The Mediators' series

It looks like the world is not in a hurry to stop the bloodshed in Syria. After a year and a half of massacres where more than 35 thousand were killed, and after three failed missions (of Al-Arabi, Al-Dabbi and Anan), the UN and the Arab League are sending a new envoy, Al-Akhdar, to start a new mission. It means giving the Syrian regime more time to kill.

Note: Al-Akhdar means green in Arabic language.

The Mediators’ series

From Al-Arabi to Al-Akhdar

By Tarif Youssef Agha

A revolution began in Syria

Seeking freedom and dignity

The regime therefore swore it wouldn’t rest

Until it burns both, the country and the people

***

Al-Arabi (the Arab League secretary) came to mediate

He said he had messages to the regime

And he later said he was optimistic

But when he was lied to, he condemned and criticized

***

Then Al-Dabbi (an Arab League envoy) came after him

He said that the massacres were widespread

And that he did not see any sharpshooters or tanks

So he wrote a forged report

***

Then Anan (the former UN secretary) was sent

He said he was happy with the way his efforts were going

And that he would find a solution

But instead, he found an excuse to resign

***

And here came Al-Akhdar (a UN and Arab League envoy)

He said that even his mission is almost impossible

And that his choices are very limited

But his reputation stops him from running away

***

What are you really planning to do in Syria?

What are planning to do, Oh Al-Akhdar?

Assad’ regime will stain your reputation with red

Don’t you already know that you were sent there...

So you, like the others, look like a fool?

And to be used to shine the image of your senders

Then you will be paid to quit

***

The Syrian people understood your game

That is why they do not take you seriously anymore

And when you fall into the hands of the people

They will teach you all a lesson

All of you, foreigners and Arabs

***

Poem translation

Tarif Youssef-Agha

An Expatriate Arab Syrian Writer & Poet

Member of the ‘Syrian Revolutionary Writers Assembly’

Houston, Texas

Friday September 28, 2012