From before the foundations of the world...

[Paul Younan]

I certainly have neither the proof nor expertise to back my statement. Thus, it's merely an assertion.

So then how exactly does that make your assertion any different from, say, what you were accusing Akhan Andrew of in this thread?

http://www.peshitta.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=17&t=2107

Here are some quotes from you:

What qualifies the author to confirm his hypothesis?

How much expertise does he have pertaining to the subject?

Most of your recent post employs the ad hominem fallacy

I deserve solid evidence before accepting your conclusion.

As for the second and third assumptions, they're possible, but unlikely, given the lack of unbiased, publicly verifiable evidence; thus, they are at best assertions.

Thus based on these shaky unstated ideas, I reject your argument.

Finally, you use a lot of "probable", "possible" and "likely" in your writings. I don't deal with probabilities or likelihoods. I use evidence and the scientific method.

If you've followed my style of communication over the past decade or so, you'll notice that I rarely let anyone get away with assertions that lack evidence or merit. If you insist on engaging intellectual giants like Andrew in a meaningful conversation, why not follow your own criteria above? It would at least give the appearance that you are trying.