With further killing in Homs today and yesterday the death toll keeps rising. The disgraceful behaviour of the Assad regime show that they are losing control and that the country will soon descend into chaos. The UN could have done something, but Russia and Chinas' Vetoes have paralysed the UN. Assad now feels invincible, with outside intervention seeming impossible and good relations with two major powers it's easy to see why.
Reports coming out of Homs, from trustworthy sources such as the BBC, have told us that rockets have been fired at Homs. This is the first time that the Syrian regime has done so which highlights its increasing desperation. It was horrible to watch people burying a child at night without ceremony or even prayers as it is too dangerous. The area of Baba Amr has been the worst hit area and local residents fear a ground assault is imminent. They are scared, the veto at the UN makes them feel like they have no friends and that there will be nothing to stop the brutality of the Syrian Army when they arrive.
So what can be done? There have been talks between the French and the British over a possible "Friends of Syria" alliance of the Arab League plus, France, the UK and a few other western nations. The problem with this is that it would have no real power, as to do anything they'd have to take it to the UN Security Council were China and Russia would likely veto any attempts. The tightening of sanctions on Syria will not do much to help the civilians and any attempt to sell arms to the rebels is blocked by the EU arms embargo. So, for now, the outside world is paralysed and nobody really knows what to do.
China and Russia cite the reason for wielding their vetoes is that it would cause civil war... This makes little sense as the reality is that Syria is already in Civil War, except one side is very poorly equipped. China and Russia also claim that Assad going would cause instability, this is quite the opposite as the protests would die down (although probably only temporarily) if he were to give up power. They also point to Libya as being an example of "failure" despite being a resounding success on all fronts, maybe they intended to point to Egypt? It's also important to point out the importance of Syria to Russia, the two countries have been long standing allies and Syria buys many of their weapons from Russia, Russia also has a military base in Syria which it probably wants to maintain. Coincidence? I don't think so.
Regardless of their reasons, Russia and China have the blood of innocent civilians on their hands. Including children.
Reports coming out of Homs, from trustworthy sources such as the BBC, have told us that rockets have been fired at Homs. This is the first time that the Syrian regime has done so which highlights its increasing desperation. It was horrible to watch people burying a child at night without ceremony or even prayers as it is too dangerous. The area of Baba Amr has been the worst hit area and local residents fear a ground assault is imminent. They are scared, the veto at the UN makes them feel like they have no friends and that there will be nothing to stop the brutality of the Syrian Army when they arrive.
So what can be done? There have been talks between the French and the British over a possible "Friends of Syria" alliance of the Arab League plus, France, the UK and a few other western nations. The problem with this is that it would have no real power, as to do anything they'd have to take it to the UN Security Council were China and Russia would likely veto any attempts. The tightening of sanctions on Syria will not do much to help the civilians and any attempt to sell arms to the rebels is blocked by the EU arms embargo. So, for now, the outside world is paralysed and nobody really knows what to do.
China and Russia cite the reason for wielding their vetoes is that it would cause civil war... This makes little sense as the reality is that Syria is already in Civil War, except one side is very poorly equipped. China and Russia also claim that Assad going would cause instability, this is quite the opposite as the protests would die down (although probably only temporarily) if he were to give up power. They also point to Libya as being an example of "failure" despite being a resounding success on all fronts, maybe they intended to point to Egypt? It's also important to point out the importance of Syria to Russia, the two countries have been long standing allies and Syria buys many of their weapons from Russia, Russia also has a military base in Syria which it probably wants to maintain. Coincidence? I don't think so.
Regardless of their reasons, Russia and China have the blood of innocent civilians on their hands. Including children.
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