Syrian soldiers have my respect

Egyptian superstar Elham Shahin Damascus - George Al Shami Egyptian superstar Elham Shahin has launched a staunch defence of the Syrian army, describing Bashar al-Assad's men as "soldiers of God on earth." In an interview with Sham FM, Shahine said she has total respect for way the Syrian armed forces are defending their country. "I pray that God protects them. They are soldiers of God, on earth," she claimed, adding that those killed in battle with rebel forces would be "martyrs." Shahin criticised individuals leaving their countries to fight alongside the rebels against Assad's soldiers, saying they seek to destroy the country. "They are not defending their religion, and God will punish them," the actress argued. The award-winning performer asserted that the majority of the Syrians she knows have complete faith in the army.