Syrian Civil War

Days since it began: 658

Dead: 42,000+

It has been almost two years since anti-regime protests began peacefully. Unfortunately Syria has subsequently descended into Civil War and change is a long way off. Despite this there is some hope for the Syrian people, when protests began they had no arms or real organisation, the majority of the army remained loyal to Assad and the regime knew that it could always find an ally in Russia. Things are very different now, the rebels have taken control of vast swathes of the country, particularly in the north and the east. They now have an organisation to  co-ordinate the rebellion and is recognised by 19 countries as the legitimate government of Syria, Russia’s support for Assad is also weakening. Now Syria’s only real ally is Iran, which is currently one of the most isolated countries due to UN sanctions.

Despite the advances for the Free Syrian Army there have been terrible atrocities committed by Assad. In May 108 people were killed by Shabiha militia loyal to the government near the town of Houla. Later in June at least 78 people were killed by government forces in Hama, in July between 38 and 220 people were killed in Tremseh and in August government forces attacked the Darayya suburb of Damascus and killed over 600 people! In all these massacres it was mostly innocent civilians killed , in the Houla massacre almost half killed were children. To mark matters worse NATO confirmed that just last month the Syrian government began using Scud missiles. Sucds are ballistic missiles developed by the Soviets during the Cold War, and now Assas is using them on his fellow Syrians. Some fear it is only a matter of time until he uses chemical or biological weapons.

Yet despite all these atrocities associated with the Assad regime, little can be done within the UN. Russia continues to exercise its veto when it comes to the Syrian question. Although its support is weakening, it still exists and as long as it does the international community will be powerless. The Western and Arab powers must try and persuade Russia to stop blockading progress and help the Syrian people.