Moment of truth for the Syrian regime
Editorial Board
6/17/2013 7:44:28 AM
Moment of truth for the Syrian regime
Al Assad must think of making concessions before the conflict reaches a point of no return
A negotiated settlement in Syria is looking increasingly less likely. Instead of discussing the outcome of the so-called Geneva II talks, which should have taken place in the last two days, the focus is now on sending arms to Syria, with the Obama administration’s announcement in this regard.
This is a dangerous escalation of events and veers off completely from the diplomatic route that’s needed for Syria.
The fighting has somehow managed to become even more sectarian in nature thanks to foreign interference, most recently Hezbollah sending its fighters to Qusayr, which complicates further any chance of an immediate, peaceful resolution.
US President Barack Obama’s decision to begin providing the rebels with a range of weapons, including small arms, ammunition, assault rifles and a variety of anti-tank weaponry, is a direct response to recent gains by the Syrian regime.
But the US cannot afford to underplay the complicated nature of the Syrian conflict.
Moreover, this is the moment of truth for the Syrian regime. It must shoulder its responsibility and contemplate realistically about its future. The regime has got to start thinking of making concessions in order to reach a peaceful resolution; it cannot be entertain the illusion that the smallest gains in Qusayr mean it has won the war.
Syria’s social fabric must be protected and there is an immediate need to address the country’s dire humanitarian situation.
Al Assad must think of making concessions before the conflict reaches a point of no return
A negotiated settlement in Syria is looking increasingly less likely. Instead of discussing the outcome of the so-called Geneva II talks, which should have taken place in the last two days, the focus is now on sending arms to Syria, with the Obama administration’s announcement in this regard.
This is a dangerous escalation of events and veers off completely from the diplomatic route that’s needed for Syria.
The fighting has somehow managed to become even more sectarian in nature thanks to foreign interference, most recently Hezbollah sending its fighters to Qusayr, which complicates further any chance of an immediate, peaceful resolution.
US President Barack Obama’s decision to begin providing the rebels with a range of weapons, including small arms, ammunition, assault rifles and a variety of anti-tank weaponry, is a direct response to recent gains by the Syrian regime.
But the US cannot afford to underplay the complicated nature of the Syrian conflict.
Moreover, this is the moment of truth for the Syrian regime. It must shoulder its responsibility and contemplate realistically about its future. The regime has got to start thinking of making concessions in order to reach a peaceful resolution; it cannot be entertain the illusion that the smallest gains in Qusayr mean it has won the war.
Syria’s social fabric must be protected and there is an immediate need to address the country’s dire humanitarian situation.