with a positive aspect: "they always say yes to any request."

You have exchanges with the US?

But there are at minimum. Unlike others, Americans are pragmatic: it is enough that on load there is no written "Syria".

He expected the Italian escape from a market in which he starred?

Yes, I was not surprised. It was enough to watch television to understand that they have done the suitcases.

On the eastern side all connections with Iraq have been discontinued?

Good part of the leadership of Daesh - supported by the US and Saudi Arabia - is made up of former Iraqi commanders. I know them ... For pass for a truck to Iraq, it is not impossible: it costs me $ 350!

There are signs of recovery?

Just look at the roads. In 2012 at 17 (5pm), there was no longer visible a soul. Today the same time there is life.

S. lights a cigarette. The slow movements and breaks in the cloud of smoke, make it even more Arabic.

Before the war the Syrian living standard was high and many emigrants returned happily at home. Syria lived in full employment.

After a moment he looks at me in the eye and says ...

I want to ask you a question! What do you think has driven millions of Syrians to flee?

War?!

They are millions of people that have to support a family and have lost their jobs! Syria was a prosperous country. The economy has been massacred. The "refugees" are simply seeking employment.

You pity hem when you see them, you make them come come to you in droves.

Based on what was experimented here I want to warn you though ... Be careful! Syria has called an "Alawite regime", however, the Alawites are a social class that has not taken advantage of the power and has remained basically poor. The 2/3 of Syrians are Sunni. This is a majority that was in fact the wealthy part of the country. If an imam - or the Pope - said to us you Shia or Christians "go and blow-up yourself to make
massacre!", having a free will, no one would listen to him.
If a Sunni imam orders his faithful that, in 80% of cases, they will obey!

80% ... it is not excessive?

No, in most cases it will. They are not capable of discriminating freely.

You're accepting potential mass murderers and, in the wake of compassion, you will not understand this until it's too late.

Outside the rain stops. Car passes, then a van. Then other cars yet. Yes, despite the weather, there is still life in Damascus.

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IZAKOVIC