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Al-Ahram Weekly On-line 12 - 18 October 2000 Issue No. 503 
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Published in Cairo by AL-AHRAM established in 1875 |
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Al-Ahram Weekly On-line 12 - 18 October 2000 Issue No. 503
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| Published in Cairo by AL-AHRAM established in 1875 |
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Egypt Elections Palestine International Economy Opinion Culture Books Interview Travel Living Sports Profile People Time Out Chronicles Cartoons Letters Patience at an end
Public demonstrations ripped through nearly all Syrian cities over the past week in support of the new Palestinian uprising, reports Mahmoud Abdel-Wahab from Damascus. Even the most optimistic observers would not have expected Syrian authorities to allow the widespread demonstrations in support of the Palestinians the country has witnessed this week. On Friday, nearly 10,000 Palestinian demonstrators who came out of El-Yarmouk refugee camp clashed with police, throwing stones and burning a number of vehicles. Police responded by firing tear gas and beating some demonstrators with clubs. After several days of peaceful demonstrations, tension rose following the Friday prayers when one of the demonstrators climbed the wall of the American Embassy and removed the US flag. This was reminiscent of similar events that took place two years ago during protests opposing the US military strikes against Iraq. At that time, protesters stormed the US Embassy, triggering an angry reaction from Washington and an apology from Damascus.Authorities on Saturday banned a scheduled demonstration by the Palestinian Union of Students. However, rallies held by trade unions and high-school students continued. On Monday, authorities said massive demonstrations would no longer be allowed because several top diplomatic figures were visiting Syria to mediate on reducing tension along Israel-Lebanon border and roads cannot be blocked for protests during this period.
Yet, Syrians who took part in the protests said they still found the reaction of the usually heavy-handed Syrian authorities largely tolerant. As Syrian Foreign Minister Farouk Al-Sharaa put it, "The serious escalation, threats and killings carried out by the Israeli authorities against citizens in Palestine and the tension along the border with Lebanon have led to the explosion of people's anger all over the Arab world. People have lost their patience."
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