Time for the international community to act in Syria

For almost four months now the Assad regime have been carrying out horrendous violations of human rights and crimes against the Syrian people: houses bulldozed, tanks in the streets, snipers on roof tops, rape, torture, and indiscriminate killing. The death toll is 2000 and rising.

Beyond condemnation of the violence the response of the international community, to say the least, has been disappointing. The courage world leaders have shown in the case of Libya is nowhere to be found in Syria. The most disgraceful response has come from the Arab League. In a statement the League Secretary General Nabil El Araby expressed “increasing concerns” over the security situation in Syria, but included a stern reminder that the League rejects any foreign intervention in Arab countries’ affairs. In a less shameful but reticent manner, western countries have condemned the violence and imposed a travelling ban and asset freeze on Bashar and key officials. But these measures are far too benign. When the deranged Gaddafi threatened to massacre protestors, European Union leaders condemned the man and called for a regime change. When Gaddafi acted on his threat, a UN resolution was passed, authorizing the use of “all necessary measures to protect civilians under threat of attack in the country.” With resolution 1973 in hand western powers did not hesitate to intervene militarily. The hunter became the hunted – Gaddafi went underground.

For the full article please see the website of Open Democracy.

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