Syrian spokesman opens up on Twitter

Dec 27

Web Only

Syrian spokesman opens up on Twitter

Did activists influence a top Syrian official to defect?

Screen shot of Jihad Makdissi's Twitter account.

Private online conversations have emerged between two prominent Syrian activists and former Syrian spokesman Jihad Makdissi, who has reportedly defected to the US.

On Monday Rami Jarrah tweeted screen shots of several Twitter messages urging Makdissi to “make history in joining the [Syrian] people and calling for their demands”.

View the story "Syrian spokesman opens up on Twitter" on StorifySyrian spokesman opens up on TwitterDid activists influence a top Syrian official to defect?Storified by The Stream· Wed, Dec 26 2012 17:15:13

In the first released conversation on July 7, Makdissi allegedly writes Syria "is not ok" and there needs to be "faith in [a] new Syria":

YfrogYfrogYfrogYfrogIn a July 20 conversation, Jarrah says Assad's government has "underestimated [its] own people" and urges Makdissi to "get on the right side of history":YfrogYfrogYfrogIn an alleged July 21 conversation, Makdissi expresses his dissatisfaction with the main representatives of the opposition, describing their behaviour as "childish". He claims this is what prevents him and other government officials from joining the movement. The conversation ends with Makdissi telling Jarrah, "I will take all that you have said into consideration".YfrogYfrogYfrogYfrogYfrogYfrogOn Wednesday activist Edward Dark also publicised alleged private conversations where Makdissi laments foreign influence and a lack of willingness for dialogue.well now that it's open season on @Makdissi 's defection I'm gonna release some of my private messages with him: (cont) http://tl.gd/kgcehnedward darkSome netizens were sceptical of Jarrah's story and the influence he may have had on Makdissi's defection:Literally the funniest Makdissi disappearance story I've heard: @Alexanderpagesy is suggesting that he influenced Makdissi to defectSyrian Army ok this #makdissi storys just gettin stupider everyday, w no solid confirmation of his well-being & dont get me started on alexander's storyTHE syrian girl@AlexanderPageSY Why would Makdissi take such a risk with his and his family's lives?Scully@blakehounshell @alexanderpagesy and why are they all in English?Time@Arabzy was critical of Jarrah and Dark going public: | SYRIANS, TAKE SCREENSHOTS OF YOUR LATEST DMS WITH MAKDISSI AND CONTACT NEAREST NEWS AGENCY. GO.نورHowever, some believed the private conversations to be influential and significant:I think @AlexanderPageSY just had the first twitter defection negotiation in history. Check out his screenshots of his DMs with @makdissiThe 47th@AlexanderPageSY illuminating series of tweets. Thank you for sharing those with us, your commitment to a free and peaceful Syria all therekristinWow @makdissi & @edwardedark had quite the conversation. For once I have more answers than question, but still plenty: http://www.twitlonger.com/show/kgcehnRamiAssad should have talked to people with this approach instead of showing the "tough guy" image.. @edwardedark @MakdissisnoopThe Stream has reached out to Jarrah for comment.