Syria’s ‘virtual’ massacres and sectarian storylines

"Every few days, we find on YouTube and Facebook photos and videos of utter brutality in which the thugs and officers of the Syrian regime inflict the worst types of torture upon the bodies and souls of their victims. With every photo and video, a few questions arise: Who leaks these? Is it the Syrian regime that is doing this? If so, why?

Time has shown us that leaking this material is a systematic practice on the part of the Syrian regime. First, the regime wants to prove that it will keep ignoring popular demands and will go ahead with its security choices regardless of any ethical or humanitarian consideration. Second, leaked photos and videos confirm fears of sectarian strife if the regime is toppled, justifying its actions no matter how brutal they are."