Annan Quits and the UN Condemns Itself

The head of the UN special envoy to Syria, Kofi Annan, has announced that he will now be renewing his position when it expires at the end of August.

Kofi Annan speaking at the press conference

Speaking in a press conference he accused he international community of a lack of action. Annan has refused to place blame on either side of the conflict, he says that both sides are to blame for the failure of his peace plan. Although he did add that the problems in Syria were further " compounded by the disunity of the international community". Annan specifically called out the UN Security Council for its lack of action, he added "when the Syrian people desperately need action, there continues to be figure pointing and name calling in the Security Council."

For me this marks the end of the chances of a diplomatic solution to the crisis in Syria. Although I was always very sceptical of a diplomatic and peaceful solution, this largely marks the end if the attempts. Although someone probably will take over from Annan, the exit of a seasoned negotiator shows the hopelessness of the situation. 


Following Mr Annan's announcement, on Friday the UN General Assembly voted to condemn its own security council for the lack of action to the crisis in Syria. It did so by an overwhelming majority, 133 votes to 12, with 31 abstentions. 

There is no real hope for peace in Syria. Assad knows that he would have to go in a new Syria, he has nothing to gain and everything to lose. On the other hand the rebels had nothing in the old Syria, so they have nothing to lose but everything to gain. Both sides know this, and so the fighting continues.