[Previous entry: "Educated Fools"] [Next entry: "Chavez: Venezuela Moves Reserves to Europe"]

10/01/2005:

"Guardian Oct. 1, 1918:Lawrence leads Arabs into Damascus"

Arab horsemen from distant Hejaz today galloped in triumph through the streets of Damascus. As the sun was rising over the mosques and spires, Major TE Lawrence, the young British officer whose tactical guidance has ensured the success of the Arab revolt, drove through the lines in an armoured car. One Arab rider waved his head-dress and shouted, "Damascus salutes you".

Led by Emir Feisal, son of Sherif Hussein, now to be King of Syria, and his British friend Lawrence, who had fought the Turks all the way from Arabia, the Arabs were first into the capital.

...There is a serious danger that law and order may break down in a place packed an excitable mixture of desert and city Arabs. Notables who until the last minute worked with the Turks now proclaim their loyalty to the Allies. Already there are reports that some have been shot. General Allenby's first task will be to install a military government to keep order and restore the city's public services.

Conforming to arrangements agreed with Britain, the French will take control of Syria. General Allenby's army is preparing to move east to link up with French forces whose task is now to take the port of Beirut in Lebanon.
guardian.co.uk

Hmm...could history provide a clue about Islamic rage? Your war of liberation from the Turks delivers your people into European hands.