After the overthrow of Saddam Hussein in 2003, the rise of sectarian tensions in the Middle East translated in Syria into rumours of a 'Shiitisation' (tashayyu') of the country.

a white shaglike rug

Two more torpedoes were fired; one ran erratic; the second hit amidships.

…and quickly, in an arc unexpectedly graceful, they had all turned outward, tached up, engaged, and like a time machine departing for the future, forever too soon for Zoyd, boomed away up the thin, cloudpressed lane.