The story of the relationship between the Syrian revolution and the "international community" is a long, complex, painful one. The Rome summit of the Friends of Syria failed to address the challenges the Syrian society faces two years into their uprising. The meeting ended with John Kerry´s announcement that the United States would provide $60 million in non-lethal assistance to the Syrian Opposition Coalition.

Kerry´s statement adds to the frustration and disappointment Syrians feel towards the passivity of the world, which has been watching them being slaughtered since March 2011. His words ignited activists´ skepticism and, as usual, humor was used to respond to the absurdity of international reaction, reflecting how Syrians see the world and its double standards regarding their struggle.

The "My country hurts" facebook site came up with a picture of Coalition president Mouaz al-Khatib and John Kerry holding hands and having a conversation: "We will provide the Free Syrian Army with a kilogram or two of Nido powder milk as part of the non-lethal weaponry package", Kerry assures on the photo. Nido is actually a brand that resonates in every Syrian´s memory as part of their childhood.

Demonstrators in Daraa, which has become a symbol of the Syrian revolution, held banners with the following messages: "The purpose of the Friends of Syria meetings is to decide where they will celebrate the next meeting". The popular "Chinese Revolution" facebook page also pointed at the absurdity of Kerry´s statements by portraying him talking to the Syrian people and asking: "What else do you want? Bring it on and we will provide!", to which the people respond "Well, what about rice and milk desert? "

Discontent with the Rome summit was manifested in several initiatives, including groups of young protesters mocking it through banners that quoted renowned Syrian poet Mohammad Al-Maghout: “Regarding international reaction: America prepares every meal in the region. Russia kindles the fire, Europe cools it down, Israel eats it, and Arabs wash the dishes. It was one manifestation of the popular outcry against the so-called “Friends of Syria”, which was fiercely expressed through social media pages such as the Local Coordination Committees ones.

The "Wash Tank Service" facebook page was probably the most active, engaging in constant jokes about the emptiness of the US and Europe´s committment to protect civilians. Pictures were shared showing toy guns described as international aid. “Don´t worry, the aid has arrived!”, one of the messages read. “Finally! Thank God, people!”. “Tarteras” - 3-wheeled traditional Syrian cars – were also portrayed mockingly as part of the nonlethal assistance.

“Since we are getting cars, we want Scoda cars”, was one of the messages shared on the “Chinese revolution” page, in reference to the Scud missiles thrown by Assd forces against civilians.

The “Jokes of the Syrian revolution” page published a picture of a camel carrying one of the carts donated by the international community. “That´s it, the battle has shifted. What are you laughing at? It´s a camel, but it carries an international donation”, one of the comments mocked. “That´s for trusting that the Arab and international governments will solve your problems. Your brother: Abu Amr.”

Like every week since the beginning of the uprising, the town of Kafranbel used their characteristic sharp humor to reflect their view of the Friends of Rome, depicting them as characters from the Jim Carrey-starred movie “The Mask”.

Criticism of the content of the summit also addressed the Syrian opposition. On a video shared by activists from the Asali neighborhood, protesters demanded that the Coalition severe all ties with those who call themselves “Friends of Syria”. “Enough with the lies”, their banners read.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qEvZDldNiMQ

The creativity displayed by activists was shared by mainstream media like Al Jazeera, which contributed to amplifying the voices reflecting the discontent on the ground towards the international community on the one hand, an the Syrian political opposition on the other hand.

“Suffering gives birth to creativity”, could be the motto for the endless manifestations of humor, art and wit displayed by Syrians as a daily act of resistance, both against the Assad regime and against international passivity.